Texas Instruments TLC555CPWR

Overview

TLC555CPWR from Texas Instruments is a CMOS monolithic timer IC functionally interchangeable with the NE555 and featuring identical 8-pin SOIC pinout. It delivers rail-to-rail CMOS output swing, 100mA sink/10mA source capability, and operates across 2V–15V supply with only 350µA typical supply current at 5V - enabling precision timing in battery-powered sensor interfaces and industrial control sequencers.

For engineers reviewing the TLC555CPWR datasheet, TLC555CPWR pinout, TLC555CPWR application, or TLC555CPWR equivalent, key selection considerations include its low-power operation (1mW at 5V), high-impedance inputs enabling smaller timing capacitors, ESD protection exceeding 1000V HBM, and compatibility with CMOS/TTL/MOS logic families.

Technical Context

The TLC555CPWR implements a dual-comparator architecture with internal resistor divider setting fixed 1/3 VDD trigger and 2/3 VDD threshold levels - adjustable via the CONT pin. Its CMOS input stage achieves ≤75pA max input leakage, supporting stable timing with sub-nanofarad capacitors and reducing sensitivity to stray capacitance.

Internal flip-flop logic ensures level-sensitive triggering: TRIG falling below 1/3 VDD sets output high and opens DISCH; THRES rising above 2/3 VDD resets output low and pulls DISCH to GND. RESET is active-low and overrides all other inputs, providing deterministic cycle restart without race conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 8-pin SOIC (4.9mm × 6.0mm), RoHS-compliant, tape-and-reel packaging for automated assembly.

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 TLC555CPWR offers optimal balance of NE555 pin compatibility, 2V operation, and 350µA supply current - making it ideal for industrial timers requiring robustness and moderate power savings without redesigning existing layouts.

Availability

TLC555CPWR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sequencing, LED dimming control, low-power sensor wake-up, and ultrasonic transducer driver applications requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for TLC555CPWR 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 delivering analog and embedded processing solutions with emphasis on reliability, longevity, and industrial-grade qualification.

The TLC555 belongs to TI's precision timing IC product line, designed specifically for general-purpose monostable and astable timing applications where low power, wide supply range, and NE555 compatibility are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the TLC555CPWR in astable mode?

The TLC555CPWR achieves a maximum frequency of 2.1MHz in astable configuration under specified test conditions (RA = 470Ω, CT = 200pF, RB = 200Ω, VDD = 5V, TA = 25°C). This performance enables use in ultrasonic drivers and high-speed PWM generators where timing resolution below 500ns is required. The actual achievable frequency depends on external component tolerances and PCB layout parasitics.

Can the TLC555CPWR operate from a 2V supply?

Yes, the TLC555CPWR is fully specified to operate from 2V to 15V supply voltage. At 2V, it maintains functional timing behavior with 250µA typical supply current and valid logic thresholds (trigger ≈0.67V, threshold ≈1.33V). This makes the TLC555CPWR suitable for single-cell lithium or two-cell alkaline battery systems where regulated 3.3V or 5V rails are unavailable.

Is the TLC555CPWR pin-compatible with the NE555?

Yes, the TLC555CPWR uses the same 8-pin SOIC package and identical pinout as the NE555 - including GND (1), TRIG (2), OUT (3), RESET (4), CONT (5), THRES (6), DISCH (7), and VDD (8). This allows direct substitution in existing NE555-based designs without PCB changes, though designers should verify timing capacitor values due to the TLC555CPWR's higher input impedance.

What is the purpose of the CONT pin on the TLC555CPWR?

The CONT (Control Voltage) pin on the TLC555CPWR provides access to the internal 2/3 VDD reference node, allowing adjustment of trigger and threshold levels. Applying an external voltage to CONT changes the comparator trip points linearly - enabling variable-duty-cycle PWM, voltage-controlled oscillators, or precision window comparators. A 0.01µF bypass capacitor to GND is recommended to suppress noise coupling into this sensitive node.

How does the discharge transistor performance differ between TLC555CPWR and bipolar 555 timers?

The TLC555CPWR features a CMOS discharge switch with on-state resistance as low as 1.7Ω at 15V/100mA (typical), significantly lower than bipolar 555 variants (~10–20Ω). This enables faster capacitor discharge times and improved timing accuracy with larger timing capacitors. At 5V/10mA, its on-resistance is ~0.5Ω (typical), supporting precise sub-millisecond delays without added series resistance.