Texas Instruments TPS3838K33DRVT

Overview

TPS3838K33DRVT from Texas Instruments is a nano-power voltage supervisor IC with open-drain active-low 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 - used for undervoltage monitoring in lithium-ion battery-powered microcontroller systems such as MSP430-based portable instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the TPS3838K33DRVT datasheet, TPS3838K33DRVT pinout, TPS3838K33DRVT application, or TPS3838K33DRVT equivalent, key selection criteria include its open-drain RESET architecture requiring external pullup, precise 2.93 V supervision level, ultra-low quiescent current, and WSON-6 package compatibility with space-constrained battery management circuits.

Technical Context

The TPS3838K33DRVT implements a precision bandgap-referenced comparator to monitor VDD against a fixed 2.93 V threshold (V_IT) with 40 mV hysteresis (V_HYS). Its internal refresh timer initiates reset assertion when VDD falls below V_IT or MR is pulled low, and delays deassertion until VDD exceeds V_IT + V_HYS for the selected delay period (10 ms or 200 ms).

Unlike push-pull variants, the TPS3838K33DRVT uses an open-drain RESET output requiring an external pullup resistor - enabling wired-OR configurations and flexible logic-level interfacing. The CT pin directly configures delay without external components, while MR supports manual system reset independent of supply voltage conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS3838K33DRVT is housed 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 MAX6326LT33D2T, the TPS3838K33DRVT uniquely balances ultra-low power, open-drain flexibility, and hardware-selectable delay - making it optimal for space-constrained, long-life, multi-device reset architectures.

Availability

TPS3838K33DRVT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, MSP430-based data loggers, wireless sensor nodes, industrial handheld terminals, and other applications requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for TPS3838K33DRVT 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 microcontrollers.

The TPS383x family was designed specifically for ultra-low-power voltage supervision in battery-critical systems - emphasizing nanoscale current consumption, precision thresholds, and minimal external component count for portable and IoT edge devices.

FAQ

What is the exact reset threshold voltage of the TPS3838K33DRVT?

The TPS3838K33DRVT has a nominal reset threshold voltage (V_IT) of 2.93 V, with a guaranteed range of 2.84 V to 2.99 V across –40°C to +85°C. This value is factory-trimmed and fixed - no external resistors or configuration bits adjust it. The 2.93 V threshold is specifically selected to supervise 3.3 V rails with appropriate margin against noise and droop.

Does the TPS3838K33DRVT require an external pullup resistor on the RESET pin?

Yes, the TPS3838K33DRVT requires an external pullup resistor on the RESET pin because it features an open-drain output. The recommended value is determined by the target logic voltage and sink current; for a 3.3 V system, TI specifies ≤10 kΩ to ensure proper rise time and noise immunity. Unlike push-pull variants (e.g., TPS3836), this architecture enables wired-OR reset busing and mixed-voltage interfacing.

How is the reset delay time configured on the TPS3838K33DRVT?

The reset delay time on the TPS3838K33DRVT is configured solely by the CT pin: connect CT to GND for a typical 10 ms delay, or to VDD for a typical 200 ms delay. No external capacitor or resistor is needed. This hardware-selectable method ensures deterministic timing without firmware involvement or component tolerance drift - critical for fail-safe power-on reset sequences.

Can the TPS3838K33DRVT operate from a 1.8 V supply?

No, the TPS3838K33DRVT is not rated for 1.8 V operation. Its minimum recommended supply voltage is 1.6 V, but its 2.93 V threshold means it cannot supervise rails below ~3.0 V. For 1.8 V systems, TI offers the TPS3838E18 variant (1.71 V threshold). Using TPS3838K33DRVT on a 1.8 V rail would prevent RESET assertion entirely, as VDD never reaches V_IT.

What is the maximum allowable supply voltage for the TPS3838K33DRVT?

The absolute maximum supply voltage (VDD) for the TPS3838K33DRVT is 7 V, per the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. However, the recommended operating range is 1.6 V to 6 V. Exceeding 6 V risks violating internal junction limits and may cause permanent damage, especially during transients - TI recommends clamping or filtering if the source is prone to overshoot beyond 6 V.