Texas Instruments TLC0838IN
- Part No.:
- TLC0838IN
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Analog to Digital Converters (ADC)
- Package:
- 20-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
TLC0838IN.pdf
- Description:
- IC ADC 8BIT SAR 20DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,488
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Product details
Overview
TLC0838IN from Texas Instruments is an 8-bit successive-approximation analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with integrated 8-channel multiplexer and serial interface. It supports single-ended, differential, and pseudodifferential input configurations; operates from a single 5-V supply with 0–5-V input range; achieves ±1 LSB total unadjusted error and 32 µs conversion time at 250 kHz clock; and is rated for –40°C to +85°C industrial temperature operation.
For engineers reviewing the TLC0838IN datasheet, TLC0838IN pinout, TLC0838IN application, or TLC0838IN equivalent, key selection considerations include its software-configurable 8-channel MUX, ratiometric or external reference operation, TTL/MOS-compatible serial I/O, and compatibility with microprocessor-based data acquisition systems requiring low-power, medium-speed digitization in harsh environments.
Technical Context
The TLC0838IN implements a sample-data comparator architecture with internal SAR logic and resistive ladder DAC. Its multiplexer-addressing sequence accepts a 4-bit control word via DI to select channel and input mode (SGL/DIF/ODD/EVEN), followed by automatic conversion initiation upon start-bit detection.
Conversion output is MSB-first by default; LSB-first mode is enabled by driving SE low before data readout. The device features SARS (SAR status) output to indicate active conversion, DO in high-impedance state until multiplexer settling completes, and digital/analog ground separation for noise immunity.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 8-bit - delivers 256 discrete output codes for moderate-precision sensor digitization |
| Input Channels | 8-channel MUX - enables sequential sampling of multiple analog sources without external switching |
| Conversion Time | 32 µs at fCLK = 250 kHz - supports up to ~31.25 kSPS aggregate throughput with minimal latency |
| Total Unadjusted Error | ±1 LSB - ensures monotonicity and guarantees no missing codes across full scale |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V - compatible with standard 5-V logic rails and tolerant of typical power rail variation |
| Operating Temperature | –40°C to +85°C - qualified for industrial-grade embedded systems and automotive under-hood auxiliary sensing |
| Reference Input | External REF pin - allows flexible scaling (e.g., 2.5 V reference yields 0–2.5 V full-scale input range) |
Pinout & Package
Package: PDIP (N) - 20-pin plastic dual in-line package, through-hole mountable, RoHS-compliant, lead finish NIPDAU, no moisture sensitivity level (MSL) rating required.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CH0–CH7 | Analog input channels | Eight independent analog inputs configurable as single-ended, differential (adjacent pairs), or pseudodifferential referenced to COM |
| COM | Common analog reference | Serves as shared negative input for all pseudodifferential conversions; may be biased to non-ground potential |
| DGTL GND / ANLG GND | Digital and analog ground | Separate ground pins minimize digital switching noise coupling into analog conversion path |
| VCC | Power supply | Single 5-V supply powers both digital logic and analog circuitry; requires local decoupling |
| CS | Chip select | Active-low enable; must remain low throughout entire conversion cycle including address setup and conversion |
| DI | Serial data input | Accepts 4-bit MUX address and start bit; sampled only during addressing phase, not during conversion |
| CLK | Serial clock input | Controls timing of address shift-in and data output; supports 10–600 kHz frequency range |
| SARS | SAR status output | High during conversion; used for polling or interrupt-driven synchronization with host processor |
| DO | Serial data output | MSB-first by default; transitions from high-Z to active after multiplexer settling; supports bidirectional I/O when tied to DI |
| SE | Output format control | Drives LSB-first data output when pulled low prior to readout; otherwise outputs MSB-first |
| REF | Reference voltage input | Defines full-scale analog input range; ratiometric operation possible using VCC as reference |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Software-configurable MUX | Enables dynamic reconfiguration of input count, polarity, and mode (SGL/DIF) per conversion via serial command |
| Pseudodifferential input support | Allows all eight channels to share a common-mode offset (e.g., 2.5 V bias), simplifying signal conditioning in floating or biased sensor systems |
| Low-power serial interface | Eliminates parallel bus overhead; reduces PCB trace count and EMI susceptibility compared to parallel-output ADCs |
| Microprocessor interface ready | Compatible with standard shift registers and widely documented for direct connection to 8051, MSP430, and PIC families |
| Single-supply operation | Operates from 5 V only-no ±5 V or auxiliary supplies needed-reducing system BOM and layout complexity |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Monitoring | Automotive Body Control |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Continuous monitoring of 8 temperature, pressure, and position sensors in a PLC I/O module. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central 8-channel ADC performing polled conversions at 10–100 Hz per channel with microsecond-level timing precision. Use Value: Reduces component count vs. discrete ADCs; enables compact, cost-effective multi-sensor front-end with deterministic serial data framing. | Use Scenario: Digitizing cabin ambient sensors (HVAC, humidity, light) and door lock feedback signals in a body control unit. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power, temperature-hardened ADC interfacing directly to 12 V–regulated 5 V rail and microcontroller SPI-like GPIO. Use Value: Eliminates need for external level-shifting or multiplexing ICs; withstands extended thermal cycling in vehicle interior environments. |
| Medical Diagnostic Equipment | Test & Measurement Instrumentation |
