Texas Instruments TLC0838IDWR
- Part No.:
- TLC0838IDWR
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Analog to Digital Converters (ADC)
- Package:
- 20-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
TLC0838IDWR.pdf
- Description:
- IC ADC 8BIT SAR 20SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
TLC0838IDWR from Texas Instruments is an 8-bit successive-approximation analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with integrated 8-channel analog multiplexer, serial control interface, and ratiometric operation capability. It supports single-ended, differential, and pseudodifferential input configurations, operates from a single 5-V supply, delivers ±1 LSB total unadjusted error, and achieves 32 µs conversion time at 250 kHz clock frequency - used in industrial sensor signal conditioning and embedded data acquisition systems.
For engineers reviewing the TLC0838IDWR datasheet, TLC0838IDWR pinout, TLC0838IDWR application, or TLC0838IDWR equivalent, key selection considerations include its −40°C to 85°C industrial temperature rating, DW package (SOIC-20), SE/COM terminal for pseudodifferential mode, CS-controlled serial protocol timing, and compatibility with microprocessor shift-register interfaces without external logic.
Technical Context
The TLC0838IDWR implements a sample-data-comparator SAR architecture with a 9-bit internal shift register for multiplexer addressing and result output. Its serial interface uses DI/DO lines with CS enable, CLK synchronization, and SARS status signaling - supporting both MSB-first and LSB-first data formats controlled by the SE pin.
Channel selection and input polarity (SGL/DIF, ODD/EVEN) are software-configured via 5-bit address words shifted in on DI; the COM terminal enables pseudodifferential operation across all eight channels, while analog input range is 0 V to VREF with ratiometric scaling relative to VCC.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 8-bit SAR conversion with ±1 LSB total unadjusted error - ensures full-scale quantization accuracy without calibration. |
| Input Channels | 8-channel analog multiplexer with software-selectable single-ended, differential (adjacent pairs), or pseudodifferential (via COM) configuration. |
| Conversion Time | 32 µs at fCLK = 250 kHz - fixed 8-clock-cycle execution enabling deterministic timing in real-time control loops. |
| Supply & Reference | Single 4.5–5.5 V supply; ratiometric operation allows VREF to be set independently (e.g., 2.5 V) for sub-5 V input spans. |
| Operating Temperature | −40°C to +85°C - qualified for industrial environments including motor drives and PLC I/O modules. |
| Digital Interface | CS/CLK/DI/DO/SARS/SE serial protocol compatible with TTL/MOS logic - supports bidirectional DI/DO sharing on one MCU pin. |
| Package | SOIC-20 (DW package), 7.5 mm × 12.8 mm footprint - surface-mount compatible with standard reflow profiles (MSL Level-1). |
Pinout & Package
SOIC-20 (DW) package: 12.8 mm × 7.5 mm body, 1.27 mm pitch, gull-wing leads. Pin 1 quadrant marked per TI tape-and-reel spec (Q1 orientation).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CH0–CH7 | Analog input channels | Eight configurable analog inputs; polarity and mode assigned via serial address word - supports sensor array interfacing. |
| COM | Pseudodifferential common reference | Shared negative input for all channels in pseudodifferential mode - enables biasing above ground (e.g., 2.5 V mid-rail). |
| REF | Reference voltage input | Accepts 0.1 V to VCC+0.05 V; sets full-scale range - allows precision scaling independent of supply rail. |
| ANLG GND / DGTL GND | Analog and digital ground returns | Separate ground pins minimize noise coupling between analog front-end and serial digital interface. |
| CS | Chip select enable | Active-low signal initiating conversion sequence; must remain low throughout entire 8-clock conversion cycle. |
| DI / DO | Serial data in/out | Time-multiplexed bidirectional line - DI active only during address setup; DO active post-conversion with MSB-first default. |
| SE | Output format control | Low = LSB-first data output; high = MSB-first - enables flexible MCU firmware handling of serial result stream. |
| SARS | Conversion status indicator | Active-high open-drain output signaling ongoing conversion - usable for interrupt-driven or polling-based readout. |
| VCC | Power supply | 4.5–5.5 V supply powering both analog core and digital interface - ICC ≤ 1.25 mA typical at 5 V. |
| CLK | Serial clock input | Accepts 10–600 kHz clock; duty cycle 40–60%; defines conversion timing and data transfer rate. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Software-configurable input topology | Single-ended, differential (CH0/CH1, CH2/CH3, etc.), or pseudodifferential (all CHx vs. COM) - eliminates external mux or level-shifting circuitry. |
| Ratiometric reference flexibility | VREF decoupled from VCC; supports 0.1–5.5 V range - enables accurate measurement of sensors with non-5 V output spans. |
| Integrated serial protocol engine | No external logic required for microprocessor interface - DI/DO/SARS/CS/CLK/SE fully manage addressing, timing, and status reporting. |
| Industrial temperature qualification | −40°C to +85°C operation with tested performance across full range - suitable for factory automation and outdoor instrumentation. |
| Low-power serial conversion | 1.25 mA typical supply current at 5 V and 250 kHz - reduces thermal load in dense PCB layouts and battery-backed systems. |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning | Embedded Data Acquisition Module |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Monitoring thermocouple, RTD, or pressure transducer outputs in programmable logic controllers (PLCs) with limited board space and no dedicated ADC resources. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: 8-channel SAR ADC performing ratiometric conversion of millivolt-level analog signals using external precision reference; serial interface minimizes MCU GPIO usage. Use Value: Eliminates need for external multiplexer and op-amp signal conditioning stages - reduces BOM count and layout area while maintaining ±1 LSB accuracy across temperature. | Use Scenario: Compact environmental monitoring node collecting temperature, humidity, and light intensity from multiple analog sensors in a sealed enclosure. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central analog front-end converting up to eight sensor outputs sequentially via software-controlled channel addressing; SE pin configures LSB-first output for efficient 8-bit MCU handling. Use Value: Enables single-wire bidirectional serial interface (DI/DO shared) - conserves MCU I/O pins and simplifies firmware driver development for resource-constrained Cortex-M0+ designs. |
| Motor Control Current Sensing | Automated Test Equipment (ATE) Front-End |
