TLV0838ING4 - 8-Bit 8-Ch SAR ADC, 3.6V, Serial I/O | Texas Instruments
MPN: TLV0838ING4 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.21 | $3.21 |
| 10 | $2.78 | $27.80 |
| 100 | $2.21 | $221.00 |
| 500 | $1.74 | $870.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.42 | $1,420.00 |
TLV0838ING4 Overview
A successive-approximation-register (SAR) ADC is a precision data-converter architecture that converts an analog input into a binary code by iteratively comparing the input against an internal DAC and a binary-weighted search tree. SAR ADCs are valued for deterministic latency, no pipeline delay, intrinsic sample-and-hold behavior, and excellent dc accuracy, which makes them the workhorse of low-to-medium-speed precision instrumentation, industrial control loops, and embedded sensor interfaces. The TLV0838 family sits within the data-acquisition IC category, one rung below signal-chain ICs and one rung above general-purpose analog building blocks.
Key features include 8 input channels (software-selectable through the address logic inputs), an input range of 0 V to VCC when using VCC as the reference, on-chip sample-and-hold, ratiometric or absolute-voltage conversion modes, and a simple 4-wire serial interface compatible with standard shift registers and common microcontrollers. Maximum throughput is specified for the serial clock, and the analog inputs tolerate VCC + 0.3 V without damage.
The device uses an asynchronous serial output protocol that streams the conversion result MSB-first on a single data line, simplifying isolation or long-trace routing between the ADC and a host MCU. An end-of-conversion (EOC) signal flags when a new sample is ready, allowing interrupt-driven data acquisition. The wide digital-supply tolerance and TTL-compatible inputs ease integration with both 3.3 V and 5 V logic families.
Typical applications include battery monitoring in portable equipment, multi-zone temperature or process-variable scanning via external sensors, keypad and panel-meter digitizing, and low-cost multi-channel data loggers. The 8-channel mux allows one ADC to replace eight discrete signal paths, reducing PCB area and BOM cost in embedded designs.
When designing with this device, ensure that the analog source impedance is below the value specified in the datasheet to avoid sample-and-hold droop; a small external buffer (e.g., an op-amp follower) can be inserted if higher source impedances are required. Decouple VCC with both a 0.1 uF ceramic and a bulk capacitor placed within 5 mm of the supply pin.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in and equivalent alternatives, and practical layout notes drawn from the manufacturer datasheet, not found on DigiKey or Mouser product listings alone.
Drop-in alternatives for TLV0838ING4 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
TLC0838ING4
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TLV0838CDW
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TLV0838IPW
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TLV0838CDR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TLC0838CDW
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TLV0838ING4 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 8 bits |
| Conversion Architecture | Successive Approximation (SAR) |
| Number of Input Channels | 8 (single-ended, software-selectable) |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 2.7 V to 3.6 V |
| Analog Input Range | 0 V to VCC (ratiometric or with VCC reference) |
| Reference | External or VCC (software-selectable) |
| Sample-and-Hold | On-chip |
| Digital Interface | 4-wire serial (CS, CLK, DO, DI) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C |
| Package | 20-pin PDIP (N) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited) |
| AEC-Q100 | Not applicable |
TLV0838ING4 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 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 10 | DO — Serial data output |
| Pin 11 | DI — Serial data input (channel select) |
| Pin 12 | CLK — Serial clock input |
| Pin 13 | CS — Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 14 | EOC — End-of-conversion output |
| Pin 15 | VCC — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 16 | REF — Reference voltage input |
| Pin 17 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 18 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 19 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 20 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
TLV0838ING4 is suitable for 6 applications: Battery Cell Voltage Monitoring, Multi-Zone Temperature Sensing, Industrial Process Control Loops, Portable Medical Monitoring Devices, Data-Logging Systems, Panel Meters and Keypad Interfaces.
Battery Cell Voltage Monitoring
The TLV0838ING4's 8 single-ended inputs and 2.7-3.6 V supply match battery-pack monitoring directly, where each cell voltage is divided down below VCC and digitized through one of the eight channels. At 8-bit resolution and the datasheet's specified throughput, a single ADC samples all eight cells in a fraction of a second with deterministic SAR latency, avoiding the pipeline delay of higher-speed ADCs. Per the TI datasheet, the input range 0-VCC aligns naturally with ratiometric cell-divider networks. Compared with an external mux plus a separate ADC, the integrated mux reduces PCB area, BOM cost, and ground-loop noise.
Recommended
Multi-Zone Temperature Sensing
Eight external thermistor or RTD channels can be routed directly to the TLV0838ING4's analog inputs without an external analog mux. The on-chip sample-and-hold captures each sensor's voltage, and the SAR core digitizes it with 8-bit precision in a deterministic conversion time per the TI datasheet. Operating from a 3.3 V rail keeps the part compatible with common 3.3 V MCU hosts and simplifies battery-powered HVAC and refrigeration designs. Compared with a dedicated thermocouple front-end, the TLV0838ING4 offers simpler firmware and fewer external components for sub-1 C monitoring applications.
