TL494CDR2 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TL494CDR2 is a Buck, Push-Pull Regulator controller IC manufactured by onsemi in 16-SOIC surface mount packaging. This device functions as a positive output step-down and step-up/step-down DC-DC controller with dual outputs and integrated dead time control and frequency control features. The TL494CDR2 is classified as obsolete product status, making identification of active equivalent parts essential for new designs and production continuity.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	TL494CDR2
Manufacturer	onsemi
Category	Power Management (PMIC)
Package / Case	16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
Function	Step-Down, Step-Up/Step-Down
Output Type	Transistor Driver
Topology	Buck, Push-Pull
Number of Outputs	2
Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd)	7V ~ 40V
Frequency - Switching	200kHz
Duty Cycle (Max)	48%
Synchronous Rectifier	Yes
Control Features	Dead Time Control, Frequency Control
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Product Status	Obsolete
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the TL494CDR2 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

Package / Case: 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width) — pinout and physical compatibility
Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd): 7V ~ 40V — input voltage range
Number of Outputs: 2 — dual output configuration
Output Configuration: Positive — output polarity
Mounting Type: Surface Mount — assembly compatibility

Functional Compatibility Criteria:

Function: Step-Down, Step-Up/Step-Down capability
Output Type: Transistor Driver
Control Features: Dead Time Control, Frequency Control

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Direct Equivalents (Identical Specifications): Parts that maintain the exact same electrical specifications, topology, and control features as the TL494CDR2. These include onsemi TL494CDR2G and onsemi TL494CD.

Functional Equivalents (Compatible Specifications): Parts that share the same package, supply voltage range, output configuration, and control features but may differ in switching frequency range, duty cycle maximum, or synchronous rectifier implementation. These include Texas Instruments TL494CDR, TL494ID, TL494IDR, and onsemi TL594CD variants.

Limited Compatibility (Different Topology): The Diodes Incorporated AZ494CMTR-E1 operates as a fixed 5V buck regulator with different output specifications and is suitable only for applications requiring fixed 5V output at 200mA.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	TL494CDR2	TL494CDR2G	TL494CD	TL494CDR	TL494IDR	TL594CD	TL594CDR	TL594IDR	AZ494CMTR-E1
Manufacturer	onsemi	onsemi	onsemi	Texas Instruments	Texas Instruments	onsemi	Texas Instruments	Texas Instruments	Diodes Incorporated
Package / Case	16-SOIC	16-SOIC	16-SOIC	16-SOIC	16-SOIC	16-SOIC	16-SOIC	16-SOIC	16-SOIC
Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd)	7V ~ 40V	7V ~ 40V	7V ~ 40V	7V ~ 40V	7V ~ 40V	7V ~ 40V	7V ~ 40V	7V ~ 40V	7V ~ 36V
Function	Step-Down, Step-Up/Step-Down	Step-Down, Step-Up/Step-Down	Step-Down, Step-Up/Step-Down	Step-Up, Step-Down, Step-Up/Step-Down	Step-Up, Step-Down, Step-Up/Step-Down	Step-Down, Step-Up/Step-Down	Step-Up, Step-Down, Step-Up/Step-Down	Step-Up, Step-Down, Step-Up/Step-Down	Step-Down
Output Type	Transistor Driver	Transistor Driver	Transistor Driver	Transistor Driver	Transistor Driver	Transistor Driver	Transistor Driver	Transistor Driver	Fixed
Topology	Buck, Push-Pull	Buck, Push-Pull	Buck, Push-Pull	Buck, Boost, Flyback, Forward Converter, Full-Bridge, Half-Bridge, Push-Pull	Buck, Boost, Flyback, Forward Converter, Full-Bridge, Half-Bridge, Push-Pull	Buck, Push-Pull	Buck, Boost, Flyback, Forward Converter, Full-Bridge, Half-Bridge, Push-Pull	Buck, Boost, Flyback, Forward Converter, Full-Bridge, Half-Bridge, Push-Pull	Buck
Number of Outputs	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2
Frequency - Switching	200kHz	200kHz	200kHz	1kHz ~ 300kHz	1kHz ~ 300kHz	300kHz	1kHz ~ 300kHz	1kHz ~ 300kHz	40kHz
Duty Cycle (Max)	48%	48%	48%	45%	45%	96%	97%	97%	N/A
Synchronous Rectifier	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	No	No
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 70°C	0°C ~ 70°C	0°C ~ 70°C	0°C ~ 70°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	0°C ~ 70°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Obsolete	Active	Active	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	RoHS non-compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	RoHS non-compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Tier 1 — Direct Replacement (Recommended for New Designs):

