Texas Instruments TLC555CPS

Overview

TLC555CPS from Texas Instruments is a CMOS monolithic timer IC designed for precision timing, pulse generation, and sequential control in low-power analog-digital hybrid circuits. It operates from 2V to 15V, delivers rail-to-rail CMOS output swing, sinks up to 100mA, sources 10mA, and achieves up to 2.1MHz astable frequency - enabling accurate time delays and PWM in battery-powered instrumentation and industrial controls.

For engineers reviewing the TLC555CPS datasheet, TLC555CPS pinout, TLC555CPS application, or TLC555CPS equivalent, key selection considerations include its 1.1µs minimum monostable pulse width, 66.7% threshold/trigger voltage ratio relative to VDD, ultra-low 350µA typical supply current at 5V, and functional interchangeability with NE555 while offering superior input impedance and reduced supply spikes.

Technical Context

The TLC555CPS implements a dual-comparator architecture with an SR latch and high-current output stage, where trigger (TRIG) and threshold (THRES) inputs control state transitions based on fixed 1/3 and 2/3 VDD reference levels - adjustable via the CONT pin. Its CMOS input stage provides picoampere-level input currents (<75pA), enabling use of smaller timing capacitors than bipolar 555 timers.

Timing accuracy is preserved across supply voltage variations due to proportional scaling of internal resistor divider voltages and comparator thresholds. The discharge (DISCH) pin operates as an open-collector output with sub-0.5V on-state voltage at 10mA (VDD = 5V), supporting precise capacitor discharge control in both monostable and astable configurations.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOIC-8 (4.9mm × 6.0mm), RoHS-compliant, surface-mount.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar timer IC applications.

Compared with NE555P and LMC555IMX/NOPB, the TLC555CPS offers optimal balance of ultra-low power (350µA), commercial-grade reliability, and direct NE555 drop-in compatibility - making it ideal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained, and battery-aware designs where extended temperature is not required.

Availability

TLC555CPS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision timing, pulse generation, and sequential timing applications requiring stable component supply, long-term manufacturability, and consistent parametric performance across production lots.

Supply support for TLC555CPS 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 50 years of innovation in precision timing and power-efficient IC design.

The TLC555 belongs to TI's legacy precision timer product line, engineered specifically for low-power, high-accuracy timing functions in commercial-grade instrumentation, consumer electronics, and industrial control systems - replacing bipolar 555 timers without redesign.

FAQ

What is the minimum monostable pulse width achievable with TLC555CPS?

The TLC555CPS supports a minimum monostable pulse width of 1µs, limited by internal comparator storage time when TRIG is grounded. This is achieved using small RC values (e.g., RA = 1kΩ, C = 1nF) and verified across the 0°C to 70°C operating range. The TLC555CPS datasheet specifies this limit in Section 6.3.1, confirming reliable triggering down to this duration without pulse distortion.

Can TLC555CPS operate from a 3.3V supply?

Yes, the TLC555CPS operates reliably from 3.3V, as its specified supply range is 2V to 15V. At 3.3V, output high voltage is ≥2.5V (IOH = –300µA), and low voltage is ≤0.35V (IOL = 1mA), ensuring compatibility with 3.3V logic families. Input thresholds scale proportionally (≈1.1V trigger, ≈2.2V threshold), preserving timing accuracy without external adjustment.

Is TLC555CPS pin-compatible with NE555 in SOIC-8 package?

Yes, the TLC555CPS uses the identical SOIC-8 pinout and functional assignment as the NE555, including GND, TRIG, OUT, RESET, CONT, THRES, DISCH, and VDD positions. TI explicitly states "functionally interchangeable with the NE555; has same pinout" in the datasheet Features section, enabling direct PCB replacement without layout modification.

What is the maximum load capacitance TLC555CPS can drive on its output?

The TLC555CPS output stage is characterized for CL ≤ 10pF in rise/fall time specifications (tr = 75ns, tf = 60ns), but it can drive larger capacitive loads with degraded edge rates. For loads exceeding 50pF, series resistance (e.g., 22Ω) is recommended to prevent ringing. The output's low impedance (<20Ω) supports stable driving of 100pF+ loads in non-critical timing applications, though propagation delay increases linearly with CL.

How does the CONT pin affect timing accuracy in TLC555CPS?

The CONT pin exposes the internal 2/3 VDD reference node; applying an external voltage here directly sets the THRES and TRIG thresholds. Bypassing CONT to GND with a 10nF ceramic capacitor suppresses noise and stabilizes timing against supply ripple. Deviations >±5% from nominal 2/3 VDD introduce proportional timing errors - e.g., 10% CONT voltage shift causes ~10% duty cycle error in astable mode - so tight regulation or filtering is essential for precision applications.