Texas Instruments TL4050C41QDCKR

Overview

TL4050C41QDCKR from Texas Instruments is a precision micropower shunt voltage reference with 4.096V nominal 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 TL4050C41QDCKR datasheet, TL4050C41QDCKR pinout, TL4050C41QDCKR application, or TL4050C41QDCKR equivalent, key selection criteria include its C-grade accuracy, extended-temperature SC-70 package, low 52μA minimum cathode current, and compatibility with capacitive loads without external stabilization.

Technical Context

The TL4050C41QDCKR operates as a two-terminal shunt reference requiring only an external series resistor to regulate cathode current between 52μA and 15mA. Its internal bandgap core delivers stable 4.096V output with thermal hysteresis of 1.148mV over –40°C to 125°C cycling.

It exhibits 0.5Ω reverse dynamic impedance at 1mA and maintains <10mV total output variation across full cathode current range (52μA–15mA) and temperature (–40°C to 125°C), enabling use in low-power, high-stability analog signal chains.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TL4050C41QDCKR uses the SC-70-3 (DCK) package: 2.0mm × 2.1mm × 0.9mm, surface-mount, moisture-sensitive level 1. Pin 1 = Cathode, Pin 2 = Anode, Pin 3 = NC (no internal connection; must float or tie to Pin 2 per TI design note).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with REF3040AIDBZR and LM4040C41IDCKR, TL4050C41QDCKR offers superior thermal stability (same tempco as REF3040 but shunt flexibility) and lower minimum cathode current than LM4040C41IDCKR - making it optimal for ultra-low-power, wide-temperature, and floating-reference designs.

Availability

TL4050C41QDCKR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for data-acquisition systems, automotive power-supply monitors, and portable instrumentation requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.

Supply support for TL4050C41QDCKR 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, with leadership in precision analog ICs and industrial-grade components.

The TL4050 series belongs to TI's precision voltage reference product line, engineered for high-accuracy, low-power, and extended-temperature operation in measurement, control, and automotive systems.

FAQ

What is the output voltage tolerance of TL4050C41QDCKR at 25°C?

The TL4050C41QDCKR has a ±21mV (±0.5%) initial output voltage tolerance at 25°C, as specified in the TL4050x41Q Electrical Characteristics table. This tolerance applies under test condition IZ = 100μA and defines the maximum deviation from the nominal 4.096V output before temperature drift or long-term aging effects are considered. The C-grade designation confirms this 0.5% accuracy level.

Does TL4050C41QDCKR require an external output capacitor?

No, TL4050C41QDCKR does not require an external output capacitor for stability. Its design is inherently stable with all capacitive loads, including direct connection to ADC reference inputs or op-amp feedback nodes. An optional bypass capacitor may be added for additional high-frequency noise filtering, but it is never mandatory for loop stability - reducing bill-of-materials and PCB complexity.

What is the minimum cathode current required for TL4050C41QDCKR to maintain regulation?

The TL4050C41QDCKR requires a minimum cathode current of 52μA (typical) at 25°C to maintain proper regulation, rising to 78μA across its full –40°C to 125°C operating range. This value is defined in Section 5.7 (TL4050x41Q Electrical Characteristics) and must be supplied via the external series resistor (RS) to ensure the reference remains active and accurate under all operating conditions.

How does the noise performance of TL4050C41QDCKR compare to other TL4050 output voltages?

TL4050C41QDCKR specifies 93μVRMS wideband noise (10Hz–10kHz), which is identical to the 5V and 10V TL4050 variants but higher than the 2.5V version (41μVRMS). This reflects inherent noise scaling with output voltage in bandgap-based shunt references. For 12-bit systems where 4.096V enables clean LSB alignment, the 93μVRMS noise remains sufficiently low to avoid limiting effective resolution.

Can TL4050C41QDCKR be used in automotive under-hood applications?

Yes, TL4050C41QDCKR is explicitly qualified for operation from –40°C to 125°C (Q-grade), meeting requirements for under-hood automotive applications such as engine control units, battery management sensing, and transmission control modules. Its 50ppm/°C max temperature coefficient, 1.148mV thermal hysteresis, and AEC-Q200-aligned packaging make it suitable for ASIL-B functional safety contexts when implemented per TI's application guidelines.