Use Scenario: Signal acquisition from multi-electrode biopotential sensors (ECG, EMG) with adjustable common-mode reference. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Pseudodifferential ADC capturing small AC-coupled signals referenced to patient-isolated COM node. Use Value: Enables rejection of 50/60 Hz mains interference without dedicated instrumentation amplifier per channel. | Use Scenario: Modular benchtop DMM or data logger acquiring DC voltages from calibrated transducers and thermocouples. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision 8-bit digitizer with external REF for traceable full-scale calibration and ±1 LSB accuracy verification. Use Value: Provides metrology-grade repeatability at low cost; supports ratiometric measurement against stable reference for drift compensation. |
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; higher quiescent current (1.5 mA typical vs. 1.25 mA) | Requires no external reference; less flexible for non-5-V reference scaling | Select ADC0838CCN if internal reference simplifies design; prefer TLC0838IN for lower power and external REF control |
| TLC0838CPW | Same electrical specs and pinout; TSSOP-20 package (4.4 mm × 6.5 mm) vs. PDIP-20 (6.35 mm × 24.13 mm) | Surface-mount assembly; unsuitable for prototyping or through-hole legacy boards | Select TLC0838CPW for space-constrained PCBs; choose TLC0838IN for hand-soldering, socketing, or thermal mass requirements |
Compared with ADC0838CCN and TLC0838CPW, the TLC0838IN offers industrial temperature range and through-hole PDIP packaging without internal regulation-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, thermally demanding, or maintenance-accessible designs where external reference flexibility and mechanical robustness are prioritized.
Availability
TLC0838IN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor monitoring, automotive body control, medical diagnostic equipment, and test & measurement instrumentation requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for TLC0838IN 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 over 90 years of innovation in precision data conversion and industrial-grade IC design.
The TLC0838IN belongs to TI's legacy precision ADC product line, engineered for reliable, low-cost digitization in resource-constrained embedded systems where serial interface simplicity, multiplexer integration, and wide-temperature operation are critical.
FAQ
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the TLC0838IN?
The TLC0838IN supports a clock frequency range of 10 kHz to 600 kHz per the 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. For guaranteed performance across –40°C to +85°C, TI specifies 250 kHz as the validated nominal clock rate for full parameter compliance in the TLC0838IN datasheet.
Does the TLC0838IN require an external reference voltage?
Yes, the TLC0838IN requires an external reference voltage applied to the REF pin to define its full-scale input range. It does not contain an internal voltage reference or Zener regulator. The device can operate ratiometrically using VCC as the reference, but for accurate absolute measurements, a stable external reference (e.g., 2.5 V or 5 V) must be supplied to the REF pin-this is explicitly confirmed in the functional description and electrical characteristics sections of the TLC0838IN datasheet.
How many analog input channels does the TLC0838IN support?
The TLC0838IN supports eight analog input channels (CH0 through CH7), as defined in its part number suffix "38" and confirmed in the device marking, pin diagram, and MUX-address control logic table. These channels are configurable in single-ended, differential (adjacent pairs), or pseudodifferential modes via serial command. This 8-channel capability distinguishes the TLC0838IN from the 4-channel TLC0834IN variant.
What package type is used for the TLC0838IN?
The TLC0838IN uses a 20-pin plastic dual in-line package (PDIP or N package), as indicated by the "N" suffix in the part number and verified in the PACKAGE OPTION ADDENDUM. This through-hole package has 0.3-inch row spacing, is RoHS-compliant with NIPDAU lead finish, and carries no moisture sensitivity level (MSL) rating-making it suitable for manual assembly, prototyping, and applications requiring mechanical robustness and thermal mass.
Can the TLC0838IN perform differential measurements between non-adjacent channels?
No, the TLC0838IN only supports differential measurements between adjacent channel pairs (e.g., CH0–CH1, CH2–CH3, etc.), as specified in the functional description and MUX-address control logic table. The device does not allow arbitrary differential pairing such as CH0–CH3 or CH1–CH7. Each differential pair is hardwired in the internal multiplexer matrix, and polarity (±) assignment is limited to those predefined adjacent combinations.
TLC0838IN Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 20-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- 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-PDIP
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
TLC0838IN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TLC0838IN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TLC0838IN 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 TLC0838IN reliable?
The price and inventory of TLC0838IN are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TLC0838IN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TLC0838IN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TLC0838IN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TLC0838IN?
TLC0838IN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TLC0838IN 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 TLC0838IN?
For technical support, including TLC0838IN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TLC0838IN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TLC0838IN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TLC0838IN 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 TLC0838IN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TLC0838IN?
All TLC0838IN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TLC0838IN, 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 TLC0838IN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TLC0838IN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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