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Texas Instruments TLC0838CN
- Part No.:
- TLC0838CN
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Analog to Digital Converters (ADC)
- Package:
- 20-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
TLC0838CN.pdf
- Description:
- IC ADC 8BIT SAR 20DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:4,802
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Product details
Overview
TLC0838CN from Texas Instruments is an 8-bit successive-approximation analog-to-digital converter with integrated 8-channel multiplexer, serial control interface, and ratiometric operation using a 5-V supply. It supports single-ended, differential, and pseudodifferential input configurations, delivers ±1 LSB total unadjusted error, and achieves 32 µs conversion time at 250 kHz clock - enabling precise sensor digitization in industrial data acquisition systems.
For engineers reviewing the TLC0838CN datasheet, TLC0838CN pinout, TLC0838CN application, or TLC0838CN equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, package-specific pin functions, real-world use cases in embedded measurement, and validated alternative parts for design flexibility and supply continuity.
Technical Context
The TLC0838CN implements a sample-data-comparator SAR architecture with software-configurable channel selection via a 5-bit serial address word. Its multiplexer supports eight analog inputs (CH0–CH7) plus COM terminal for pseudodifferential mode, with polarity assignment per channel pair.
Serial communication uses DI/DO lines synchronized to an external clock (10–600 kHz), with CS enabling logic and SARS signaling conversion progress. Input range is 0 to 5 V with single 5-V supply, and reference voltage (REF) is externally adjustable to encode sub-5-V spans across full 8-bit resolution.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 8-bit - delivers 256 discrete output codes for moderate-precision sensor digitization |
| Conversion Time | 32 µs at fCLK = 250 kHz - enables up to ~31.25 kSPS sustained sampling rate |
| Total Unadjusted Error | ±1 LSB - guarantees monotonicity and ≤±0.39% FS accuracy without calibration |
| Input Channels | 8-channel MUX with COM terminal - supports single-ended, adjacent-pair differential, or pseudodifferential sensing |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V - compatible with standard 5-V logic and analog rails |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 70°C - rated for commercial-grade embedded and industrial control environments |
| Reference Flexibility | Ratiometric or external 5-V REF - allows direct use of system supply or precision reference for improved stability |
Pinout & Package
Package: PDIP-20 (Plastic Dual In-line Package, 20-pin, 0.3-inch width). Pin spacing conforms to JEDEC MS-001 standard; lead finish is NiPdAu; RoHS compliant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CH0–CH7 | Analog input channels | Eight configurable analog inputs; each can be assigned positive/negative polarity in differential mode or used as single-ended input |
| COM | Common analog reference | Serves as shared negative input for pseudodifferential mode across all channels; accepts arbitrary bias voltage |
| DGTL GND | Digital ground reference | Return path for digital I/O (CS, DI, CLK, DO, SARS); must be separated from ANLG GND for noise immunity |
| ANLG GND | Analog ground reference | Return path for analog inputs and REF; requires low-impedance connection to minimize offset drift |
| VCC | Positive supply rail | 4.5–5.5 V digital/analog supply; powers internal logic, SAR, and reference buffer |
| CS | Chip select enable | Active-low signal that initiates and sustains conversion sequence; must remain low throughout entire process |
| DI | Serial data input | Accepts 5-bit address word (start bit + 4-bit config) to select channel and input mode during addressing phase |
| CLK | Serial clock input | Drives internal shift register and SAR timing; supports 10–600 kHz; duty cycle 40–60% |
| SARS | Start-of-conversion status | Open-drain output goes high during conversion; indicates active SAR cycle and disables DI input |
| DO | Serial data output | Outputs 8-bit result MSB-first (default) or LSB-first when SE is asserted low; tri-states when CS is high |
| SE | Output format control | When low, forces LSB-first data output; when high, outputs MSB-first; only affects DO timing, not conversion result |
| REF | Reference voltage input | Accepts external 0–5 V reference; determines full-scale range; ratiometric operation possible using VCC |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Software-configurable MUX | Single command selects channel, input type (SGL/DIF), and polarity - eliminates hardware reconfiguration |
| Pseudodifferential mode | COM terminal enables common-mode bias rejection across all 8 channels - ideal for non-ground-referenced sensors |
| Serial interface compatibility | DI/DO signals meet TTL/MOS voltage thresholds - interfaces directly with microcontroller GPIO without level-shifting |
| Bidirectional data line support | DI and DO can share one MCU I/O pin - reduces pin count by leveraging time-multiplexed serial protocol |
| Low-power operation | Typical ICC = 1.25 mA at 5 V - suitable for battery-backed or energy-conscious embedded systems |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Interface | Embedded Data Logger |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Digitizing temperature, pressure, and current signals from multiple field transducers in PLC I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: 8-channel analog front-end ADC performing sequential sampling with programmable input configuration per sensor type. Use Value: Eliminates external multiplexer and level-shifting circuitry while maintaining ±1 LSB accuracy across 0–5 V ranges. |
Use Scenario: Battery-powered environmental monitor logging soil moisture, light intensity, and ambient humidity over extended periods. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-quiescent-current ADC interfacing with microcontroller via minimal 3-wire SPI-like bus (CS/CLK/DO+DI). Use Value: Enables compact PCB layout with single-wire bidirectional data and 32 µs conversion - maximizes sleep-time efficiency. |
| Motor Control Feedback | Power Supply Monitoring |
|
Use Scenario: Sampling phase currents and DC bus voltage in BLDC motor drives for closed-loop commutation and overcurrent protection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability ADC capturing fast transient events using differential inputs to reject common-mode noise on motor phases. Use Value: Adjacent-channel differential pairs (e.g., CH0/CH1) provide inherent EMI rejection without external instrumentation amplifiers. |
Use Scenario: Real-time monitoring of multiple rail voltages (3.3 V, 5 V, 12 V) and current shunt drops in telecom power shelves. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Ratiometric ADC using system 5-V supply as REF - removes need for precision external reference and simplifies BOM. Use Value: Maintains consistent 8-bit resolution across supply variations (±5% VCC) with only ±1/4 LSB supply-voltage error. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 8-bit serial ADC applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADC0838CCN | Functionally identical architecture but includes internal Zener regulator network - adds 1.5 mA quiescent current and fixed 5-V reference option | Requires no external REF but consumes more power; less flexible for ratiometric or custom reference designs | Select ADC0838CCN only if internal reference simplifies layout and extra current budget is available |
| TLC0838CPW | Same electrical specs and pinout mapping, but in 20-pin TSSOP package - 4.4 mm × 6.5 mm footprint vs. PDIP's 24.2 mm × 6.9 mm | Enables high-density PCB layouts; requires reflow assembly instead of through-hole mounting | Choose TLC0838CPW for space-constrained designs where surface-mount manufacturing is established |
Compared with ADC0838CCN, TLC0838CN offers lower power and reference flexibility; compared with TLC0838CPW, it provides through-hole reliability and prototyping convenience at the cost of board area.
