Texas Instruments TL4050C41QDBZT

Overview

TL4050C41QDBZT from Texas Instruments is a precision micropower shunt voltage reference with a fixed 4.096V output, ±21mV (±0.5%) initial tolerance at 25°C, 50ppm/°C max temperature coefficient, 93μVRMS wideband noise, and operation across –40°C to 125°C. It serves as a stable reference in high-resolution ADCs, battery-powered instrumentation, and automotive power-supply monitors.

For engineers reviewing the TL4050C41QDBZT datasheet, TL4050C41QDBZT pinout, TL4050C41QDBZT application, or TL4050C41QDBZT equivalent, key selection criteria include its C-grade accuracy, extended-temperature qualification, SOT-23-3 package compatibility, and shunt topology enabling simple two-terminal biasing without output capacitors.

Technical Context

The TL4050C41QDBZT operates as a two-terminal shunt reference, sinking cathode current (IZ) between 52μA min and 15mA max to maintain regulation. Its internal bandgap core delivers low dynamic impedance (0.5Ω typical at 1mA), thermal hysteresis of 1.148mV over –40°C to 125°C cycling, and long-term stability of 120ppm after 1000 hours.

Designed for direct integration into data-acquisition signal chains, it supports 12-bit systems (e.g., ADS7842) by providing a 4.096V reference that yields exactly 1mV LSB resolution with 5V supplies. No external capacitor is required for stability, and it remains functional with all capacitive loads.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-23-3 package (DBZ), 2.92mm × 1.3mm × 1.02mm body, gull-wing leads, JEDEC MO-178AC compliant. Thermal resistance θ_JA = 206°C/W.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with REF3040AIDBZR and LM4040C41IDBZR, TL4050C41QDBZT uniquely combines C-grade accuracy, extended –40°C to 125°C operation, and true two-terminal simplicity-making it optimal for unregulated, high-temp, or ultra-low-component-count shunt reference designs.

Availability

TL4050C41QDBZT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power-supply monitoring, portable instrumentation, and industrial process controls requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for TL4050C41QDBZT 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 company delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, personal electronics, and communications markets.

The TL4050 product line delivers precision shunt voltage references optimized for micropower, wide-temperature, and capacitor-free operation in data acquisition, power monitoring, and portable instrumentation systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum cathode current specification for TL4050C41QDBZT?

The absolute maximum cathode current for TL4050C41QDBZT is 20mA, but the recommended operating maximum is 15mA per the datasheet's Recommended Operating Conditions table. Exceeding 15mA may impact long-term stability or thermal performance, especially at high ambient temperatures. The device is rated for continuous operation up to 15mA across its full –40°C to 125°C temperature range, and TL4050C41QDBZT must be derated above 85°C per thermal impedance limits.

Does TL4050C41QDBZT require an output capacitor for stability?

No, TL4050C41QDBZT does not require an output capacitor for stability. Its two-terminal shunt architecture is inherently stable with all capacitive loads, including direct connection to ADC reference inputs or large bulk capacitance. This eliminates BOM cost and board space while avoiding potential phase-margin issues seen in series references-confirmed in Section 8.1 and Figure 8-1 of the TL4050C41QDBZT datasheet.

What is the thermal hysteresis specification for TL4050C41QDBZT?

The thermal hysteresis of TL4050C41QDBZT is 1.148mV, defined as the difference in 25°C output voltage measured after thermal cycling from –40°C versus 125°C. This parameter directly impacts repeatability in systems undergoing repeated temperature excursions, such as automotive ECUs or outdoor industrial controllers. TL4050C41QDBZT's low hysteresis supports high-accuracy calibration retention without frequent re-zeroing.

Can TL4050C41QDBZT be used in 12-bit data-acquisition systems?

Yes, TL4050C41QDBZT is explicitly designed for 12-bit data-acquisition systems. Its 4.096V output enables exactly 1mV LSB resolution with 5V-supplied ADCs like the ADS7842 (as shown in Figure 8-2). With ±0.5% initial tolerance (±21mV), TL4050C41QDBZT introduces <0.5LSB of absolute error before calibration-well within 12-bit system requirements-and its 93μVRMS noise supports effective resolution beyond 13 bits when filtered.

What is the minimum cathode current needed for TL4050C41QDBZT to regulate properly?

The minimum cathode current for TL4050C41QDBZT is 52μA typical at 25°C and 78μA maximum across –40°C to 125°C. Below this threshold, the device exits regulation and output voltage collapses. This low I_Z,min enables micropower operation-for example, using a 10MΩ resistor from a 12V supply yields ~1.15mA, well above minimum-making TL4050C41QDBZT suitable for battery-powered equipment with multi-year runtime.