Texas Instruments TL4050A10QDCKR

Overview

TL4050A10QDCKR from Texas Instruments is a precision micropower shunt voltage reference delivering a stable 10V output with ±0.1% initial tolerance and ±50ppm/°C temperature coefficient across –40°C to 125°C. It operates from 60μA to 15mA cathode current, exhibits 150μVRMS wideband noise, and maintains stability with any capacitive load-enabling use in high-accuracy ADC/DAC biasing for automotive sensor modules.

For engineers reviewing the TL4050A10QDCKR datasheet, TL4050A10QDCKR pinout, TL4050A10QDCKR application, or TL4050A10QDCKR equivalent, key selection criteria include extended-temperature shunt reference performance, low-noise operation without output capacitor dependency, and SOT-23-3 (SC-70) package compatibility with space-constrained industrial control and battery-powered instrumentation designs.

Technical Context

The TL4050A10QDCKR implements a two-terminal shunt topology where cathode voltage is regulated relative to anode (ground), requiring only an external series resistor for biasing. Its internal bandgap core achieves 10V reverse breakdown with thermal hysteresis of 2.8mV over –40°C to 125°C cycling.

Dynamic impedance remains ≤0.7Ω at 1mA/120Hz, enabling fast transient response in closed-loop power-supply monitors. The device draws as little as 100μA minimum cathode current at 25°C and supports full-range operation up to 15mA, making it suitable for both ultra-low-power sensing nodes and higher-current precision analog front-ends.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TL4050A10QDCKR uses the SC-70 (SOT-23-3) package, measuring 2.2mm × 2.2mm × 0.9mm with gull-wing leads. Pin 1 is Anode (ground), Pin 2 is Cathode (10V output), and Pin 3 is NC (no internal connection; must be left floating or tied to Pin 2 per TI design guidance).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar shunt voltage reference applications.

Compared with TL4050A10QDCKR, REF3010AIDBZR trades 0.1% tolerance for broader commercial temperature support, while ADR3410ARJZ-R7 improves temperature stability at the cost of higher quiescent current and lack of automotive-grade qualification - making TL4050A10QDCKR the sole choice for 10V shunt references requiring simultaneous high accuracy, extended temperature, and micropower operation.

Availability

TL4050A10QDCKR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor modules, portable test equipment, industrial process controllers, and energy metering systems requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability.

Supply support for TL4050A10QDCKR includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with over 50 years of innovation in precision analog ICs.

The TL4050 series was designed specifically for high-accuracy, low-power shunt reference applications in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and portable instrumentation markets where reliability and parametric stability are non-negotiable.

FAQ

What is the maximum cathode current rating for TL4050A10QDCKR?

The absolute maximum cathode current for TL4050A10QDCKR is 20mA, but the recommended operating limit is 15mA per the datasheet's Recommended Operating Conditions table. Exceeding 15mA risks exceeding the 150°C junction temperature limit under worst-case thermal conditions, potentially degrading long-term stability or causing thermal shutdown in sustained high-current operation. Always verify power dissipation using PD = (10V × IZ) and thermal resistance θJA = 252°C/W for the DCK package.

Does TL4050A10QDCKR require an output capacitor for stability?

No, TL4050A10QDCKR does not require an output capacitor for stability - it is explicitly designed to remain stable with all capacitive loads, including zero capacitance. This eliminates BOM cost and PCB area for bypass capacitors. However, if added for noise filtering, TI confirms the device remains stable regardless of capacitor value or ESR, making it ideal for retrofitting into legacy designs where output capacitance already exists.

What is the function of Pin 3 on TL4050A10QDCKR?

Pin 3 of TL4050A10QDCKR is a no-connect (NC) terminal with no internal bond wire. In the SC-70 package, it must be left electrically floating or tied directly to Pin 2 (Cathode) to prevent unintended conduction through a parasitic Schottky diode present in the SOT-23 die construction. TI's datasheet explicitly prohibits connecting Pin 3 to ground or any other potential, as doing so may cause leakage or regulation failure.

How does TL4050A10QDCKR compare to TL4050A10IDCKR?

TL4050A10QDCKR is identical to TL4050A10IDCKR in electrical specifications and pinout, but is characterized and tested across –40°C to 125°C (Q-grade), whereas the 'I' version is rated only from –40°C to 85°C. Both share the same 10V output, ±0.1% tolerance, and SC-70 package. The Q-grade qualification makes TL4050A10QDCKR suitable for under-hood automotive, industrial motor drives, and outdoor infrastructure where ambient temperatures exceed 85°C.

Can TL4050A10QDCKR be used as a series voltage reference?

No, TL4050A10QDCKR is a two-terminal shunt voltage reference and cannot operate as a series reference. It regulates voltage between its Cathode (Pin 2) and Anode (Pin 1, ground), requiring an external series resistor to set cathode current. Unlike three-terminal series references, it has no input, output, or enable pins - its operation depends entirely on sinking current from a higher-voltage source through RS into the cathode. Attempting series-mode connection will result in improper regulation or device damage.