Texas Instruments TPS3838J25DBVTG4

Overview

TPS3838J25DBVTG4 from Texas Instruments is a nano-power voltage supervisor IC with open-drain active-low RESET output, 2.25 V threshold voltage (V_IT), 220 nA typical supply current, selectable 10 ms or 200 ms reset delay via CT pin, and –40°C to 85°C operating range - used for undervoltage monitoring in battery-powered microcontroller systems.

For engineers reviewing the TPS3838J25DBVTG4 datasheet, TPS3838J25DBVTG4 pinout, TPS3838J25DBVTG4 application, or TPS3838J25DBVTG4 equivalent, key selection considerations include its open-drain output requiring external pullup, precise 2.25 V supervision level, ultra-low quiescent current, CT-configurable delay, and compatibility with MSP430 and other low-power MCUs in portable equipment.

Technical Context

The TPS3838J25DBVTG4 implements a precision bandgap-based voltage comparator with hysteresis (40 mV typical) to monitor VDD against a fixed 2.25 V threshold. It asserts RESET when VDD falls below V_IT or MR is pulled low, with propagation delay under 10 µs.

Reset deassertion is delayed by an internal timer after VDD rises above V_IT + V_HYS; delay time is selected by CT pin connection - GND yields ~10 ms, VDD yields ~200 ms. The open-drain RESET output requires an external pullup resistor per TI's recommended operating conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS3838J25DBVTG4 is packaged in a 5-pin SOT-23 (DBV) package, 2.90 mm × 1.60 mm body size, with exposed pad not 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 supervisor applications.

Compared with TPS3838J25DBVTG4, TPS3838J25DBVR offers identical functionality in bulk packaging, while MAX6375XR22+T trades ultra-low power for push-pull convenience - making TPS3838J25DBVTG4 optimal for long-life, space-constrained, multi-voltage designs.

Availability

TPS3838J25DBVTG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, lithium-ion battery monitors, MSP430-based data loggers, and low-power industrial controllers requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for TPS3838J25DBVTG4 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 digital signal solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The TPS383x family was designed specifically for ultra-low-power voltage supervision in battery-critical systems - delivering nanoscale current draw, precision thresholds, and configurable timing without sacrificing reliability.

FAQ

What is the exact threshold voltage of the TPS3838J25DBVTG4?

The TPS3838J25DBVTG4 has a nominal threshold voltage (V_IT) of 2.25 V, with a guaranteed range of 2.18 V to 2.29 V over –40°C to +85°C. This value is laser-trimmed during production and documented in Section 7.6 of the SLVS292F datasheet. The "J25" suffix explicitly denotes the 2.25 V variant within the TPS383x family.

Does the TPS3838J25DBVTG4 require an external pullup resistor?

Yes, the TPS3838J25DBVTG4 features an open-drain RESET output and requires an external pullup resistor. TI specifies a maximum value in the Recommended Operating Conditions table - typically 100 kΩ for 3.3 V systems - to ensure proper logic-high levels and timing margins. This differs from the push-pull TPS3836/TPS3837 variants which do not need external resistors.

How is reset delay configured on the TPS3838J25DBVTG4?

Reset delay on the TPS3838J25DBVTG4 is set by the CT pin: connecting CT to GND selects a typical 10 ms delay, while connecting CT to VDD selects a typical 200 ms delay. No external capacitor is needed - the timing is generated internally. This hardware-selectable feature avoids firmware dependencies and improves system robustness during power-up sequences.

What is the supply current of the TPS3838J25DBVTG4 under normal operation?

The TPS3838J25DBVTG4 draws 220 nA typical supply current (I_DD) when VDD is above the threshold and stable - verified at VDD < 3 V. At higher VDD (e.g., 3.3 V or 5 V), typical current rises to 250 nA. This ultra-low quiescent current is critical for multi-year operation in coin-cell or energy-harvesting applications where the TPS3838J25DBVTG4 is commonly deployed.

Is the TPS3838J25DBVTG4 compatible with MSP430 microcontrollers?

Yes, the TPS3838J25DBVTG4 is explicitly referenced in TI's application examples for MSP430 systems, including the typical circuit shown in Figure 8 of SLVS292F. Its 2.25 V threshold, 200 ms delay option (via CT = VDD), and open-drain RESET output interface directly with MSP430 GPIO pins - supporting both power-on reset and brownout recovery in ultra-low-power sleep modes like LPM3/LPM4.