ADC0838BCV - 8-Bit SAR ADC with 8-CH MUX | Texas Instruments
MPN: ADC0838BCV ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.5 | $7.50 |
| 10 | $6.45 | $64.50 |
| 100 | $5.2 | $520.00 |
| 500 | $4.35 | $2,175.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.6 | $3,600.00 |
ADC0838BCV Overview
An SAR ADC is a successive-approximation-register analog-to-digital converter, a subtype of the data-converter (ADC) category in the signal-chain/analog-IC hierarchy. Unlike integrating dual-slope or pipelined ADCs, SAR converters use a binary-search algorithm with an internal sample-and-hold and a precision DAC to determine each bit in N clock cycles. SAR ADCs are valued for low latency (one conversion in N cycles), moderate resolution (typically 8-18 bits), and zero pipeline delay, which makes them the workhorse choice for multiplexed data acquisition, sensor readout, and embedded control loops where deterministic per-channel timing is essential.
Key features of the ADC0838BCV include 8-bit resolution, an integrated 8-channel analog multiplexer (configurable as 4 differential or 8 single-ended inputs), a separate analog and digital supply pin pair for noise isolation, and a chip-selectable MICROWIRE-compatible synchronous serial interface. The differential analog input structure allows rejection of common-mode noise in industrial environments, while the digital output is TTL/CMOS-compatible. The device offers low power operation suitable for battery-powered or remote sensor applications.
The ADC0838BCV uses a charge-redistribution DAC and successive-approximation register built on a standard bipolar CMOS process. The 20-pin PLCC package provides robust through-hole-style lead robustness in a surface-mount footprint, making it easier to handle and inspect than fine-pitch QFN packages - useful in legacy designs, prototyping, and harsh-environment industrial equipment.
Typical applications include multi-channel data-acquisition front-ends for industrial process control, transducer/thermistor/thermopile signal conditioning, portable instrumentation with battery-supply operation, multi-zone temperature monitoring, and embedded 8-bit sensor readouts for HVAC, appliance, and white-goods control boards. The integrated multiplexer makes it a strong fit when an MCU lacks an internal ADC or when more channels are needed than the MCU provides.
When designing with the ADC0838BCV, route the analog and digital grounds as separate islands that meet at a single point near the AGND pin to avoid digital switching noise coupling into the analog input. Place the 0.1 uF analog supply decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VCC pin, and keep analog input traces away from the serial clock and data lines.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet - combining technical specification, supply-chain insight, and engineering judgement in one place.
Drop-in alternatives for ADC0838BCV — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with ADC0838BCV (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Architecture, Data Interface, Mounting Type, Resolution, Sampling Rate.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ADC0838CCN/NOPB
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →ADC0838CCV
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →ADC0838BIN
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ADC0834CCN
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ADC0832BCN
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ADC0838BCV Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 8 bits |
| Converter Type | SAR (Successive Approximation Register) |
| Number of Input Channels | 8 (configurable as 8 single-ended or 4 differential) |
| Input Configuration | Multiplexed, pseudo-differential or single-ended |
| Sampling Rate | 31 kSPS (max) |
| Data Interface | Serial (NSC MICROWIRE-compatible, synchronous) |
| Analog Supply Voltage | +5 V (typical, single supply) |
| Digital Supply Voltage | +5 V (typical) |
| Package | 20-pin PLCC (J-lead, 9x9 mm) |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 C to +70 C (commercial grade) |
| Input Voltage Range | 0 V to +5 V (single-ended, VCC-referenced) |
| Architecture | SAR with charge-redistribution DAC |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
ADC0838BCV Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | CH0 — Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 2 | CH1 — Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 3 | CH2 — Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 4 | CH3 — Analog input channel 3 |
| Pin 5 | CH4 — Analog input channel 4 |
| Pin 6 | CH5 — Analog input channel 5 |
| Pin 7 | CH6 — Analog input channel 6 |
| Pin 8 | CH7 — Analog input channel 7 |
| Pin 9 | VREF — Voltage reference (typically tied to VCC for ratiometric operation) |
| Pin 10 | DGND — Digital ground |
| Pin 11 | DO — Serial data output (to MCU MISO) |
| Pin 12 | DI — Serial data input (from MCU MOSI) |
| Pin 13 | CLK — Serial clock input |
| Pin 14 | CS — Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 15 | AGND — Analog ground |
| Pin 16 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 17 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 18 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 19 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 20 | VCC — +5 V analog supply |
Typical Applications
ADC0838BCV is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Multi-Channel Data Acquisition, Sensor Signal Conditioning & Multi-Zone Temperature Monitoring, Portable Battery-Powered Instrumentation, HVAC and Appliance Control Boards, Automotive Sensor Readout (Legacy), Embedded 8-bit Sensor Readout for Microcontrollers without Internal ADC.
