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Texas Instruments TLV0838CN
- Part No.:
- TLV0838CN
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Analog to Digital Converters (ADC)
- Package:
- 20-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
TLV0838CN.pdf
- Description:
- IC ADC 8BIT SAR 20DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,450
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Product details
Overview
TLV0838CN from Texas Instruments is an 8-bit successive-approximation analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with integrated 8-channel multiplexer, serial control interface, and ratiometric operation capability. It operates from 2.7 V to 3.6 V, delivers ±1 LSB total unadjusted error, achieves 32 µs conversion time at 250 kHz clock, and supports single-ended, differential, and pseudodifferential input configurations for sensor signal digitization in embedded measurement systems.
For engineers reviewing the TLV0838CN datasheet, TLV0838CN pinout, TLV0838CN application, or TLV0838CN equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed operating parameters across temperature, real-world application mappings, and two functionally comparable alternatives with documented differences in channel count and temperature range.
Technical Context
The TLV0838CN implements a sample-data-comparator architecture with internal SAR logic and resistive ladder, enabling precise 8-bit quantization of analog inputs referenced to VCC or external REF. Its serial interface uses a 9-bit shift register for multiplexer addressing and data output, supporting both MSB-first and LSB-first modes controlled by the SE pin.
Channel selection and input polarity (SGL/DIF, ODD/EVEN) are software-configured via serial DI stream; the COM pin enables pseudodifferential mode where all channels share a common negative reference. Input range is 0 V to VCC with VCC reference, and analog inputs tolerate up to VCC + 0.3 V per absolute maximum ratings.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 8-bit - delivers 256 discrete digital codes for accurate low-to-mid precision sensor digitization |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 3.6 V - compatible with modern 3-V microcontroller systems and battery-powered designs |
| Conversion Time | 32 µs at fCLK = 250 kHz - enables up to ~31.25 kSPS sampling rate in continuous operation |
| Total Unadjusted Error | ±1 LSB - ensures monotonicity and guarantees no missing codes across full-scale range |
| Input Channels | 8-channel multiplexer - supports simultaneous monitoring of multiple analog sensors without external mux hardware |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 70°C - qualified for commercial-grade industrial and consumer electronics applications |
| Reference Mode | Ratiometric or VCC-referenced - eliminates need for precision external reference in cost-sensitive designs |
Pinout & Package
TLV0838CN is supplied in a 20-pin plastic DIP (N) package with through-hole mounting and 0.3-inch body width. Pin numbering follows standard DIP convention with Pin 1 in top-left corner when notch faces upward.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CH0–CH7 | Analog input channels | Eight configurable analog inputs; each can be assigned as positive or negative terminal in differential/pseudodifferential mode |
| COM | Common analog reference | Shared negative input for pseudodifferential operation; accepts arbitrary bias voltage common to all channels |
| DGTL GND | Digital ground | Return path for digital I/O signals; must be separated from ANLG GND to minimize noise coupling |
| ANLG GND | Analog ground | Return path for analog inputs and reference; critical for maintaining ADC accuracy and linearity |
| VCC | Positive supply | Primary power rail (2.7–3.6 V); also serves as default reference source in ratiometric mode |
| REF | External reference input | Accepts independent voltage reference (0 V to VCC) to scale full-scale range independently of VCC |
| CS | Chip select | Active-low enable that initiates conversion sequence and holds internal logic active during operation |
| DI | Serial data input | Receives 9-bit address/control word (start bit + 3–4 bit assignment) to configure channel and mode |
| CLK | Serial clock input | Synchronizes address loading and conversion timing; supports 10–600 kHz depending on VCC |
| SARS | Start-of-conversion status | Open-drain output high during conversion; used for handshaking or interrupt-driven firmware flow control |
| DO | Serial data output | Provides MSB-first or LSB-first 8-bit result after conversion; tri-states when CS is high |
| SE | Output format control | Configures DO output order: high = MSB-first; low = LSB-first (after initial MSB-first burst) |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Software-configurable input topology | Single-ended, differential (adjacent pairs), or pseudodifferential (via COM) - enables flexible sensor interfacing without hardware changes |
| Serial interface with minimal wiring | 3-wire (CS, CLK, DI/DO) operation - reduces PCB routing complexity and supports remote sensor placement |
| Low-power operation | 0.2–0.75 mA typical ICC - suitable for battery-powered instrumentation and portable data loggers |
| Input voltage range matching supply | 0 V to VCC with VCC reference - eliminates level-shifting requirements for 3-V system integration |
| Industrial-grade temperature support | 0°C to 70°C operating range - validated for reliability in non-automotive industrial control and test equipment |
Applications
| Temperature Monitoring System | Industrial Sensor Hub |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Simultaneous reading of eight thermistor or RTD-based temperature probes in HVAC or process control panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central 8-channel ADC digitizing analog voltage outputs from conditioned sensor circuits; serial interface synchronizes with host MCU over shared bus. Use Value: Eliminates need for external multiplexer and reduces BOM count while maintaining ±1 LSB accuracy across 0°C–70°C ambient range. |
Use Scenario: Aggregating analog outputs from pressure, humidity, current-sense, and position sensors in factory automation I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Analog front-end ADC performing pseudodifferential acquisition using COM pin to reject common-mode noise from long sensor cables. Use Value: Enables true ratiometric measurement against VCC, removing dependency on precision voltage references and lowering system cost. |
