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NXP Semiconductors MC33879EK
- Part No.:
- MC33879EK
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package:
- 32-SSOP (0.295", 7.50mm Width) Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MC33879EK.pdf
- Description:
- IC PWR SWITCH N-CHAN 1:4 32SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,905
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Product details
Overview
MC33879EK from NXP Semiconductors is a configurable octal high-side/low-side serial switch IC with 16-bit SPI control, SMARTMOS architecture, and independent open-load detection per output. It delivers RDS(ON) = 0.75 Ω (typ), ±45 V/–20 V output clamping, and 0.6–1.2 A current limiting for automotive body electronics loads including solenoids, relays, and incandescent lamps.
For engineers reviewing the MC33879EK datasheet, MC33879EK pinout, MC33879EK application, or MC33879EK equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed diagnostic thresholds (e.g., 4.0 V fault detect threshold, 100 µA open-load detect current), and real-world implementation guidance for H-bridge, PWM-controlled actuator, and fault-reporting systems.
Technical Context
The MC33879EK integrates eight independently configurable DMOS power switches with CMOS logic and bipolar/MOS analog circuitry. Each output supports hardware-selectable high-side or low-side drive, with dedicated drain (D1–D8) and source (S1–S8) terminals enabling flexible load interface topologies.
Its SPI interface operates at up to 4 MHz with 3.3 V/5.0 V compatibility, and two outputs (OUT5/OUT6) accept direct PWM via IN5/IN6 pins-OR-ed with SPI bits-enabling dynamic duty-cycle control without MCU firmware overhead. Fault reporting occurs through DO pin with 100–300 µs delay and 16-bit status readback.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RDS(ON) | 0.75 Ω typical at 25 °C - enables <1.2 W conduction loss at 1.2 A, reducing thermal stress in compact automotive modules. |
| Output Clamp Voltage | +45 V (low-side), –20 V (high-side) - suppresses inductive kickback during turn-off without external TVS diodes. |
| Open Load Detect Current | 100 µA typical (high-side, VPWR = 16 V) - reliably identifies disconnected lamps or broken solenoid windings without false triggers. |
| SPI Clock Frequency | Up to 4.0 MHz - supports fast configuration updates and diagnostics polling in real-time vehicle networks. |
| Standby Current | 2.0–5.0 µA at 13 V VPWR - meets automotive "always-on" module requirements for battery drain compliance. |
| Fault Reporting Delay | 100–300 µs - ensures timely fault capture before downstream damage occurs in motor or relay circuits. |
| Overtemperature Shutdown | 155–185 °C junction - protects against thermal runaway during sustained overload or ambient extremes. |
Pinout & Package
MC33879EK uses the HSOP32 (SOT1746-1) thermally enhanced plastic package: 32-pin, 0.65 mm pitch, 7.5 × 11 × 2.22 mm body, –40 to +125 °C operating range. Exposed pad (EP) must be connected to GND for optimal thermal performance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| GND (Pin 1) | Digital ground reference | Reference for all logic signals; connects to EP for thermal path and noise immunity. |
| VDD (Pin 2) | Logic supply input | 3.1–5.5 V supply for SPI interface; device enters Sleep mode if VDD ≤ 0.8 V. |
| S8–S1, D8–D1 (Pins 3,6,7,10,11,12,13,20,21,22,23,26,27,28,29) | Source/drain output terminals | Eight independent high-side/low-side switch pairs; Sx/Dx pins define topology (e.g., S1+D1 = high-side driver). |
| IN5 / IN6 (Pins 14, 19) | PWM command inputs | Direct OR-ed control of OUT5/OUT6; enables 2 kHz PWM without SPI bit toggling. |
| EN (Pin 15) | Global enable input | Active-high; forces all outputs OFF and disables open-load current when low, entering ultra-low-power Sleep. |
| CS / SCLK / DI / DO (Pins 16–18, 32) | SPI interface signals | 16-bit serial control and fault readback; DO outputs fault status as logic [1] on rising edge of CS. |
| VPWR (Pin 31) | Battery supply input | –16 to +40 V operation with internal reverse-battery protection; powers all internal circuitry and drivers. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Configurable high-/low-side topology | Each of eight outputs can be wired as high-side (Sx to load, Dx to battery) or low-side (Dx to load, Sx to GND) - no external components needed. |
| Independent open-load detection | Programmable per-output open-load current (100 µA typical) - detects lamp filament breakage or relay coil opens without affecting adjacent channels. |
| Integrated overvoltage/undervoltage protection | VPWR shutdown thresholds at 28.5 V (OV) and 4.0 V (UV) with hysteresis - prevents operation outside safe battery voltage window. |
| Cascade fault reporting | Single DO pin reports faults across all eight outputs in daisy-chained configurations - reduces MCU GPIO count and simplifies wiring. |
| SMARTMOS technology | Combines CMOS logic, bipolar/MOS analog sensing, and DMOS power FETs - achieves robust fault tolerance and <5 µA standby current. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial Actuator Driver |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Controlling door locks, mirror heaters, and interior lighting in modern BCMs with centralized fault monitoring. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Octal serial switch providing isolated load switching, open-load diagnostics, and SPI-based status reporting to main MCU. Use Value: Reduces BOM count by eliminating discrete protection diodes and current-sense resistors while enabling predictive maintenance via early open-circuit detection. |
Use Scenario: Driving solenoid valves and pneumatic actuators in factory automation PLC I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability power switch with –20 V/+45 V clamp protection and independent overtemperature shutdown per channel. Use Value: Prevents valve coil burnout during rapid cycling and eliminates need for external transient suppression in harsh industrial environments. |
| LED Lighting Driver Board | H-Bridge Motor Controller |
|
Use Scenario: Managing multi-zone LED arrays in commercial signage with dimming and fault isolation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Configurable low-side switch with programmable open-load detect current to verify LED string continuity. Use Value: Enables per-string health monitoring without added sense lines; supports hot-swap replacement via real-time fault flagging. |
