Texas Instruments TL4050C41QDCKT

Overview

TL4050C41QDCKT from Texas Instruments is a precision micropower shunt voltage reference delivering a fixed 4.096V output with ±0.5% initial tolerance and ±50ppm/°C temperature coefficient over –40°C to 125°C. It operates from 68μA minimum cathode current up to 15mA, exhibits 93μVRMS wideband noise, and maintains stability with all capacitive loads-enabling use in high-resolution 12-bit data-acquisition systems.

For engineers reviewing the TL4050C41QDCKT datasheet, TL4050C41QDCKT pinout, TL4050C41QDCKT application, or TL4050C41QDCKT equivalent, key selection criteria include extended-temperature operation, low-noise performance, shunt topology compatibility with high-impedance ADC references, and SC-70 package suitability for space-constrained industrial sensing nodes.

Technical Context

The TL4050C41QDCKT functions as a two-terminal shunt reference, sinking cathode current to regulate voltage across its anode–cathode terminals. Its internal bandgap core achieves 4.096V output via curvature-compensated design, with dynamic impedance of 0.5Ω at 1mA and thermal hysteresis of 1.148mV over –40°C to 125°C cycling.

It requires no external capacitor for stability and supports load currents up to 15mA minus cathode bias current. The device's low 68μA typical minimum operating current enables battery-powered instrumentation where quiescent power must be minimized without sacrificing voltage accuracy.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TL4050C41QDCKT is housed in a 3-pin SC-70 (DCK) package, measuring 2.0mm × 2.1mm × 0.9mm, optimized for high-density PCB layouts in portable and automotive modules.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with REF3040AIDBZR and MAX6008AEUR+T, TL4050C41QDCKT uniquely combines C-grade cost efficiency, 125°C extended-temperature qualification, and SC-70 footprint-making it optimal for automotive and harsh-environment industrial designs where reliability trumps marginal accuracy gains.

Availability

TL4050C41QDCKT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial process monitoring, automotive battery management, and portable medical sensors requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for TL4050C41QDCKT 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 specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with leadership in precision analog ICs and automotive-qualified components.

The TL4050 series was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, high-accuracy shunt reference applications in data acquisition, power monitoring, and sensor signal conditioning-emphasizing micropower operation, extended temperature capability, and capacitor-free stability.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature for TL4050C41QDCKT?

The TL4050C41QDCKT is characterized for continuous operation from –40°C to +125°C ambient temperature, as confirmed by TI's Q-grade qualification testing. This extended temperature range supports deployment in automotive engine compartments, industrial motor drives, and outdoor energy infrastructure where ambient temperatures exceed standard industrial limits. The device maintains specified electrical parameters-including ±0.5% initial tolerance and ±50ppm/°C temperature coefficient-throughout this full range.

Does TL4050C41QDCKT require an external output capacitor?

No, TL4050C41QDCKT does not require an external output capacitor for stability. Its internal architecture is designed to remain stable with all capacitive loads, including zero capacitance. This eliminates BOM cost and PCB area typically needed for bypass capacitors in space-constrained applications such as wearable medical sensors and automotive ECUs. If added for noise filtering, the device remains stable regardless of capacitor value or ESR.

What is the minimum cathode current needed for TL4050C41QDCKT to regulate properly?

The TL4050C41QDCKT requires a minimum cathode current of 68μA typical (78μA maximum over –40°C to 125°C) to maintain regulation. This low bias current enables use in ultra-low-power systems such as battery-operated environmental sensors and energy-harvesting nodes. Below this threshold, output voltage deviates from 4.096V; designers must size the series resistor (RS) to ensure cathode current stays within 68μA–15mA across all operating conditions.

How does TL4050C41QDCKT compare to TL4050C41IDCKT?

TL4050C41QDCKT and TL4050C41IDCKT share identical electrical specifications-including 4.096V output, ±0.5% tolerance, and 93μVRMS noise-but differ in temperature qualification. TL4050C41QDCKT is rated for –40°C to 125°C (Q-grade), while TL4050C41IDCKT is limited to –40°C to 85°C (I-grade). Both use the same SC-70 (DCK) package and top-side marking "8K_", but only the Q-grade version meets automotive and extended industrial thermal requirements.

Can TL4050C41QDCKT be used as a direct replacement for TL4050A41QDCKT in a design?

TL4050C41QDCKT can replace TL4050A41QDCKT electrically and mechanically-same SC-70 package, pinout, and 4.096V output-but with relaxed initial accuracy (±0.5% vs. ±0.1%). This substitution is valid where system-level calibration or post-processing compensates for the wider tolerance, such as in closed-loop control systems or applications with factory-trimmed offsets. No PCB changes are required, but accuracy budget analysis must confirm the C-grade tolerance meets end-equipment specifications.