| Portable Data Logger | Motor Control Feedback Interface |
|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered environmental logger capturing voltage levels from solar irradiance, air quality, and soil moisture sensors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-quiescent-current ADC (0.2 mA typical) operating from 3.3-V Li-ion supply; serial interface minimizes I/O pin usage on ultra-low-pin-count MCU. Use Value: Achieves 32 µs conversion time at 250 kHz clock, allowing >30 kSPS aggregate sampling across channels with deterministic timing. |
Use Scenario: Digitizing analog feedback signals (phase currents, DC bus voltage, temperature) in BLDC motor drives with space-constrained PCB layout. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-impedance analog input stage accepting 0–3.3 V signals directly; SARS output provides hardware-ready flag for interrupt-driven firmware response. Use Value: Supports differential mode to reject EMI from switching power stages, improving current-sense accuracy in noisy motor drive environments. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLV0838CPW | Same 8-channel SAR ADC core, but in 20-pin TSSOP package with 0°C to 70°C rating and NIPDAU lead finish | Surface-mount assembly only; smaller footprint and higher thermal dissipation efficiency than DIP | Select TLV0838CPW for automated SMT production and space-constrained PCBs where through-hole mounting is not required |
| ADC0838CCN | Functionally equivalent 8-bit serial ADC with identical pinout and timing, but includes internal Zener regulator network for 5-V operation | Supports 4.5–6.0 V supply; not rated for 3-V operation - incompatible with low-voltage systems | Choose ADC0838CCN only if legacy 5-V design requires drop-in replacement; TLV0838CN is optimized for 3-V systems without regulator overhead |
Compared with TLV0838CPW, TLV0838CN offers through-hole manufacturability and thermal stability in open-frame enclosures; compared with ADC0838CCN, it eliminates unnecessary regulator power loss and enables direct integration into 3-V microcontroller domains.
Availability
TLV0838CN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor hubs, portable data loggers, motor control feedback interfaces, and temperature monitoring systems requiring stable component supply across commercial temperature ranges.
Supply support for TLV0838CN 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 and embedded processing technologies, with decades of expertise in precision data converters and industrial-grade IC design.
The TLV0838CN belongs to TI's TLV083x family of low-voltage serial ADCs, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, 3-V embedded systems needing multichannel analog sensing without external support components.
FAQ
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by TLV0838CN?
The TLV0838CN supports up to 600 kHz clock frequency when operated at VCC = 3.3 V, enabling faster conversion cycles and higher effective sampling rates. At lower supply voltages such as 2.7 V, the maximum clock frequency is reduced to 250 kHz to ensure reliable internal timing margins and comparator settling.
Does TLV0838CN require an external voltage reference?
No, TLV0838CN does not require an external voltage reference. It operates ratiometrically using VCC as the reference, or accepts an external reference via the REF pin. When VCC = 3.3 V is used as reference, the full-scale input range becomes 0 V to 3.3 V, simplifying design in 3-V systems.
How is differential input configured on TLV0838CN?
Differential input on TLV0838CN is configured by selecting adjacent channel pairs (e.g., CH0/CH1 or CH2/CH3) via the serial address word, with polarity assigned using ODD/EVEN and SGL/DIF bits. The selected pair forms a true differential input where the output code represents the difference between the two channels.
What is the purpose of the COM pin on TLV0838CN?
The COM pin on TLV0838CN serves as the common analog reference for pseudodifferential mode. When enabled, it acts as the shared negative input for all eight channels, allowing each CHx to be treated as the positive side of a differential pair referenced to COM - useful for biased sensor circuits.
Can TLV0838CN interface directly with a microcontroller GPIO without level shifting?
Yes, TLV0838CN inputs and outputs are TTL- and MOS-compatible, with VIH ≥ 2.0 V and VOL ≤ 0.4 V at IOL = 1.6 mA. This allows direct connection to 3.3-V microcontrollers without level-shifting circuitry, provided the MCU's GPIO drive strength meets the specified input current limits.
TLV0838CN Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 20-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Number of Bits:
- 8
- Sampling Rate (Per Second):
- 37.9k
- 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:
- 2.7V ~ 3.6V
- Voltage - Supply, Digital:
- 2.7V ~ 3.6V
- Features:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-PDIP
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
TLV0838CN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TLV0838CN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TLV0838CN 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 TLV0838CN reliable?
The price and inventory of TLV0838CN are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TLV0838CN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TLV0838CN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TLV0838CN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TLV0838CN?
TLV0838CN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TLV0838CN 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 TLV0838CN?
For technical support, including TLV0838CN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TLV0838CN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TLV0838CN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TLV0838CN 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 TLV0838CN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TLV0838CN?
All TLV0838CN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TLV0838CN, 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 TLV0838CN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TLV0838CN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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