Texas Instruments TLC0838CPWRG4
- Part No.:
- TLC0838CPWRG4
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Analog to Digital Converters (ADC)
- Package:
- 20-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
TLC0838CPWRG4.pdf
- Description:
- IC ADC 8BIT SAR 20TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
TLC0838CPWRG4 from Texas Instruments is an 8-bit successive-approximation analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with integrated 8-channel analog multiplexer and serial interface. It operates with a single 5-V supply, supports ratiometric or external 5-V reference operation, delivers ±1 LSB total unadjusted error, and achieves 32 µs conversion time at 250 kHz clock frequency. It is used in embedded sensor data acquisition systems where space-constrained serial interfacing and multi-channel analog monitoring are required.
For engineers reviewing the TLC0838CPWRG4 datasheet, TLC0838CPWRG4 pinout, TLC0838CPWRG4 application, or TLC0838CPWRG4 equivalent, key selection considerations include its TSSOP-20 package, software-configurable single-ended/differential/pseudodifferential input modes, 0–5 V input range compatibility, and support for microprocessor- or stand-alone serial control without external timing components.
Technical Context
The TLC0838CPWRG4 implements a sample-data-comparator architecture with internal SAR logic and resistive ladder network. Its multiplexer addressing is fully software-controlled via serial DI/CLK interface, enabling dynamic channel selection and polarity assignment per conversion cycle.
It features dual output data formats-MSB-first (default) and LSB-first (enabled by SE pin)-and includes SARS status signaling to indicate conversion progress. Analog inputs support three configurations: single-ended (vs. AGND), differential (adjacent channel pairs), or pseudodifferential (all channels vs. COM terminal), with common-mode rejection capability.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 8-bit; provides 256 discrete digital codes over full-scale input range. |
| Conversion Time | 32 µs at fCLK = 250 kHz; fixed 8-clock-cycle conversion independent of channel selection. |
| Total Unadjusted Error | ±1 LSB; includes offset, full-scale, linearity, and multiplexer errors - no calibration required for basic accuracy. |
| Input Range | 0 V to 5 V with single 5-V supply; requires VCC ≥ 4.95 V for guaranteed 0–5 V span across temperature. |
| Reference Mode | Ratiometric or external 5-V reference; REF pin accepts adjustable voltage to encode smaller analog spans at full resolution. |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 70°C; specified for commercial-grade applications with stable thermal environments. |
| Supply Current | Typical 1.25 mA at VCC = 5 V; low quiescent draw suitable for battery-backed or power-sensitive systems. |
Pinout & Package
TLC0838CPWRG4 uses a 20-pin TSSOP (PW) package with 0.65 mm pitch, 6.5 mm × 4.4 mm body, and exposed pad for thermal dissipation (not electrically connected). Pin numbering follows standard JEDEC TSSOP convention with Pin 1 in Q1 quadrant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CH0–CH7 | Analog input channels | Eight configurable analog inputs; each can be assigned as + or – terminal in differential mode or as single-ended input. |
| COM | Common analog reference | Used for pseudodifferential mode: serves as shared negative input for all channels when enabled. |
| REF | Reference voltage input | Accepts external reference (up to VCC) to scale full-scale ADC range; enables encoding of sub-5 V spans at full 8-bit resolution. |
| CS | Chip select | Active-low enable: must remain low throughout entire conversion sequence; clears internal registers on high-to-low transition. |
| DI | Serial data input | Receives 5-bit multiplexer address and start bit; sampled only during addressing phase before conversion begins. |
| CLK | Serial clock input | Drives internal shift register and SAR logic; supports 10–600 kHz; duty cycle 40–60% required for reliable operation. |
| SARS | Status output | Active-high signal indicating conversion in progress; transitions high after start bit reaches register, low upon completion. |
| DO | Serial data output | Provides MSB-first conversion result by default; outputs LSB-first when SE is asserted low prior to data readout. |
| SE | Output format control | Controls DO data order: high = MSB-first; low = LSB-first (requires SE low before first CLK edge of readout). |
| DGTL GND / ANLG GND | Ground terminals | Separate digital and analog ground pins minimize noise coupling; must be connected at single point near device. |
| VCC | Power supply | Single 4.5–5.5 V supply powers both analog and digital sections; decoupling capacitor required at pin. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Software-configurable input topology | Single-ended, differential (adjacent pairs), or pseudodifferential (vs. COM) - selected per conversion via serial command. |
| Flexible serial interface | Uses only CS, CLK, DI, DO, and SARS signals; DI and DO can share one microcontroller I/O pin using tri-state timing. |
| On-chip multiplexer with address logic | Eliminates need for external analog switches; 8-channel selection and polarity assignment handled internally with no additional control lines. |
| Two data output formats | MSB-first (default) or LSB-first (via SE pin); accommodates diverse microcontroller shift-register architectures without firmware modification. |
| Ratiometric or external reference operation | Enables accurate measurement under varying supply conditions or precise scaling for narrow-range sensors (e.g., thermocouples, strain gauges). |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Monitoring | Automotive Cabin Control |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Continuous monitoring of multiple temperature, pressure, and humidity sensors in PLC I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: 8-channel ADC acquires analog sensor outputs sequentially via serial command; interfaces directly to MCU over 4-wire SPI-like link. Use Value: Reduces BOM count by integrating multiplexer and ADC; eliminates external level-shifting or anti-aliasing filters for 0–5 V industrial sensors. | Use Scenario: Reading HVAC actuator feedback, seat position sensors, and ambient light detectors in automotive dashboard electronics. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Converts analog sensor voltages into digital values for real-time climate and lighting control algorithms running on 8-bit microcontrollers. Use Value: TSSOP-20 footprint saves PCB area in space-constrained dashboards; ±1 LSB accuracy ensures reliable closed-loop actuation without recalibration. |
