Texas Instruments TLC1518IPW

Overview

TLC1518IPW from Texas Instruments is an 8-channel, 10-bit, 400 kSPS serial analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with built-in 4-V reference, 8× FIFO, and SPI/DSP-compatible interface. It operates from a single 5-V supply, supports differential/single-ended inputs, and features hardware- and software-controllable power-down modes (1 µA max in auto power-down). Used in data acquisition systems requiring low-power, multi-channel sampling with flexible timing control.

For engineers reviewing the TLC1518IPW datasheet, TLC1518IPW pinout, TLC1518IPW application, or TLC1518IPW equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context-including SAR architecture, programmable sweep modes, CSTART-controlled extended sampling, and FIFO-triggered interrupt behavior-essential for embedded signal conditioning, sensor interfacing, and industrial monitoring designs.

Technical Context

The TLC1518IPW implements a 10-bit successive approximation register (SAR) ADC with charge redistribution DAC, achieving ±0.5 LSB differential/integral nonlinearity and 59 dB SNDR at 12 kHz input. Its on-chip 8-input analog multiplexer supports pseudo-differential mode using A2 as the MINUS input, and internal self-test voltages (REFP, REFM, (REFP+REFM)/2) enable system calibration.

Conversion timing is fully configurable: normal sampling uses 12 or 24 SCLK cycles; extended sampling is triggered asynchronously via CSTART with user-defined hold time. The device supports four conversion modes-single-shot, repeat, sweep, and repeat-sweep-with FIFO threshold programmability (1/4 to full) and EOC/INT pin function selection (CFR.D2).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 20-pin TSSOP (PW), body size 6.5 mm × 4.4 mm, 0.65 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 10-bit serial ADC applications.

Compared with TLC1518IPW, TLC2558IPW trades speed for resolution and maintains full pin/software compatibility, while ADS7822U reduces supply voltage and complexity but sacrifices key timing and interface flexibility.

Availability

TLC1518IPW is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial data acquisition, embedded sensor monitoring, test equipment, and motor control applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for TLC1518IPW 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 expertise in precision data converters and industrial-grade ICs.

The TLC1518IPW belongs to TI's legacy high-performance SAR ADC family designed for low-power, multi-channel signal acquisition in industrial, test, and embedded systems where reliability, configurability, and interface flexibility are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum sampling rate supported by the TLC1518IPW?

The TLC1518IPW achieves a maximum throughput of 400 kSPS under specified conditions (5-V supply, internal reference, 24-SCLK sampling period). This rate assumes optimal timing margins and accounts for conversion, sampling, and serial readout overhead. Actual sustained rate depends on host interface speed, FIFO usage, and selected conversion mode-repeat-sweep mode with full FIFO fill can maintain near-maximum throughput in burst scenarios.

Does the TLC1518IPW include an internal voltage reference?

Yes, the TLC1518IPW integrates a 4-V internal shunt reference accessible via REFP and REFM pins. When enabled (CFR.D11 = 1), it eliminates the need for external reference components and supports analog input ranges from 0 V to VCC. External reference operation (CFR.D11 = 0) allows custom full-scale adjustment and improved accuracy in noise-sensitive environments.

How does the CSTART pin function in the TLC1518IPW?

The CSTART pin provides asynchronous control of sampling timing: a high-to-low transition initiates sampling, and a low-to-high transition ends sampling and starts conversion. This function operates independently of SCLK and CS, enabling precise synchronization with external events or high-impedance sensors. When unused, CSTART must be tied to VCC to prevent floating input.

Can the TLC1518IPW operate with a 3.3-V microcontroller SPI interface?

Yes, the TLC1518IPW's digital I/O (SDI, SDO, SCLK, CS, FS, PWDN, EOC/INT) is 5-V tolerant and compatible with 3.3-V logic levels when driven by a 3.3-V microcontroller-provided VCC remains at 5 V. Level-shifting is not required for input signals; however, SDO output swings from 0 V to VCC (5 V), so a resistive divider or level translator may be needed if the MCU input cannot tolerate 5-V signals.

What are the FIFO interrupt trigger options on the TLC1518IPW?

The TLC1518IPW supports four FIFO interrupt thresholds via CFR.D(1,0): 00 = full (7 entries), 01 = 3/4 (5 entries), 10 = 1/2 (3 entries), and 11 = 1/4 (1 entry). These settings determine when the EOC/INT pin asserts to notify the host of available data. Lower thresholds reduce latency for time-critical reads; higher thresholds improve burst efficiency in continuous acquisition.