Texas Instruments TL4050C50QDCKR

Overview

TL4050C50QDCKR from Texas Instruments is a precision micropower shunt voltage reference with 5.0V nominal output, ±25mV (±0.5%) initial tolerance at 25°C, 50ppm/°C max temperature coefficient, 93μVRMS wideband noise, and operation across –40°C to 125°C. It delivers stable reference performance in battery-powered instrumentation and high-accuracy data acquisition systems where low quiescent current and capacitive-load immunity are critical.

For engineers reviewing the TL4050C50QDCKR datasheet, TL4050C50QDCKR pinout, TL4050C50QDCKR application, or TL4050C50QDCKR equivalent, this page provides verified electrical specifications, SOT-23-3 terminal mapping, real-world use cases in ADC biasing and power-supply monitoring, and validated alternative options for extended-temperature shunt references.

Technical Context

The TL4050C50QDCKR operates as a two-terminal shunt reference requiring only an external series resistor to regulate cathode current between 56μA (min) and 15mA (max). Its internal bandgap core achieves 5.0V reverse breakdown with thermal hysteresis of 1.4mV over –40°C to 125°C cycling.

It exhibits 0.5Ω typical dynamic impedance at 1mA, maintains stability without output capacitance, and supports full-range operation up to 125°C ambient-enabling direct integration into automotive and industrial sensor signal chains where layout simplicity and thermal robustness are essential.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TL4050C50QDCKR uses the SC-70 (DCK) 3-pin surface-mount package, measuring 2.0mm × 2.1mm × 0.9mm. Pin 1 is Anode, Pin 2 is Cathode, 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 TL4050C50QDCKR, REF3050AIDBZR offers tighter initial accuracy but requires external supply regulation and lacks shunt flexibility, while LM4050C50IDCKR matches tolerance and package but sacrifices 20°C of upper-temperature margin critical for automotive deployment.

Availability

TL4050C50QDCKR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable instrumentation, automotive battery monitoring, and industrial process transmitters requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for TL4050C50QDCKR 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 delivering analog and embedded processing solutions, with over 90 years of innovation in precision analog ICs and broad industrial portfolio coverage.

The TL4050 series belongs to TI's precision voltage reference product line, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications demanding micropower operation, wide temperature range, and shunt topology simplicity.

FAQ

What is the minimum cathode current required for TL4050C50QDCKR to maintain regulation?

The TL4050C50QDCKR requires a minimum cathode current of 56μA at 25°C and up to 90μA across its full –40°C to 125°C operating range. Below this threshold, the device exits regulation and output voltage collapses. Designers must size the series resistor (RS) to guarantee this minimum current under worst-case low-input-voltage and high-load-current conditions, as defined in TI's Application Report SLVA299.

Does TL4050C50QDCKR require an output capacitor for stability?

No, TL4050C50QDCKR does not require an output capacitor for stability. Its internal design ensures unconditional stability with all capacitive loads-from 0pF to >10μF-eliminating the need for external bypass components. This simplifies layout, reduces bill-of-materials cost, and improves reliability in harsh environments where capacitor aging or failure could compromise reference accuracy.

How does the thermal hysteresis specification impact system calibration for TL4050C50QDCKR?

TL4050C50QDCKR exhibits 1.4mV thermal hysteresis-the difference in output voltage measured at 25°C after cycling from –40°C versus after cycling from 125°C. In systems requiring repeatable calibration (e.g., field-serviceable test equipment), this hysteresis introduces a fixed 0.028% offset that must be characterized and compensated during final trim, especially if units undergo repeated thermal excursions during deployment.

Can TL4050C50QDCKR be used as a replacement for TL4050B50QDCKR in existing designs?

Yes, TL4050C50QDCKR can replace TL4050B50QDCKR in most applications, but with reduced initial accuracy: B-grade specifies ±10mV (±0.2%), while C-grade is ±25mV (±0.5%). No PCB changes are needed-same SC-70 package, pinout, and electrical interface-but system-level accuracy validation is required if the original design relied on B-grade tolerance margins.

What is the maximum cathode current rating for TL4050C50QDCKR, and what happens beyond it?

TL4050C50QDCKR has an absolute maximum cathode current rating of 15mA. Exceeding this limit risks permanent damage due to junction overheating. At 15mA and 5.0V, power dissipation reaches 75mW-within the SC-70 package's thermal limits at 25°C ambient, but derating is required above 25°C per the 252°C/W θJA spec. Operation above 15mA violates Absolute Maximum Ratings and voids TI's warranty.