| Portable Data Loggers | Medical Vital Sign Monitors |
Use Scenario: Battery-powered environmental logger capturing soil moisture, air quality, and solar irradiance over extended periods. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: ADC digitizes sensor outputs with minimal power consumption; serial interface reduces MCU pin count and simplifies layout. Use Value: 1.25 mA typical supply current extends battery life; software-selectable input modes adapt to diverse sensor output types (single-ended or differential). | Use Scenario: Low-cost patient monitors measuring ECG lead voltages, pulse oximeter photodiode outputs, and respiration belt signals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides isolated, noise-immune analog digitization with pseudodifferential mode rejecting common-mode interference from AC mains. Use Value: COM pin enables referenced differential acquisition across multiple biopotential channels; ratiometric operation maintains accuracy despite battery voltage sag. |
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 but includes internal Zener regulator; requires no external 5-V reference; PDIP-20 package. | Preferred where board space allows DIP and reference regulation must be self-contained; not suitable for surface-mount-only designs. | Select ADC0838CCN if internal reference simplifies system design and through-hole assembly is acceptable. |
| TLC0838CPW | Same silicon, identical specs, same TSSOP-20 package; differs only in RoHS compliance marking (G4 suffix denotes green packaging). | No functional or application difference; both meet same commercial temperature grade (0°C to 70°C). | Choose TLC0838CPW if RoHS exemption or legacy marking is required; otherwise TLC0838CPWRG4 is drop-in compatible. |
Compared with ADC0838CCN, TLC0838CPWRG4 offers surface-mount reliability and lower profile but requires external reference; versus TLC0838CPW, it adds RoHS-compliant finish without performance trade-offs - making it optimal for new commercial-grade SMT designs requiring environmental compliance.
Availability
TLC0838CPWRG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor monitoring, automotive cabin control, portable data loggers, medical vital sign monitors, and embedded telemetry systems requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for TLC0838CPWRG4 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, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies with decades of precision data converter expertise.
The TLC0838 product line was designed for cost-sensitive, space-constrained embedded systems needing flexible multi-channel analog digitization via minimal serial interface - targeting industrial, automotive, and portable instrumentation markets.
FAQ
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the TLC0838CPWRG4?
The TLC0838CPWRG4 supports a clock frequency range of 10 kHz to 600 kHz per the datasheet. At 600 kHz, conversion completes in eight clock cycles - approximately 13.3 µs - though timing margins for setup/hold and settling must be verified in the target system. The device is characterized at 250 kHz for specification compliance.
Does the TLC0838CPWRG4 require an external reference voltage?
Yes, the TLC0838CPWRG4 requires an external reference voltage applied to the REF pin. It does not include an internal voltage reference or Zener regulator (unlike the ADC0838). The reference can be tied to VCC for ratiometric operation or set to any value between 0.1 V and VCC to scale the full-scale input range.
How is differential input configured on the TLC0838CPWRG4?
Differential input on the TLC0838CPWRG4 is configured by selecting adjacent channel pairs (e.g., CH0/CH1 or CH2/CH3) and assigning polarity via the 5-bit serial address word. The device compares the voltage on the designated positive channel to that on the negative channel; output code is zero if the positive input is less than the negative input.
Can the TLC0838CPWRG4 operate with a 3.3-V microcontroller interface?
Yes, the TLC0838CPWRG4 digital interface (CS, CLK, DI, DO, SARS) is TTL- and MOS-compatible and operates with logic thresholds defined at VCC. When powered from 5 V, VIH is 2 V min and VIL is 0.8 V max - fully compatible with 3.3-V CMOS logic levels. No level-shifting is required for control signals.
What is the function of the COM pin on the TLC0838CPWRG4?
The COM pin on the TLC0838CPWRG4 serves as the common analog reference for pseudodifferential input mode. When enabled, it acts as the shared negative input for all eight channels (CH0–CH7), allowing each channel to be measured differentially against this common potential - useful when sensor circuits are biased above ground.
TLC0838CPWRG4 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 20-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- 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-TSSOP
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
TLC0838CPWRG4 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TLC0838CPWRG4 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TLC0838CPWRG4 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 TLC0838CPWRG4 reliable?
The price and inventory of TLC0838CPWRG4 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TLC0838CPWRG4 is usually 5 days.
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Once your TLC0838CPWRG4 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 TLC0838CPWRG4?
For technical support, including TLC0838CPWRG4 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TLC0838CPWRG4 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TLC0838CPWRG4 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TLC0838CPWRG4 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 TLC0838CPWRG4 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TLC0838CPWRG4?
All TLC0838CPWRG4 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TLC0838CPWRG4, 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 TLC0838CPWRG4 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TLC0838CPWRG4:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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