Texas Instruments TLC0834CN

Overview

TLC0834CN from Texas Instruments is a 4-channel, 8-bit successive-approximation analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with serial control interface, ratiometric operation capability, and single 5-V supply support. It delivers ±1 LSB total unadjusted error, 32 µs conversion time at 250 kHz clock, and supports single-ended or differential input configurations for sensor signal digitization in embedded data acquisition systems.

For engineers reviewing the TLC0834CN datasheet, TLC0834CN pinout, TLC0834CN application, or TLC0834CN equivalent, key selection considerations include its 14-pin PDIP package, 0°C to 70°C operating range, software-configurable multiplexer addressing, TTL/MOS-compatible I/O, and absence of internal voltage reference regulator - requiring external 5-V reference or ratiometric VCC use.

Technical Context

The TLC0834CN implements a sample-data-comparator architecture with an internal 8-bit SAR engine and configurable 4-channel analog multiplexer. Its serial interface uses a 5-bit shift register for channel selection and mode configuration (SGL/DIF, ODD/EVEN), followed by MSB-first or LSB-first data output depending on SE pin state (TLC0838 only) - though TLC0834CN lacks SE pin and outputs LSB-first after MSB-first stream.

Conversion is initiated by CS low, enabling logic and accepting DI address bits on CLK rising edges; SARS goes high during conversion and DO transitions from high-impedance to active output after one-clock multiplexer settling delay. Input range is 0–5 V with single 5-V supply, and analog inputs tolerate –0.3 V to VCC+0.3 V with internal clamp diodes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 14-pin Plastic DIP (N), through-hole mounting, RoHS-compliant NIPDAU lead finish, no moisture sensitivity level (MSL) rating applicable.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 4-channel, 8-bit serial ADC applications.

Compared with ADC0834CCN, TLC0834CN eliminates internal reference circuitry to reduce cost and power, while TLC0834CD replaces through-hole mounting with SOIC for higher-density layouts - making TLC0834CN the preferred choice for cost-sensitive, breadboard-friendly, or commercial-temperature designs where external reference is acceptable.

Availability

TLC0834CN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interface, embedded data logging, and motor control feedback applications requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for TLC0834CN 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 headquartered in Dallas, Texas, specializing in analog, embedded processing, and digital signal technologies for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The TLC0834CN belongs to TI's legacy precision data acquisition product line, designed specifically for cost-effective, microprocessor-compatible analog digitization in resource-constrained embedded systems with minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the TLC0834CN?

The TLC0834CN supports a clock frequency range of 10 kHz to 600 kHz per its recommended operating conditions. At 600 kHz, conversion time reduces proportionally, but timing margins for setup/hold (tsu = 350 ns, th = 90 ns) must be maintained. The typical 32 µs conversion time specified in the datasheet assumes 250 kHz operation, balancing speed and noise immunity for most applications using the TLC0834CN.

Does the TLC0834CN include an internal voltage reference?

No, the TLC0834CN does not include an internal voltage reference or Zener regulator network. It requires an external 5-V reference connected to the REF pin or operates ratiometrically using VCC as the reference. This distinguishes it from the functionally similar ADC0834, which integrates a reference generator. Users must provide a stable 5-V source for REF when absolute accuracy is required for the TLC0834CN.

Can the TLC0834CN perform differential measurements?

Yes, the TLC0834CN supports differential input configurations between adjacent channels (e.g., CH0 as IN+, CH1 as IN−) via software-controlled multiplexer addressing. Polarity is selectable per pair, enabling common-mode rejection. However, it does not support pseudodifferential mode (which requires the SE pin present on TLC0838), and all differential pairs must be physically adjacent - confirming true differential capability within the constraints of its 4-channel architecture for the TLC0834CN.

What is the purpose of the SARS pin on the TLC0834CN?

The SARS (Successive Approximation Register Status) pin on the TLC0834CN is an open-drain output that goes high when conversion starts and returns low upon completion. It provides hardware handshaking to indicate active conversion, allowing the host microcontroller to poll SARS instead of relying solely on fixed timing delays. This ensures synchronization even under variable clock conditions, improving system robustness in real-time applications using the TLC0834CN.

Is the TLC0834CN pin-compatible with other members of the TLC083x family?

The TLC0834CN is pin-compatible with TLC0834CD (SOIC-14) and TLC0834IN (PDIP-14, industrial temp), sharing identical 14-pin mapping and function. It is not pin-compatible with TLC0838 variants (20-pin) or ADC0834CCN, which differ in REF-related internal circuitry despite functional equivalence. Always verify package outline and thermal specifications when substituting - the TLC0834CN remains fully interchangeable with other TLC0834x-N and TLC0834x-D variants at the board level.