Texas Instruments TPS3838K33DBVTG4

Overview

TPS3838K33DBVTG4 from Texas Instruments is a nano-power voltage supervisor IC with active-low open-drain RESET output, 2.93 V threshold voltage (V_IT), 220 nA typical supply current, and selectable 10 ms or 200 ms reset delay via CT pin-designed for undervoltage monitoring in lithium-ion battery–powered MSP430 microcontroller systems.

For engineers reviewing the TPS3838K33DBVTG4 datasheet, TPS3838K33DBVTG4 pinout, TPS3838K33DBVTG4 application, or TPS3838K33DBVTG4 equivalent, key selection considerations include its open-drain RESET architecture requiring an external pullup resistor, precise 2.93 V supervision level for 3.3 V nominal rails, –40°C to 85°C operation, and WSON-6 (DRV) package compatibility with space-constrained portable designs.

Technical Context

The TPS3838K33DBVTG4 implements a precision bandgap-based voltage comparator with 40 mV hysteresis (V_HYS) to prevent oscillation near threshold, coupled with a refresh timer that enforces reset assertion until V_DD exceeds V_IT + V_HYS for the full selected delay period. Its MR input supports active-low manual reset with 0.3 µs propagation delay.

Unlike push-pull variants (TPS3836/TPS3837), the TPS3838K33DBVTG4 uses an open-drain output stage, mandating an external pullup resistor per recommended operating conditions; CT pin configuration directly selects between 10 ms (CT = GND) and 200 ms (CT = V_DD) delay without external components.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS3838K33DBVTG4 is packaged in a 2.00 mm × 2.00 mm, 6-pin WSON (DRV) package with wettable flanks, optimized for automated optical inspection and high-density PCB layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS3836K33DBVR and MAX6373KA33+T, the TPS3838K33DBVTG4 uniquely balances ultra-low power, hardware-selectable delay, and open-drain interoperability-making it optimal for multi-supervisor reset buses and long-life battery systems where board area and component count are constrained.

Availability

TPS3838K33DBVTG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, lithium-ion battery management, industrial wireless transmitters, and MSP430-based data loggers requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for TPS3838K33DBVTG4 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 and precision analog ICs since 1930.

The TPS383x family was engineered specifically for ultra-low-power voltage supervision in battery-critical applications-emphasizing nanoscale current consumption, factory-trimmed thresholds, and robust reset timing control for MSP430 and other ultra-low-power MCUs.

FAQ

What is the function of the CT pin on the TPS3838K33DBVTG4?

The CT pin on the TPS3838K33DBVTG4 selects the reset delay time: connecting CT to GND configures a 10 ms delay, while connecting CT to VDD selects a 200 ms delay. This hardware-based selection eliminates external timing components and firmware dependencies. The TPS3838K33DBVTG4 does not require a capacitor on CT-its internal circuitry interprets the DC voltage level directly.

Does the TPS3838K33DBVTG4 require an external pullup resistor on the RESET pin?

Yes, the TPS3838K33DBVTG4 features an active-low open-drain RESET output and requires an external pullup resistor to the appropriate logic rail (e.g., 3.3 V). The recommended value is specified in the "Recommended Operating Conditions" table of the datasheet and depends on load capacitance and rise-time requirements. This differs from the push-pull TPS3836K33DBVR variant, which does not require a pullup.

What is the exact threshold voltage (V_IT) of the TPS3838K33DBVTG4 and how tightly is it specified?

The TPS3838K33DBVTG4 has a nominal threshold voltage (V_IT) of 2.93 V, with a guaranteed range of 2.84 V to 2.99 V over –40°C to 85°C. This 1.5% tolerance is factory-trimmed and includes hysteresis (V_HYS = 40 mV), ensuring stable operation without oscillation during slow supply ramps. The value is specific to the "K33" suffix and applies only to this variant-not to other TPS383x part numbers.

Can the TPS3838K33DBVTG4 be used in automotive applications?

No-the TPS3838K33DBVTG4 is rated for –40°C to 85°C and is not qualified for automotive use. For automotive-grade operation, TI offers the TPS383x-Q1 series (e.g., TPS3838K33QDBVRQ1), which undergoes AEC-Q100 qualification, supports –40°C to 125°C, and includes enhanced ESD and latch-up immunity. Using the standard TPS3838K33DBVTG4 in automotive environments voids warranty and risks functional failure.

How does the manual reset (MR) pin behave when left unconnected on the TPS3838K33DBVTG4?

When the MR pin is left unconnected on the TPS3838K33DBVTG4, its internal 30 kΩ pullup resistor biases it to VDD, rendering it inactive and allowing normal voltage-monitoring operation. However, TI recommends explicitly tying MR to VDD in production designs to minimize leakage uncertainty and ensure predictable current consumption-especially critical in nano-power applications where every nanoamp matters.