Use Scenario: Sampling phase currents in three-phase inverter drives where isolation amplifiers feed into a centralized ADC with tight timing constraints. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-speed 32 µs conversion at 250 kHz clock enables sampling within PWM dead-time windows; COM pin supports offset compensation for shunt-based current sensing. Use Value: Deterministic 8-clock conversion time allows precise synchronization with gate-driver timing - improves current-loop bandwidth and reduces torque ripple. | Use Scenario: Modular ATE slot card acquiring analog stimulus responses from DUTs under varying supply conditions and temperature gradients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision 8-bit digitizer with separate ANLG GND/DGTL GND pins and ±1 LSB error spec - maintains measurement integrity despite mixed-signal noise on shared backplane. Use Value: Dual ground separation and ratiometric reference support ensure stable readings across VCC drift (±0.25 V) - critical for pass/fail binning accuracy in production test. |
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 | Same 8-channel SAR architecture but includes internal Zener regulator; requires no external VREF - increases quiescent current and limits reference flexibility. | Fixed 5 V internal reference only; cannot support sub-5 V input spans or ratiometric scaling with external references. | Select when board space prohibits external reference circuitry and 5 V full-scale is sufficient - avoid if precision scaling or low-power operation is required. |
| TLC0838CPW | Identical electrical specs and pinout but in TSSOP-20 package (4.4 mm × 6.5 mm); same −40°C to 85°C rating and DW-equivalent DW drawing. | Smaller footprint and thinner profile - better suited for space-constrained portable or handheld instruments. | Select for high-density layouts where SOIC-20 height or thermal mass is problematic; verify PCB land pattern matches PW drawing (not DW). |
Compared with ADC0838CCN and TLC0838CPW, the TLC0838IDWR offers optimal balance of industrial temperature range, external reference flexibility, and SOIC-20 manufacturability - making it preferred for cost-sensitive industrial control boards requiring design reuse and long-term component availability.
Availability
TLC0838IDWR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interfaces, motor control feedback loops, and embedded data loggers requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for TLC0838IDWR 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 power management technologies with over 50 years of innovation in precision data converters.
The TLC0838 product line was designed for cost-effective, microprocessor-compatible data acquisition in industrial and instrumentation applications - emphasizing ease of integration, wide operating temperature, and minimal external component count.
FAQ
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the TLC0838IDWR?
The TLC0838IDWR supports a clock frequency range of 10 kHz to 600 kHz per the recommended operating conditions. At 600 kHz, conversion completes in 13.3 µs (8 clock periods), but system-level timing margins for setup/hold and multiplexer settling must be verified. The datasheet specifies 250 kHz as the nominal test condition yielding 32 µs conversion time and guaranteed ±1 LSB accuracy.
Does the TLC0838IDWR require an external voltage reference?
Yes, the TLC0838IDWR requires an external voltage applied to the REF pin to define its full-scale range. It does not contain an internal reference or Zener regulator (unlike the ADC0838). This enables ratiometric operation - for example, using a precision 2.5 V reference to digitize 0–2.5 V sensor outputs with full 8-bit resolution - a key advantage of the TLC0838IDWR over internally referenced alternatives.
How is pseudodifferential mode configured on the TLC0838IDWR?
Pseudodifferential mode on the TLC0838IDWR is enabled by connecting the desired common-mode voltage (e.g., 2.5 V bias) to the COM pin and selecting any channel (CH0–CH7) as the positive input via the serial address word. The device treats COM as the negative input for that channel - allowing measurement of signals referenced to arbitrary DC offsets without external level-shifting circuitry. This functionality is unique to the TLC0838IDWR among 8-bit serial ADCs in its class.
Can DI and DO be connected to the same microcontroller I/O pin?
Yes, DI and DO can be tied together and driven by a single bidirectional MCU I/O pin because DI is only sampled during the 5-bit address setup phase (while DO remains in high-impedance state), and DO only becomes active after conversion begins and SARS goes high. This reduces GPIO usage and simplifies firmware - a documented capability of the TLC0838IDWR confirmed in the functional description section of the datasheet.
What is the purpose of the SE pin on the TLC0838IDWR?
The SE (Start Enable) pin on the TLC0838IDWR controls serial data output format: when held high, the device outputs conversion results MSB-first; when pulled low before conversion start, it outputs LSB-first. This allows firmware optimization - for example, LSB-first aligns naturally with byte-oriented shift registers in legacy 8-bit MCUs. The SE pin has no effect on addressing or conversion initiation, which are controlled solely by CS and CLK.
TLC0838IDWR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 20-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- 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:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-SOIC
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
TLC0838IDWR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TLC0838IDWR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TLC0838IDWR 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 TLC0838IDWR reliable?
The price and inventory of TLC0838IDWR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TLC0838IDWR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TLC0838IDWR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TLC0838IDWR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TLC0838IDWR?
TLC0838IDWR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TLC0838IDWR 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 TLC0838IDWR?
For technical support, including TLC0838IDWR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TLC0838IDWR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TLC0838IDWR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TLC0838IDWR 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 TLC0838IDWR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TLC0838IDWR?
All TLC0838IDWR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TLC0838IDWR, 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 TLC0838IDWR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TLC0838IDWR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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