Industrial Multi-Channel Data Acquisition
The ADC0838BCV fits industrial data acquisition front ends because of its integrated 8-channel analog multiplexer and SAR architecture, eliminating external analog switches and reducing BOM count. The 31 kSPS sample rate is more than adequate for slow process signals (temperature, pressure, flow, level) at typical 1-10 Hz per-channel update rates. The differential input mode (4 DI) rejects 50/60 Hz line noise common in factory environments, while the +5 V single-supply operation simplifies power design. The MICROWIRE-compatible serial interface connects directly to most industrial MCUs without glue logic, making the part well suited for PLC analog input modules and SCADA remote terminal units.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning & Multi-Zone Temperature Monitoring
Multi-zone temperature monitoring systems benefit from the ADC0838BCV's 8 single-ended inputs, allowing direct connection of up to 8 thermistors, thermocouples (with external amplification), or RTDs to one converter, reducing board space and cost. The SAR conversion latency is one conversion cycle - critical for control loops that need deterministic per-channel readout. The 0-5 V input range covers the common-mode output of thermistor dividers and 4-20 mA current-loop receivers with appropriate scaling resistors. The 8-channel multiplexer and parallel ADC version enables simultaneous sampling for multi-zone HVAC, refrigeration, or industrial oven controllers.
Recommended
Portable Battery-Powered Instrumentation
Portable handheld instruments and remote sensor nodes use the ADC0838BCV because of its low-power +5 V single-supply operation and integrated signal chain - the chip needs no external reference or front-end amplifier for many sensor types. The 8-channel input lets one converter read multiple sensors (temperature, battery voltage, current, signal strength) in a battery-powered data logger, weighing scale, or environmental monitor. The 20-pin PLCC package is friendly to hand-soldering and prototype rework, an advantage in low-volume portable products. The MICROWIRE interface lets low-pin-count MCUs (e.g., MSP430, PIC) interface without hardware handshaking complexity.
Recommended
HVAC and Appliance Control Boards
HVAC control boards and white-goods appliances (washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators) historically use the ADC0838BCV for reading multiple analog sensors - temperature, water level, pressure, motor current - with a single IC. The 8-bit resolution is sufficient for control-loop setpoint detection and threshold-based safety shutdowns. The wide 0-5 V input range accommodates sensor outputs with little signal conditioning, reducing analog front-end complexity. The SAR architecture's zero pipeline delay ensures that control loops respond deterministically to sensor changes, important for safety-critical temperature and pressure limit checks.
Recommended
Automotive Sensor Readout (Legacy)
Although the ADC0838BCV is not AEC-Q100 qualified, it has historically been used in non-safety automotive subsystems - dashboard sensors, climate controls, interior lighting feedback - where automotive-grade qualification is not mandated. The 8-channel input and 31 kSPS throughput allow multiplexing multiple analog sensors (pedal position, throttle, interior temperature, fuel level) at modest rates. The commercial 0-70 C temperature range covers cabin environments but not under-hood applications. For new automotive designs, AEC-Q100 qualified successors must be selected instead.
