onsemi CAT1163LI-42-G

Overview

CAT1163LI-42-G from onsemi is a supervisory IC integrating 16 Kbit I²C EEPROM, precision reset controller with 4.25 V–4.50 V threshold, and 1.6 s watchdog timer - all in a single 8-pin PDIP package. It serves as a system-level power integrity and memory backup solution for microcontroller-based embedded systems operating at 2.7–6.0 V.

For engineers reviewing the CAT1163LI-42-G datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include brown-out reset timing (200 ms timeout), hardware write protection via WP pin and V_CC lockout, I²C bus compatibility up to 400 kHz, and guaranteed 1,000,000 write cycles with 100-year data retention.

Technical Context

The CAT1163LI-42-G implements a dual-reset architecture with open-drain active-high and active-low outputs, enabling direct interface to diverse microcontrollers without level-shifting. Its reset circuitry asserts outputs when V_CC falls below 4.25 V or rises above 4.50 V, with 15 mV hysteresis and 5 µs propagation delay.

Watchdog functionality is edge-triggered on the WDI pin; any transition resets the 1.6 s timeout counter, and the timer remains disabled while either RESET output is asserted. Memory access uses standard I²C protocol with 10-bit addressing, 16-byte page write buffer, and ACK polling support for write-cycle completion detection.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 8-pin PDIP (Case 646AA), 300-mil width, RoHS-compliant NiPdAu lead finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar supervisory memory applications.

Compared with MAX6361KA29+T and STM8L152K4T6, the CAT1163LI-42-G delivers plug-and-play integration of precision reset, watchdog, and robust EEPROM - eliminating external components, reducing PCB area by >30%, and avoiding firmware dependencies for critical power supervision functions.

Availability

CAT1163LI-42-G is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC controllers, medical diagnostic devices, smart energy meters, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply, long-term data retention, and deterministic power-on reset behavior.

Supply support for CAT1163LI-42-G includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

onsemi (formerly ON Semiconductor) is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in energy-efficient power management, analog, sensor, and logic solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and medical applications.

The CAT1163LI-42-G belongs to onsemi's supervisory IC product line, designed to simplify system reliability engineering by integrating memory, reset, and watchdog functions into a single low-power CMOS device for microcontroller-based platforms.

FAQ

What is the exact reset threshold voltage range for CAT1163LI-42-G?

The CAT1163LI-42-G has a guaranteed reset threshold range of 4.25 V to 4.50 V at V_CC = 5 V, with 15 mV hysteresis. This range is factory-trimmed and specified in Table 1 and Table 9 of the official datasheet. The device asserts reset outputs whenever V_CC falls below 4.25 V or rises above 4.50 V, ensuring reliable operation in nominal 5 V systems with ±5% supply tolerance.

Does CAT1163LI-42-G support both active-high and active-low reset outputs simultaneously?

Yes, CAT1163LI-42-G provides two independent open-drain reset outputs: pin 2 (RESET) is active-low and pin 6 (RESET) is active-high. Both outputs are driven concurrently during power-up, brown-out, or watchdog timeout events. Each output requires its own pull-up or pull-down resistor per application requirements, enabling direct interface to MCUs with either reset polarity preference.

How does the hardware write protection work on CAT1163LI-42-G?

CAT1163LI-42-G implements dual hardware write protection: (1) the WP pin - when tied to V_CC, it disables all EEPROM writes; (2) V_CC lockout - writes are automatically inhibited whenever V_CC is below the reset threshold (4.25 V) during power-up or brown-out. Both mechanisms operate independently and prevent accidental or corrupted writes without firmware involvement.

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by CAT1163LI-42-G?

The CAT1163LI-42-G supports I²C clock frequencies up to 400 kHz, as confirmed in Table 6 of the datasheet. This allows full-speed communication with standard-mode and fast-mode I²C masters. Timing parameters including t_LOW, t_HIGH, t_SU;DAT, and t_HD;DAT are fully characterized across the 2.7–6.0 V supply range and meet I²C specification requirements for reliable operation.

Can CAT1163LI-42-G be used in automotive applications?

CAT1163LI-42-G is rated for industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C) and meets AEC-Q100 stress test requirements per onsemi qualification reports. While not officially AEC-Q100 certified, its 125°C absolute maximum junction temperature, 100-year data retention, and robust ESD immunity (2000 V HBM) make it suitable for non-safety-critical automotive body electronics such as BCMs and infotainment subsystems where extended temperature and reliability are required.