TI Introduces TPS310x Family of Supervisory ICs

Texas Instruments Inc. (TI, Dallas, TX) announced its new TPS310x family of supervisory ICs, which monitor supply voltages from 0.55V to 3.3V and guarantee a valid reset pulse even if the supply voltage falls to 0.4V.

The family's unique 0.4V minimum operating voltage is well suited for battery-powered products such as wireless communications systems, as well as industrial equipment and

programmable controls, notebook computers, and automotive systems. With processor core voltages dropping steadily, supervisory circuits that monitor processor operation must also work at lower voltages. TI's TPS310x family of supply-voltage supervisors is the first true sub-1V family of devices that meets the low-voltage needs for portable applications, according to the company.

Other features of the TPS310x family are its 1.2µA supply current and 0.75 percent trip-point accuracy, making the device beneficial for battery-powered applications, as well as its low supply current, accurate trip point, and wide range of trip-voltage and reset-pulses.

The TPS310x family of low-voltage supervisory ICs is available now in SOT23

packages and is rated for operation from -40 to +85 degrees C. Suggested resale

pricing starts at $0.86 each in quantities of 1,000. Presently, ICs are available with trip points of 0.9V and 3.3V. Beginning in October 2001, additional trip points will be available, including 1.2V, 1.5V, 1.6V and

2.0V.