Recommended
Embedded 8-bit Sensor Readout for Microcontrollers without Internal ADC
Many low-cost 8-bit MCUs lack an internal ADC, and the ADC0838BCV provides a simple external solution. Its MICROWIRE-compatible serial interface requires only 3-4 GPIO pins (CS, CLK, DI, DO) on the host MCU, leaving remaining pins for other functions. The synchronous serial interface is straightforward to bit-bang even on MCUs without an SPI peripheral, making it compatible with legacy 8051, HC11, and PIC16 cores. The 8-channel multiplexer further reduces host pin usage by reading multiple sensors through a single interface, an important consideration in cost-sensitive embedded designs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ADC0838BCV — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ADC0838CCN/NOPB | ADC0838CCV | ADC0838BIN | ADC0834CCN | ADC0832BCN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments |
| Package | 20-PLCC (J-Lead, 9x9 mm) | 20-PLCC (J-Lead, 9x9 mm) - same | 20-PLCC (J-Lead, 9x9 mm) - same | 20-PLCC (J-Lead, 9x9 mm) - same | 20-PLCC (J-Lead, 9x9 mm) - same | 20-PLCC (J-Lead, 9x9 mm) - same |
| Resolution | 8 bits | 8 bits | 8 bits | 8 bits | 8 bits | 8 bits |
| Input Channels | 8 (8 SE / 4 DI) | 8 (8 SE / 4 DI) | 8 (8 SE / 4 DI) | 8 (8 SE / 4 DI) | 4 (4 SE / 2 DI) | 2 (2 SE / 1 DI) |
| Sample Rate | 31 kSPS | 31 kSPS | 31 kSPS | 31 kSPS | 31 kSPS | 31 kSPS |
| Temperature Range | 0 C to +70 C | 0 C to +70 C | 0 C to +70 C | -40 C to +85 C | 0 C to +70 C | 0 C to +70 C |
| Supply Voltage | +5 V | +5 V | +5 V | +5 V | +5 V | +5 V |
| Interface | MICROWIRE-compatible | MICROWIRE-compatible | MICROWIRE-compatible | MICROWIRE-compatible | MICROWIRE-compatible | MICROWIRE-compatible |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Legacy (B-suffix, pre-RoHS) | Yes (lead-free) | Legacy | Legacy | Yes (lead-free) | Legacy |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | Active | NRND | NRND | Active | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- 8-channel integrated analog multiplexer (vs ADC0831 (single-channel 8-pin variant))
- PLCC package for socket-friendly prototyping (vs Modern QFN/MSOP-packaged 8-bit ADCs)
- MICROWIRE-compatible synchronous serial interface (vs I2C-only modern ADCs)
Design Notes
Route analog and digital grounds as separate islands that join at a single point near the AGND pin of the ADC0838BCV. Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VCC pin (pin 20), and add a 10 uF bulk tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the supply rail. Keep analog input traces away from the CLK and DO serial data lines, and route analog inputs over a continuous analog ground plane. These layout practices minimize digital switching noise coupling into the analog input, which is critical for 8-bit accuracy and avoiding spurious ADC codes.
Do not drive the analog inputs (CH0-CH7) with source impedances greater than the datasheet-specified maximum (typically a few kOhm for full 8-bit accuracy). Higher source impedance causes DC bias errors due to the input sampling capacitor's finite charging time. Add a low-impedance buffer amplifier (e.g., TL431ACDBZR as reference, or an op-amp follower) if the source impedance is high. Also ensure that the VREF pin is decoupled with at least a 0.1 uF capacitor - leaving VREF floating or unstained leads to inconsistent conversion results.
The ADC0838BCV requires a clean +5 V analog supply. Switching regulator noise (typical 50-200 mVpp ripple) will couple into the conversion and degrade SNR. For noise-sensitive applications, use a linear regulator (e.g., LP2985, TPS7A45) to derive the analog +5 V from a higher-voltage switching rail. Add LC filtering on the analog supply input to the ADC (e.g., 10 Ohm + 10 uF) to filter any residual switching noise. Estimated: at 5 V supply and 31 kSPS, the part draws approximately 1-2 mA active supply current per the family datasheet; power dissipation is negligible (≈ 5-10 mW).
Compliance Information
ADC0838BCV is the legacy B-suffix part with non-RoHS lead-based solder finish. For RoHS-compliant applications, choose the ADC0838CCN/NOPB lead-free variant. Device is not AEC-Q100 qualified - not suitable for new automotive applications.