TL494CDR2G (onsemi) is the primary recommended substitute. It maintains identical electrical specifications, topology, and control features as the TL494CDR2 while offering active product status and ROHS3 compliance. The only difference is packaging format (Tape & Reel vs. standard packaging), which does not affect electrical performance or pinout compatibility.

Tier 2 — Functional Equivalents (Compatible with Design Review):

TL494CDR (Texas Instruments), TL494IDR (Texas Instruments), and TL494ID (Texas Instruments) provide extended switching frequency range (1kHz ~ 300kHz) and broader operating temperature support (-40°C ~ 85°C). These parts are active and ROHS3 compliant. The reduced maximum duty cycle (45% vs. 48%) and absence of synchronous rectifier may require circuit topology verification for specific applications.

TL594CD (onsemi) and TL594CDR (Texas Instruments) offer higher maximum duty cycle (96% and 97% respectively) and extended frequency range. TL594IDR provides the widest operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C) with active status and full ROHS3 compliance.

Tier 3 — Limited Compatibility (Application-Specific Only):

AZ494CMTR-E1 (Diodes Incorporated) is suitable only for applications requiring fixed 5V output at 200mA. This part is not a general-purpose substitute due to fixed output voltage specification and reduced current capability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I directly replace TL494CDR2 with TL494CDR2G?

A: Yes. TL494CDR2G is a direct electrical equivalent with identical specifications. The only difference is packaging format (Tape & Reel). Both share the same 16-SOIC pinout and electrical characteristics. TL494CDR2G is preferred for new designs due to active product status and ROHS3 compliance.

Q: What is the difference between TL494 and TL594 series controllers?

A: Both series share the same 16-SOIC package and basic control architecture. The TL594 series offers higher maximum duty cycle (96-97% vs. 48%) and higher switching frequency capability (300kHz vs. 200kHz for TL494CDR2). Selection depends on your specific topology requirements and frequency constraints.

Q: Are Texas Instruments TL494 parts pin-compatible with onsemi TL494CDR2?

A: Yes. All TL494 variants from both manufacturers use identical 16-SOIC pinout. However, verify operating temperature range and duty cycle specifications for your application, as Texas Instruments versions support -40°C ~ 85°C while the TL494CDR2 is rated 0°C ~ 70°C.

Q: Why is synchronous rectifier support different across substitutes?

A: Synchronous rectifier capability is an integrated feature that affects efficiency characteristics. The TL494CDR2, TL494CDR2G, TL494CD, and TL594CD include synchronous rectifier support. Texas Instruments TL494 and TL594 variants do not include this feature. For designs relying on synchronous rectification, select onsemi variants or implement external synchronous rectifier control.

Q: Can I use AZ494CMTR-E1 as a substitute?

A: AZ494CMTR-E1 is not a general substitute. It is a fixed 5V buck regulator with 200mA output current, fundamentally different from the TL494CDR2 which is a programmable multi-topology controller. Use AZ494CMTR-E1 only if your application requires fixed 5V output at the specified current level.

Q: What compliance considerations apply to substitution?

A: The TL494CDR2 is RoHS non-compliant. All recommended Tier 1 and Tier 2 substitutes are ROHS3 compliant, meeting current environmental regulations. If RoHS compliance is required for your application, select from active parts with ROHS3 status: TL494CDR2G, TL494CDR, TL494IDR, TL594CDR, or TL594IDR.

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