Texas Instruments TLV0838IPWR

Overview

TLV0838IPWR from Texas Instruments is an 8-bit successive-approximation analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with integrated 8-channel multiplexer, serial control interface, and operation over 2.7 V to 3.6 V supply. It supports single-ended, differential, and pseudodifferential input configurations, delivers ±1 LSB total unadjusted error, and achieves 32 µs conversion time at 250 kHz clock - used in sensor signal conditioning for industrial monitoring systems.

For engineers reviewing the TLV0838IPWR datasheet, TLV0838IPWR pinout, TLV0838IPWR application, or TLV0838IPWR equivalent, key selection considerations include its TSSOP-20 package, –40°C to +85°C temperature rating, ratiometric reference capability, software-configurable channel addressing, and compatibility with microprocessor serial interfaces without external level-shifting.

Technical Context

The TLV0838IPWR implements a sample-data comparator architecture with internal SAR logic and a 9-bit shift register for serial address/data transfer. Its multiplexer supports eight analog inputs (CH0–CH7) plus COM terminal, enabling pseudodifferential mode where COM serves as common negative reference across all channels.

Conversion is initiated by CS low, followed by a 4-bit address word (start bit + 3-bit configuration) shifted via DI; output data appears MSB-first on DO after multiplexer settling, with SARS indicating active conversion. SE pin controls LSB-first output mode, and digital/analog I/O are TTL/MOS compatible.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP-20 package (20-pin thin shrink small-outline package), 4.4 mm × 6.5 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch, exposed pad optional per TI packaging documentation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLV0838CPWR and ADC0838CCN, the TLV0838IPWR uniquely combines industrial temperature rating, true 3-V operation, and TSSOP-20 footprint - making it the only drop-in solution for space-constrained, wide-temperature embedded ADC applications without external regulation or level-shifting.

Availability

TLV0838IPWR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, automotive cabin electronics, and portable instrumentation requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for TLV0838IPWR 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 TLV0838IPWR belongs to TI's low-voltage, serial-interface ADC product line - engineered for energy-efficient, microprocessor-centric systems where supply headroom, PCB area, and thermal robustness are critical constraints.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by TLV0838IPWR?

The TLV0838IPWR supports up to 600 kHz clock frequency when operated at V_CC = 3.3 V, and 250 kHz at V_CC = 2.7 V. Conversion time remains fixed at eight clock cycles, so higher clock rates reduce total conversion latency - e.g., 13.3 µs at 600 kHz. The device requires a 40%–60% duty cycle for reliable operation.

Does TLV0838IPWR require an external voltage reference?

No, the TLV0838IPWR does not require an external voltage reference. It operates ratiometrically using V_CC as the reference, or accepts an external reference voltage applied to the REF pin - enabling full-scale encoding of any analog span ≤ V_CC. This flexibility eliminates external reference components in many applications.

How is differential input configured on TLV0838IPWR?

Differential input on TLV0838IPWR is configured via the 3-bit address word shifted into the device during CS low. Adjacent channel pairs (e.g., CH0/CH1, CH2/CH3) are assigned as differential pairs, with polarity selectable per pair. The COM pin is not used in true differential mode - only in pseudodifferential mode where it serves as common negative reference.

Can TLV0838IPWR interface directly with a 3.3 V microcontroller?

Yes, TLV0838IPWR interfaces directly with 3.3 V microcontrollers. Its digital I/O (CS, DI, DO, CLK, SARS, SE) are TTL and MOS compatible, with VIH ≥ 2.0 V and VIL ≤ 0.8 V at V_CC = 3.3 V. No level-shifting circuitry is required, and the serial protocol is compatible with standard GPIO bit-banging or hardware SPI peripherals.

What is the function of the SE pin on TLV0838IPWR?

The SE (Send Enable) pin on TLV0838IPWR controls output data format: when held high, DO outputs MSB-first; when pulled low before conversion completion, it enables LSB-first output after the initial MSB-first stream. This dual-format capability supports legacy microcontrollers requiring LSB-first data alignment without additional software post-processing.