Texas Instruments TPS3838E18DBVRG4

Overview

TPS3838E18DBVRG4 from Texas Instruments is a nano-power voltage supervisor IC with active-low open-drain RESET output, 1.71 V threshold voltage (V_IT), 10 ms/200 ms selectable reset delay, and 220 nA typical supply current. It monitors supply rails in ultra-low-power systems such as battery-backed microcontrollers and portable instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the TPS3838E18DBVRG4 datasheet, TPS3838E18DBVRG4 pinout, TPS3838E18DBVRG4 application, or TPS3838E18DBVRG4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its open-drain output requiring external pullup, precise 1.71 V supervision level, CT-pin programmable delay, manual reset capability, and operation across –40°C to 85°C.

Technical Context

The TPS3838E18DBVRG4 implements a precision bandgap-based voltage comparator with built-in hysteresis (30 mV) to reject noise-induced false resets. Its internal timer initiates after VDD exceeds V_IT + V_HYS, with delay timing controlled solely by the CT pin state-GND for 10 ms, VDD for 200 ms.

As an open-drain device, it requires an external pullup resistor on the RESET line, supports manual reset assertion via MR pin, and features propagation delays of ≤10 µs (VDD-to-RESET) and ≤0.3 µs (MR-to-RESET). It operates from 1.6 V to 6 V supply and draws only 220 nA typical quiescent current above threshold.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS3838E18DBVRG4 is housed in a 5-pin SOT-23 (DBV) package, 2.90 mm × 1.60 mm body size, with exposed pad not electrically connected. Pin 1 is VDD; pin 2 is GND; pin 3 is CT; pin 4 is MR; pin 5 is RESET.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS3836E18DBVR and MAX6375XR22+T, the TPS3838E18DBVRG4 uniquely combines ultra-low 220 nA current draw, precise 1.71 V threshold, dual-delay configurability, manual reset, and open-drain flexibility-making it optimal for multi-drop reset architectures and long-life battery systems.

Availability

TPS3838E18DBVRG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, lithium-ion battery monitoring, industrial wireless nodes, and MSP430-based data loggers requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for TPS3838E18DBVRG4 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 power management, signal chain, and microcontroller technologies.

The TPS383x family was designed specifically for ultra-low-power voltage supervision in battery-critical applications, emphasizing nanoscale current consumption, precision thresholds, and flexible reset timing without external components.

FAQ

What is the exact threshold voltage of the TPS3838E18DBVRG4, and how does hysteresis affect its behavior?

The TPS3838E18DBVRG4 has a nominal threshold voltage (V_IT) of 1.71 V, with guaranteed range 1.66 V to 1.74 V over temperature. It incorporates 30 mV of hysteresis (V_HYS), meaning the rising-edge release point is ~1.74 V and falling-edge assertion point is ~1.71 V. This prevents oscillation during slow-rising or noisy supply conditions and is intrinsic to the device's design-no external components needed.

Does the TPS3838E18DBVRG4 require an external pullup resistor on the RESET pin, and what value should be used?

Yes, the TPS3838E18DBVRG4 uses an open-drain RESET output and requires an external pullup resistor. Per the datasheet's Recommended Operating Conditions, the pullup value depends on VDD: for VDD = 1.8 V, use ≤100 kΩ; for VDD = 3.3 V, use ≤50 kΩ; for VDD = 5 V, use ≤30 kΩ. The resistor connects between RESET and the target logic rail (e.g., MCU VCC) to ensure proper high-level voltage.

How is the reset delay time selected on the TPS3838E18DBVRG4, and can it be changed dynamically?

The reset delay on the TPS3838E18DBVRG4 is selected statically via the CT pin: connect CT to GND for 10 ms delay or to VDD for 200 ms delay. This is a hardware configuration-no dynamic change is possible during operation. The delay starts only after VDD rises above V_IT + V_HYS and MR is high; it does not apply during manual reset assertion.

Can the MR pin of the TPS3838E18DBVRG4 be left floating, or must it be terminated?

The MR pin of the TPS3838E18DBVRG4 must not be left floating. If unused, TI specifies that MR be tied directly to VDD to minimize leakage current and prevent unintended reset assertion. Floating MR may cause erratic behavior due to noise coupling or internal leakage paths, compromising system reliability.

Is the TPS3838E18DBVRG4 RoHS-compliant and lead-free, and what is its moisture sensitivity level?

Yes, the TPS3838E18DBVRG4 is RoHS-compliant and lead-free, with NIPDAU (nickel/palladium/gold) terminal finish. Its moisture sensitivity level (MSL) is Level-1, rated for unlimited floor life at ≤30°C/85% RH, and supports peak reflow temperatures up to 260°C per JEDEC J-STD-020. No bake preconditioning is required prior to assembly.