Availability
TLC0838CN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interface, embedded data logging, motor control feedback, and power supply monitoring requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.
Supply support for TLC0838CN 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 specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with decades of expertise in precision data converters and industrial-grade ICs.
The TLC083x family was designed for cost-sensitive, medium-speed data acquisition in commercial and industrial equipment - emphasizing ease of microprocessor integration, flexible input configuration, and robust serial control.
FAQ
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the TLC0838CN?
The TLC0838CN supports clock frequencies from 10 kHz to 600 kHz per its recommended operating conditions. At 600 kHz, conversion time remains eight clock periods (13.3 µs), but timing margins for setup/hold and propagation delay tighten - design validation at max frequency requires verifying tsu ≥ 350 ns and th ≥ 90 ns under actual board conditions. The TLC0838CN maintains full specification compliance across this range.
Does the TLC0838CN require an external reference voltage?
No, the TLC0838CN does not require an external reference voltage - it operates ratiometrically using VCC as the reference source. When REF is tied to VCC, the full-scale input range becomes 0 to VCC (4.5–5.5 V). An external reference may be applied to REF for improved accuracy or to scale input range below 5 V; the TLC0838CN accepts any stable 0–5 V reference.
How is differential input configured on the TLC0838CN?
Differential input on the TLC0838CN is configured via the 5-bit serial address word: bits 1 and 0 define ODD/EVEN pairing, and bit 2 defines SGL/DIF mode. For example, setting SGL = L and ODD = L selects CH0–CH1 as a differential pair with CH0 as (+) and CH1 as (–). Polarity is fixed per pair; CH0 cannot form a differential pair with CH2 or CH7. The TLC0838CN supports only adjacent-channel differential combinations.
Can the TLC0838CN interface directly with a microcontroller GPIO without level shifters?
Yes, the TLC0838CN's digital I/O (CS, DI, CLK, DO, SARS) are TTL- and MOS-compatible: VIH = 2.0 V min, VIL = 0.8 V max, VOH = 2.4 V min at –360 µA, and VOL = 0.4 V max at 1.6 mA. These thresholds align with standard 5-V microcontrollers (e.g., legacy 8051, PIC16F, AVR ATmega), enabling direct connection without level-shifting circuitry. The TLC0838CN also supports bidirectional single-wire data sharing between DI and DO.
What is the purpose of the COM pin on the TLC0838CN?
The COM pin on the TLC0838CN serves as the common-mode reference for pseudodifferential input mode. When enabled, COM becomes the shared negative input for all eight channels (CH0–CH7), allowing each channel to be treated as the positive side of a differential pair against that common potential. This is especially useful when sensors are biased above ground (e.g., 2.5 V mid-rail), and the TLC0838CN preserves full 8-bit resolution without external op-amps.
TLC0838CN Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 20-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Number of Bits:
- 8
- Sampling Rate (Per Second):
- 20k
- Number of Inputs:
- 4, 7, 8
- Input Type:
- Differential, Pseudo-Differential, Single Ended
- Data Interface:
- SPI
- Configuration:
- MUX-ADC
- Ratio - S/H:ADC:
- -
- Number of A/D Converters:
- 1
- Architecture:
- SAR
- Reference Type:
- External
- Voltage - Supply, Analog:
- 5V
- Voltage - Supply, Digital:
- 5V
- Features:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-PDIP
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
TLC0838CN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TLC0838CN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TLC0838CN on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for TLC0838CN reliable?
The price and inventory of TLC0838CN are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TLC0838CN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TLC0838CN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TLC0838CN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TLC0838CN?
TLC0838CN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TLC0838CN order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for TLC0838CN?
For technical support, including TLC0838CN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TLC0838CN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TLC0838CN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TLC0838CN products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that TLC0838CN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TLC0838CN?
All TLC0838CN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TLC0838CN, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The TLC0838CN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TLC0838CN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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