Texas Instruments TLC0838IPWRG4

Overview

TLC0838IPWRG4 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 delivers ±1 LSB total unadjusted error, 32 µs conversion time at 250 kHz clock, and supports single-ended, differential, or pseudodifferential input configurations using a 5-V supply and external reference. It is used in industrial sensor signal conditioning systems requiring compact, low-pin-count ADC interfacing with microcontrollers via SPI-compatible serial protocol.

For engineers reviewing the TLC0838IPWRG4 datasheet, TLC0838IPWRG4 pinout, TLC0838IPWRG4 application, or TLC0838IPWRG4 equivalent, key selection considerations include its TSSOP-20 package, –40°C to 85°C industrial temperature rating, SE/COM terminal for pseudodifferential mode, CS/DI/CLK/DO serial timing compliance, and compatibility with TTL/MOS logic levels.

Technical Context

The TLC0838IPWRG4 implements a sample-data comparator architecture with internal SAR logic and resistive ladder DAC. Its multiplexer address register accepts a 5-bit serial word (start bit + 4-bit assignment) via DI, enabling software-selectable channel and polarity configuration before conversion initiation.

Conversion begins on CS assertion and proceeds over exactly eight clock cycles, outputting MSB-first data on DO while SARS remains high. The SE pin controls LSB-first output mode; when pulled low, it enables LSB-first data streaming from the 9-bit shift register after conversion completion.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TLC0838IPWRG4 uses a 20-pin TSSOP (PW) package with 0.65 mm pitch, body dimensions 6.5 mm × 4.4 mm × 1.2 mm, and exposed pad not connected internally. Pin 1 is located at top-left corner with quadrants marked Q1 per tape-and-reel specification.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ADC0838CCN and TLC0838CPWR, the TLC0838IPWRG4 provides guaranteed operation across –40°C to 85°C, includes TI's enhanced process for improved INL/DNL consistency, and ships in RoHS-compliant TSSOP packaging with NIPDAU lead finish and MSL-1 reflow rating.

Availability

TLC0838IPWRG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor signal conditioning, programmable logic controller I/O modules, and automotive body control systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for TLC0838IPWRG4 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 TLC0838IPWRG4 belongs to TI's legacy precision ADC product line, engineered for cost-effective, low-pin-count analog digitization in resource-constrained embedded systems where serial interface simplicity and temperature resilience are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the TLC0838IPWRG4?

The TLC0838IPWRG4 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 timing margins for setup/hold and propagation delay must be verified per Figure 1 and Figure 2 in the SLAS094E datasheet. The TLC0838IPWRG4 achieves optimal linearity and error performance at 250 kHz, where total unadjusted error is specified as ±1 LSB.

Does the TLC0838IPWRG4 require an external reference voltage?

Yes, the TLC0838IPWRG4 requires an external reference voltage applied to the REF pin. It does not contain an internal voltage reference or Zener regulator. The device operates ratiometrically: the digital output code equals (V_IN / V_REF) × 255. For full 0–5 V input range encoding, V_REF must be set to 5 V; lower references scale resolution accordingly (e.g., 2.5 V reference yields 10 mV/LSB).

How does the COM pin function in pseudodifferential mode on the TLC0838IPWRG4?

In pseudodifferential mode, the COM pin serves as the common-mode negative input for all eight channels (CH0–CH7). Each channel is treated as the positive input relative to COM, enabling simultaneous measurement of multiple signals referenced to a shared bias point-such as a mid-supply voltage or isolated sensor ground. This avoids dedicated differential pairs per channel and simplifies PCB routing in multi-sensor systems using the TLC0838IPWRG4.

Can the TLC0838IPWRG4 interface directly with an SPI bus without additional logic?

The TLC0838IPWRG4 uses a proprietary 3-wire serial protocol (CS, DI, CLK, DO, SARS) that is SPI-*compatible* but not SPI-*compliant*. It lacks MOSI/MISO separation and requires manual bit-banging or GPIO-driven timing. While it can share clock and chip-select lines with SPI peripherals, the DI/DO bidirectional sharing and non-standard frame format (5-bit address + 8-bit data) mean dedicated firmware handling-not hardware SPI peripheral-is required for reliable communication with the TLC0838IPWRG4.

What is the purpose of the SE pin on the TLC0838IPWRG4?

The SE (Start Enable) pin on the TLC0838IPWRG4 controls output data order: when held high, the device outputs MSB-first; when pulled low *after* conversion starts but *before* data output completes, it enables LSB-first streaming from the internal 9-bit shift register. This feature allows flexible alignment with host processor bit-order expectations without requiring post-processing bit reversal in firmware for the TLC0838IPWRG4.