Use Scenario: Constructing compact bidirectional DC motor drivers using two MC33879EKs in complementary high-/low-side configuration. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual octal switch implementing full H-bridge with synchronized PWM control on IN5/IN6 and precise slew-rate limiting. Use Value: Achieves <100 µs turn-off delay and controlled 0.3–1.0 V/µs slew rate - minimizes EMI and prevents shoot-through in brushed motor drives. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar octal serial switch applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MC33880EK | Higher RDS(ON) (1.0 Ω typ), lower max VPWR (36 V), no IN5/IN6 PWM inputs | Lacks direct PWM capability and has reduced voltage margin - suitable only for non-PWM, lower-power solenoid loads. | Select MC33880EK only if PWM control is unnecessary and system VPWR stays below 36 V. |
| TPS27082LRTJR | Single-channel, 36 V max, no SPI interface, no open-load detection, 0.8 Ω RDS(ON) | Requires eight separate devices and external microcontroller logic for diagnostics - increases PCB area and firmware complexity. | Choose TPS27082LRTJR only for designs requiring channel-level thermal independence or where SPI bus is unavailable. |
Compared with MC33879EK, MC33880EK offers simpler diagnostics but sacrifices PWM flexibility and voltage headroom, while TPS27082LRTJR trades integration for modularity - making MC33879EK optimal for space-constrained, fault-aware automotive and industrial systems needing coordinated multi-channel control.
Availability
MC33879EK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial actuator drivers, LED lighting systems, and H-bridge motor controllers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q100-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for MC33879EK 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
NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor leader focused on automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, delivering secure, energy-efficient, and highly integrated solutions.
The MC33879EK belongs to NXP's SMARTMOS power switch family, engineered specifically for automotive body electronics and industrial control systems demanding robust fault management, low quiescent current, and flexible high-/low-side load configuration.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating voltage for MC33879EK?
The MC33879EK supports VPWR from –16 V to +40 V, with overvoltage shutdown triggered at 28.5 V (typical) and hysteresis of 1.5 V. This range accommodates automotive battery transients including load dump and cold-crank conditions while maintaining functional safety integrity.
How does MC33879EK handle open-load detection in high-side configuration?
In high-side configuration, MC33879EK applies 100 µA (typical) open-load detect current between Dn and Sn when the output is OFF. If no return path exists (e.g., broken lamp filament), the voltage at Dn rises above 4.0 V threshold, triggering a fault reported via DO pin - enabling immediate diagnostics without external circuitry.
Can MC33879EK drive PWM-controlled loads directly?
Yes - MC33879EK supports direct PWM control on outputs 5 and 6 via IN5 and IN6 pins, which are logically OR-ed with corresponding SPI bits. With the SPI bit held LOW, IN5/IN6 accept up to 2.0 kHz PWM signals, allowing dynamic brightness or speed control without SPI bus contention.
What is the thermal performance of MC33879EK in HSOP32 package?
MC33879EK in HSOP32 package achieves RθJC = 1.2 °C/W (junction-to-exposed-pad) and RθJA = 71 °C/W (junction-to-ambient). When the exposed pad (EP) is soldered to PCB ground plane, it sustains 1.7 W maximum power dissipation at 25 °C ambient - sufficient for continuous 1.2 A per channel at moderate ambient temperatures.
Does MC33879EK require external components for reverse-battery protection?
No - MC33879EK integrates reverse-battery protection on the VPWR pin, eliminating the need for external MOSFETs or diodes. This feature ensures the device remains undamaged and non-conductive when VPWR polarity is inverted, meeting stringent automotive reliability standards without added BOM cost.
MC33879EK Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package/Case:
- 32-SSOP (0.295", 7.50mm Width) Exposed Pad
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Switch Type:
- General Purpose
- Number of Outputs:
- 8
- Ratio - Input:Output:
- 1:4
- Output Configuration:
- High Side or Low Side
- Output Type:
- N-Channel
- Interface:
- SPI
- Voltage - Load:
- 5.5V ~ 26.5V
- Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd):
- 3.1V ~ 5.5V
- Current - Output (Max):
- 600mA
- Rds On (Typ):
- 750mOhm
- Input Type:
- -
- Features:
- -
- Fault Protection:
- Current Limiting (Fixed), Open Load Detect, Over Voltage
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 32-SOIC-EP
MC33879EK FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MC33879EK through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MC33879EK on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MC33879EK reliable?
The price and inventory of MC33879EK are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MC33879EK is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MC33879EK?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MC33879EK transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MC33879EK?
MC33879EK orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MC33879EK order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MC33879EK?
For technical support, including MC33879EK datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MC33879EK requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MC33879EK is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MC33879EK products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MC33879EK meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MC33879EK?
All MC33879EK units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MC33879EK, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MC33879EK part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MC33879EK:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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