Recommended
Industrial Process Control Loops
Process-variable transmitters (4-20 mA or 0-10 V scaled to VCC) connect to the TLV0838ING4's analog inputs for multi-loop monitoring. The TI datasheet confirms ratiometric operation against VCC simplifies scaling for current-loop powered designs, and the 8-bit resolution is sufficient for non-precision loop trimming and panel-meter readout. Compared with 12-bit or 16-bit sigma-delta ADCs, the SAR architecture delivers predictable conversion latency for time-synchronized loop reads and adds no pipeline-induced phase delay to control calculations.
Recommended
Portable Medical Monitoring Devices
Battery-powered patient monitors digitize multiple bio-potential signals through the TLV0838ING4, whose 2.7 V minimum supply extends runtime from a single Li-ion cell. The serial interface consumes minimal MCU pins, and the on-chip 8-channel mux replaces a costly analog front-end per the TI datasheet. At 8-bit resolution the part is well-suited to heart-rate, pulse-oximetry, and respiration waveform capture where fine detail is processed digitally. Compared with 24-bit audio ADCs, the TLV0838ING4 offers lower power, simpler interface, and lower cost for bedside and wearable designs.
Recommended
Data-Logging Systems
Multi-channel data loggers use the TLV0838ING4 to digitize temperature, humidity, pressure, and flow sensor outputs without external muxes. Per the TI datasheet, the simple 4-wire serial interface lets a low-cost MCU poll all eight channels at the part's specified clock rate, and the SAR architecture ensures no latency jitter complicating log time-stamping. Compared with sigma-delta alternatives, the TLV0838ING4 keeps total cost lower for moderate-precision logging, leaving storage bandwidth headroom for time-stamping rather than high sample rates.
Recommended
Panel Meters and Keypad Interfaces
Front-panel equipment digitizes potentiometer or keypad-scanned voltages through the TLV0838ING4 to drive displays and detect button presses. The 8 single-ended inputs are adequate for multi-knob control panels or 8-key scanned matrices with series resistors, replacing discrete ADC channels. Per the TI datasheet, the EOC output drives an MCU interrupt to streamline firmware, and the 2.7-3.6 V supply spans the common 3.3 V MCU rails in industrial HMIs. Compared with integrating ADC alternatives, the SAR core gives instantaneous conversion results without oversampling or DSP filtering overhead.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for TLV0838ING4 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | TLC0838ING4 | TLV0838CDW | TLV0838IPW | TLV0838CDR | TLC0838CDW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PDIP-20 (N) | PDIP-20 (N) - same | SOIC-20 (DW) | TSSOP-20 (PW) | SOIC-20 (DW) | SOIC-20 (DW) |
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments |
| Resolution | 8 bits | 8 bits | 8 bits | 8 bits | 8 bits | 8 bits |
| Input Channels | 8 single-ended | 8 single-ended | 8 single-ended | 8 single-ended | 8 single-ended | 8 single-ended |
| Supply Voltage | 2.7 V to 3.6 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 3.6 V | 2.7 V to 3.6 V | 2.7 V to 3.6 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Interface | 4-wire serial | 4-wire serial | 4-wire serial | 4-wire serial | 4-wire serial | 4-wire serial |
| Sample-and-Hold | On-chip | On-chip | On-chip | On-chip | On-chip | On-chip |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
Key Differentiators
- Higher supply voltage rating for legacy 5 V systems (vs TLV0838ING4 (this part))
- Surface-mount alternative in smaller footprint (vs TLV0838CDW)
- Thinner TSSOP option for compact designs (vs TLV0838IPW)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VCC pin (pin 15), in parallel with a 10 uF bulk tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the same node. Keep the analog input traces short and routed away from digital clock lines (CLK, CS) to avoid coupling noise into the sample-and-hold. Use a ground pour on the top layer tied to pin 9 (GND) and stitch vias around the analog-input pin group.
Source impedance above the value specified in the datasheet causes sample-and-hold droop and conversion error. If sensor output impedance exceeds this limit, insert a low-offset op-amp follower (e.g., OPA2333) between the source and the CHx input. Keep the input bandwidth well below the SAR acquisition time constant to avoid aliasing of wideband noise into the conversion result.
Do not allow analog inputs to exceed VCC + 0.3 V or fall below GND - 0.3 V; the datasheet specifies input ESD diodes clamp out-of-range voltages. Always cycle CS low and clock at least 4 configuration bits into DI before reading DO to ensure the mux settles on the addressed channel. The EOC signal is asynchronous; debounce or use it as an edge-triggered interrupt in MCU firmware.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not present in the verified web data; refer to the manufacturer datasheet or TI product page for current RoHS/REACH declarations.
