Texas Instruments TPS3836H30DBVT

Overview

TPS3836H30DBVT from Texas Instruments is a nano-power voltage supervisor IC with active-low push-pull RESET output, 2.79 V threshold voltage (V_IT), 220 nA typical supply current, and selectable 10 ms or 200 ms reset delay via CT pin - used for reliable power-on and undervoltage reset in battery-powered microcontroller systems such as MSP430-based portable instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the TPS3836H30DBVT datasheet, TPS3836H30DBVT pinout, TPS3836H30DBVT application, or TPS3836H30DBVT equivalent, key selection considerations include its precise 2.79 V supervision level, ultra-low quiescent current, SOT-23-5 package compatibility, manual reset support, and push-pull output eliminating external pull-up requirements.

Technical Context

The TPS3836H30DBVT implements a precision band-gap referenced comparator to monitor VDD against a fixed 2.79 V threshold (V_IT) with 40 mV hysteresis (V_HYS), ensuring noise immunity during voltage transitions. Its internal timer initiates reset deassertion only after VDD exceeds V_IT + V_HYS and remains stable for the selected delay period.

Reset delay time is determined solely by the CT pin state: grounded for 10 ms (typical), tied to VDD for 200 ms (typical). The MR input provides asynchronous active-low manual reset with sub-microsecond propagation delay (<0.3 µs), independent of VDD monitoring status.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS3836H30DBVT is housed in a 5-pin SOT-23 (DBV) package measuring 2.90 mm × 1.60 mm, optimized for space-constrained PCB layouts in handheld and wearable electronics.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar voltage supervisor applications.

Compared with TPS3836K33DBVT, the TPS3836H30DBVT provides a 140 mV lower threshold better matched to 3.0 V rails and Li-ion discharge curves; versus MAX6375XR27T, it delivers nanoscale current draw and integrated delay configuration - critical for decade-long deployments in energy-harvesting and remote sensing.

Availability

TPS3836H30DBVT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, MSP430-based data loggers, wireless sensor nodes, industrial handheld terminals, and battery-backed real-time clocks requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for TPS3836H30DBVT 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 company delivering analog and embedded processing solutions, with leadership in low-power design, precision analog, and industrial-grade reliability.

The TPS383x family was designed specifically for ultra-low-power voltage supervision in battery-operated microcontroller systems, emphasizing nano-ampere quiescent current, factory-trimmed thresholds, and hardware-configurable timing - targeting portable instrumentation, wearables, and remote IoT endpoints.

FAQ

What is the exact threshold voltage of the TPS3836H30DBVT and how does it vary with temperature?

The TPS3836H30DBVT has a nominal threshold voltage (V_IT) of 2.79 V, with a guaranteed range of 2.70 V to 2.85 V over –40°C to +85°C. Its normalized reset threshold voltage remains within ±0.5% across this temperature range, as confirmed by Figure 5 in the official datasheet. This tight drift ensures consistent 3.0 V rail supervision without recalibration in varying ambient conditions - a key requirement for TPS3836H30DBVT deployments in outdoor or automotive-adjacent environments.

Does the TPS3836H30DBVT require an external pull-up resistor on the RESET pin?

No, the TPS3836H30DBVT features an active-low push-pull RESET output, meaning it actively drives both high and low states without requiring an external pull-up resistor. This is explicitly stated in Section 9.3.4 of the datasheet and differentiates it from open-drain variants like the TPS3838. Using TPS3836H30DBVT eliminates one passive component, reduces board area, and ensures predictable rise/fall times - directly improving system reliability in electrically noisy applications.

How is the reset delay time configured on the TPS3836H30DBVT?

The reset delay time on the TPS3836H30DBVT is configured solely by the CT pin: connect CT to GND for a typical 10 ms delay, or to VDD for a typical 200 ms delay. No external capacitor or resistor is needed. This hardware-selectable timing is validated in Section 7.8 (Switching Characteristics) and Figure 7 (Timing Diagram), where t_D is measured under those exact conditions. The CT pin draws less than 25 nA, making it compatible with direct MCU GPIO control if dynamic delay switching is required in firmware.

Can the TPS3836H30DBVT supervise a 3.6 V lithium-ion battery directly?

Yes, the TPS3836H30DBVT supports input voltages from 1.6 V to 6 V and is routinely used to supervise 3.6 V lithium-ion batteries, as shown in the "Typical Application Circuit" (Figure 8) and Section 10.2.1 of the datasheet. Its 2.79 V threshold aligns with the end-of-discharge voltage of Li-ion cells, triggering reset before the MCU enters undefined operation. The device's 7 V absolute maximum rating on VDD also accommodates brief charge-phase transients common in Li-ion charging circuits.

What is the manual reset (MR) behavior when left unconnected on the TPS3836H30DBVT?

When the MR pin is left unconnected on the TPS3836H30DBVT, its internal 30 kΩ pull-up resistor pulls it to VDD, rendering it inactive (logic high) and disabling manual reset functionality. This is documented in Section 6 (Pin Functions) and Section 12.1 (Layout Guidelines). Leaving MR floating is not recommended; instead, tie it directly to VDD if unused - ensuring minimal leakage current and preventing noise-induced false resets, which is critical for TPS3836H30DBVT reliability in high-EMI environments.