Texas Instruments TPS3838E18DBVTG4

Overview

TPS3838E18DBVTG4 from Texas Instruments is a nano-power voltage supervisor IC with open-drain active-low RESET output, 1.71 V threshold voltage (V_IT), 10 ms/200 ms selectable reset delay via CT pin, and 220 nA typical supply current. It monitors supply rails in ultra-low-power systems such as battery-backed microcontrollers and MSP430-based sensor nodes.

For engineers reviewing the TPS3838E18DBVTG4 datasheet, TPS3838E18DBVTG4 pinout, TPS3838E18DBVTG4 application, or TPS3838E18DBVTG4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.71 V precision supervision threshold, open-drain output requiring external pullup, CT-configurable delay, –40°C to 85°C operation, and WSON-6 (DRV) package compatibility.

Technical Context

The TPS3838E18DBVTG4 implements a precision bandgap-referenced comparator with hysteresis (V_HYS = 30 mV) to detect undervoltage on the VDD pin. Its internal timer initiates after VDD exceeds V_IT + V_HYS, with delay time (t_D) set by CT pin logic level: GND → 10 ms, VDD → 200 ms.

It features manual reset (MR) with active-low asynchronous assertion, propagation delay t_PHL ≤ 10 µs from VDD or MR, and operates across 1.6 V–6 V supply range. The open-drain RESET output requires an external pullup resistor per TI's recommended value in operating conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS3838E18DBVTG4 is packaged in a 2.00 mm × 2.00 mm, 6-pin WSON (DRV) package with wettable flanks, RoHS-compliant, and rated MSL-1 (260°C peak reflow).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS3836E18DBVR, TPS3838E18DBVTG4 trades push-pull simplicity for open-drain versatility and lower I_DD; versus MAX6375XR22+T, it delivers tighter threshold accuracy, lower quiescent current, and configurable delay-critical for long-life 1.8 V designs.

Availability

TPS3838E18DBVTG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, MSP430-based data loggers, and wireless sensor nodes requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed nano-power performance.

Supply support for TPS3838E18DBVTG4 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 specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with leadership in low-power design and industrial-grade reliability.

The TPS383x family was designed specifically for ultra-low-power voltage monitoring in battery-critical applications, emphasizing nanoscale quiescent current, precision thresholds, and flexible reset timing without firmware dependency.

FAQ

What is the exact threshold voltage of TPS3838E18DBVTG4 and how tightly is it specified?

The TPS3838E18DBVTG4 has a nominal threshold voltage (V_IT) of 1.71 V, with guaranteed tolerance of ±1.5% over the full –40°C to +85°C temperature range. This specification is confirmed in Section 7.6 of the SLVS292F datasheet under "Negative-going input threshold voltage" for the E18 variant. The tight tolerance ensures deterministic reset behavior in 1.8 V systems without margining overhead.

Does TPS3838E18DBVTG4 require an external pullup resistor on the RESET pin?

Yes, TPS3838E18DBVTG4 requires an external pullup resistor on the RESET pin because it features an open-drain active-low output. The recommended value is specified in the "Recommended Operating Conditions" table (Section 7.4) of the datasheet and depends on VDD and load capacitance. Failure to install the pullup will prevent the RESET signal from reaching a valid high state during deassertion.

How is the reset delay time selected on TPS3838E18DBVTG4?

The reset delay time on TPS3838E18DBVTG4 is selected by the logic level applied to the CT pin: connecting CT to GND configures a 10 ms delay, while connecting CT to VDD configures a 200 ms delay. These values are typical and specified in Section 7.8 (Switching Characteristics) with min/typ/max bounds. No external capacitor is needed-timing is internally generated.

What package type and dimensions does TPS3838E18DBVTG4 use?

TPS3838E18DBVTG4 uses the DRV package: a 2.00 mm × 2.00 mm, 6-pin WSON (very thin quad flat no-lead) with wettable flanks. This package is distinct from the 5-pin SOT-23 variants in the same family. Mechanical drawings and land pattern recommendations are provided in Section 14 (Mechanical, Packaging, and Orderable Information) of the SLVS292F datasheet.

Can TPS3838E18DBVTG4 operate from a 1.6 V supply?

Yes, TPS3838E18DBVTG4 is fully specified to operate from 1.6 V to 6 V per Section 7.4 (Recommended Operating Conditions). At 1.6 V, it continues to monitor VDD and assert RESET when voltage falls below 1.71 V, though the output may not drive strongly due to reduced headroom. The 1.6 V minimum ensures compatibility with partially discharged 1.8 V batteries and low-voltage energy harvesting sources.