Texas Instruments TPS3838L30DBVT

Overview

TPS3838L30DBVT from Texas Instruments is a nano-power voltage supervisor IC with active-low open-drain RESET output, 2.64 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 battery-powered microcontroller systems such as MSP430-based portable instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the TPS3838L30DBVT datasheet, TPS3838L30DBVT pinout, TPS3838L30DBVT application, or TPS3838L30DBVT equivalent, key selection criteria include its 2.64 V precision supervision threshold, open-drain output requiring external pullup, SOT-23-5 package compatibility, and –40°C to 85°C industrial temperature range.

Technical Context

The TPS3838L30DBVT implements a comparator-based supervision architecture with internal hysteresis (40 mV) and a refresh timer that initiates reset assertion when VDD falls below 2.64 V or MR is pulled low. Its CT pin selects between two fixed delay modes: 10 ms (CT = GND) or 200 ms (CT = VDD), enabling precise power-up sequencing control.

As part of the TPS383x family, it shares identical functional block topology with TPS3836/TPS3837 but differs in output stage: open-drain RESET requires external pullup resistor (per Recommended Operating Conditions), unlike push-pull variants. The device operates across 1.6 V–6 V supply range and features 50 pF input capacitance at MR/CT pins.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS3838L30DBVT uses the 5-pin SOT-23 (DBV) package: 2.90 mm × 1.60 mm body, 0.95 mm height, gull-wing leads, RoHS-compliant NiPdAu finish, MSL Level-1.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS3838L30DBVT, TPS3836L30DBVT offers lower system component count but forfeits bus flexibility, while MAX6373L30+T trades 7× higher current for second-source availability - making TPS3838L30DBVT optimal for long-life, multi-drop reset architectures.

Availability

TPS3838L30DBVT 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 industrial-temperature performance.

Supply support for TPS3838L30DBVT 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 product line delivers nano-power voltage supervisors optimized for battery-critical applications including wearables, IoT edge nodes, and portable instrumentation - emphasizing ultra-low I_DD, precision thresholds, and flexible reset timing.

FAQ

What is the exact threshold voltage of TPS3838L30DBVT and how does it vary with temperature?

The TPS3838L30DBVT has a nominal threshold voltage (V_IT) of 2.64 V, with guaranteed range of 2.56 V to 2.69 V across –40°C to +85°C. Its normalized reset threshold voltage drift is less than ±0.5% over this range, as confirmed in Figure 5 of the SLVS292F datasheet. This stability eliminates need for recalibration in field-deployed TPS3838L30DBVT-based systems.

Does TPS3838L30DBVT require an external pullup resistor on the RESET pin?

Yes, TPS3838L30DBVT requires an external pullup resistor on the RESET pin because it features an open-drain output. The datasheet specifies a recommended pullup value based on VDD and load conditions - typically 10 kΩ to 100 kΩ - to ensure proper logic-high level and rise time. Omitting this resistor will prevent the RESET signal from reaching valid high state.

How is the reset delay time selected on TPS3838L30DBVT?

The reset delay time on TPS3838L30DBVT is selected via the CT pin: connecting CT to GND configures a 10 ms delay (5–15 ms range), while connecting CT to VDD configures a 200 ms delay (100–300 ms range). No external capacitor is needed - the timing is internally generated and factory-trimmed, ensuring consistent behavior across units and temperatures.

Can TPS3838L30DBVT supervise a 1.8 V supply rail?

No, TPS3838L30DBVT is not designed for 1.8 V supervision. Its fixed 2.64 V threshold targets 3.0 V systems. For 1.8 V rails, TI recommends TPS3838E18DBVT (1.71 V threshold). Attempting to use TPS3838L30DBVT on 1.8 V will result in permanent RESET assertion since VDD never exceeds V_IT, rendering the device nonfunctional in that configuration.

What is the maximum supply voltage rating for TPS3838L30DBVT?

The absolute maximum supply voltage (VDD) for TPS3838L30DBVT is 7 V, as stated in Section 7.1 of the SLVS292F datasheet. Operation above this voltage risks permanent damage. For systems with transient-prone supplies (e.g., automotive or industrial 12 V rails), external clamping or regulation is required before connecting to the TPS3838L30DBVT VDD pin.