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[FAQ] The datasheet specifies absolute temperature accuracy, but my system is calibrated so I only require relative accuracy. Can you provide tighter specifications for relative accuracy specifications?

The datasheet specifies absolute temperature accuracy, but my system is calibrated so I only require relative accuracy. Can you provide tighter specifications for relative accuracy specifications?

  • Texas Instruments guarantees accuracy as written in the datasheets of the specific parts. 

    That said, our max specification covers a wide temperature range, and is guardbanded for measurement uncertainty. 

    Typically, the largest errors are at the edges of a specified temperature range. This is because the error function is either parabolic or s-shaped with regards to temperature. Most of our products are trimmed to zero error (to the best of our test equipment's ability) at room temperature. 

    When we set a max specification, we do so with the expectation that we will never produce a failing product. This is the purpose of guardbanding. The value listed in typical column is more representative of the performance we expect without guardbanding, but is not guaranteed. 

    Finally, we guarantee that the device will meet specification for the lifetime of the product. Prior to a new product launch, and as part of our internal qualification process, we subject a sample of devices to accelerated aging. This accelerated aging can simulate 10-20 years of use depending on the temperature of the application. All devices subjected to accelerated aging must also meet the max specification.

    More information about TI's approach to reliability testing can be found here: http://www.ti.com/support-quality/reliability/reliability-testing.html