Texas Instruments TPS3838J25DBVRG4

Overview

TPS3838J25DBVRG4 from Texas Instruments is a nano-power voltage supervisor IC with 2.25 V threshold, open-drain active-low RESET output, selectable 10 ms or 200 ms reset delay via CT pin, 220 nA typical supply current, and operation from 1.6 V to 6 V supply - used for undervoltage monitoring in battery-powered microcontroller systems.

For engineers reviewing the TPS3838J25DBVRG4 datasheet, TPS3838J25DBVRG4 pinout, TPS3838J25DBVRG4 application, or TPS3838J25DBVRG4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its precise 2.25 V supervision threshold, ultra-low quiescent current, open-drain output requiring external pullup, manual reset capability, and compatibility with MSP430 and other low-power MCUs in portable equipment.

Technical Context

The TPS3838J25DBVRG4 implements a precision bandgap-based voltage comparator with hysteresis (40 mV typical for 2.25 V threshold) to detect VDD falling below 2.25 V and assert RESET after propagation delay (≤10 µs). Its internal timer initiates after VDD rises above VIT + VHYS, with delay duration set by CT pin connection: GND selects 10 ms, VDD selects 200 ms.

It features an active-low open-drain RESET output requiring an external pullup resistor, manual reset input (MR) with internal 30 kΩ pullup, and operates across –40°C to 85°C. The device draws only 220 nA typical supply current when VDD > VIT and remains functional down to 1.6 V supply.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS3838J25DBVRG4 is packaged in a 5-pin SOT-23 (DBV) package, 2.90 mm × 1.60 mm body size, with gull-wing leads and RoHS-compliant NiPdAu finish. 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 supervisor applications.

Compared with TPS3838J25DBVRG4, TPS3838J25DBVT offers identical functionality in a smaller reel format, while MAX6375XR25-T trades nano-power operation and delay flexibility for lower unit cost in line-powered systems where current draw is not constrained.

Availability

TPS3838J25DBVRG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical devices, industrial data loggers, smart meter backup systems, and wireless sensor nodes requiring stable component supply with long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for TPS3838J25DBVRG4 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 designing analog ICs, embedded processors, and connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The TPS383x family was developed specifically for ultra-low-power voltage supervision in battery-critical applications such as MSP430-based systems, offering precision thresholds, configurable timing, and sub-µA quiescent current.

FAQ

What is the exact threshold voltage of the TPS3838J25DBVRG4 and how tightly is it specified?

The TPS3838J25DBVRG4 has a nominal threshold voltage (VIT) of 2.25 V, with a guaranteed range of 2.18 V to 2.29 V over the full –40°C to +85°C operating temperature range. This ±2.5% tolerance ensures predictable reset behavior for 2.5 V systems without requiring calibration or margining in design.

Does the TPS3838J25DBVRG4 require an external pullup resistor on the RESET pin?

Yes, the TPS3838J25DBVRG4 uses an open-drain RESET output and requires an external pullup resistor. The recommended value depends on VDD and load capacitance; for VDD = 3.3 V and typical MCU input capacitance, a 10 kΩ to 100 kΩ resistor is appropriate per TI's Recommended Operating Conditions table in the datasheet.

How is the reset delay time selected on the TPS3838J25DBVRG4?

The reset delay time on the TPS3838J25DBVRG4 is selected via the CT pin: connecting CT to GND configures a 10 ms typical delay, while connecting CT to VDD configures a 200 ms typical delay. No external capacitor is needed - the timing is fully internal and factory-trimmed.

Can the TPS3838J25DBVRG4 operate from a 1.8 V supply?

Yes, the TPS3838J25DBVRG4 operates from 1.6 V to 6 V, so it functions correctly at 1.8 V. However, its 2.25 V threshold means it will assert RESET continuously below that level - making it unsuitable for supervising 1.8 V rails directly, but ideal for monitoring higher rails (e.g., 2.5 V, 3.0 V, or 3.3 V) in 1.8 V systems.

What is the maximum supply current of the TPS3838J25DBVRG4 under worst-case conditions?

The TPS3838J25DBVRG4 draws a maximum supply current of 450 nA when VDD > VIT and VDD > 3 V, per the Electrical Characteristics table. When VDD < VIT, current increases to 10–15 µA - a deliberate design feature enabling fast wake-up and reliable reset assertion during brownout.