NXP Semiconductors MC33984BPNAR2

Overview

MC33984BPNAR2 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a dual-channel, self-protected silicon high-side switch designed for automotive power distribution and load control. It features 4.0 mΩ max R_DS(on) per channel, 6.0–27 V operating VPWR range, SPI + parallel input control, and integrated diagnostics including overcurrent, open/short load, overtemperature, and undervoltage detection. It replaces electromechanical relays and fuses in harsh-environment motor, solenoid, and lighting applications.

For engineers reviewing the MC33984BPNAR2 datasheet, MC33984BPNAR2 pinout, MC33984BPNAR2 application, or MC33984BPNAR2 equivalent, key selection considerations include its dual high-side architecture with programmable slew rates (0.06–3.2 V/µs), SPI-configurable overcurrent thresholds (6–120 A), 16-pin PQFN thermal performance (R_θJA = 30 °C/W), and fail-safe behavior under watchdog timeout.

Technical Context

The MC33984BPNAR2 integrates two independent N-channel MOSFET high-side switches with active clamp protection, programmable current sensing (1/20500 or 1/41000 ratio), and dual-control interface: SPI (up to 3.0 MHz) for configuration/diagnostics and dedicated parallel inputs (IN0/IN1) for direct/PWM control. Its internal watchdog timer supports configurable timeouts (310–2500 ms) and fail-safe output states determined by external FSI resistor.

Thermal management relies on the exposed-tab 12 mm × 12 mm PQFN package, enabling junction-to-ambient thermal resistance of 30 °C/W. Protection logic includes reverse polarity VPWR tolerance (−16 V), overvoltage shutdown (28–36 V), undervoltage lockout (5.0–6.0 V), and overtemperature shutdown (160–190 °C) with 5–20 °C hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MC33984BPNAR2 is housed in a thermally enhanced, lead-free 16-pin PQFN package (12 mm × 12 mm) with an exposed copper thermal pad on the bottom surface for PCB heat sinking.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-side switch applications.

Compared with TPS4H160-Q1 and VNQ7E100AJTR, the MC33984BPNAR2 uniquely combines dual 4.0 mΩ channels, SPI-configurable slew rates and fault parameters, and fail-safe output state selection - making it optimal for complex, safety-critical automotive power distribution where thermal efficiency, EMI control, and deterministic fault response are mandatory.

Availability

MC33984BPNAR2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control, engine bay power distribution, commercial vehicle solenoid actuation, and off-highway equipment motor management requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MC33984BPNAR2 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 leader in automotive semiconductors, delivering high-reliability analog and mixed-signal ICs for power management, connectivity, and safety-critical systems.

The MC33984BPNAR2 belongs to NXP's Smart Power family, engineered specifically for intelligent, self-protected high-side switching in 12 V/24 V automotive applications demanding robustness, diagnostics, and fail-safe behavior.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current rating for MC33984BPNAR2?

The MC33984BPNAR2 supports up to 30 A continuous output current per channel (HS0 or HS1), provided the junction temperature remains within −40 °C to +150 °C and thermal design (e.g., PCB copper area, heatsinking) maintains R_θJA ≤ 30 °C/W. At 15 A and 25 °C, R_DS(on) is 4.0 mΩ; it rises to 6.8 mΩ at 150 °C, increasing conduction loss accordingly.

Does MC33984BPNAR2 support daisy-chained SPI communication?

Yes, the MC33984BPNAR2 supports daisy-chained SPI configurations: the SO pin of one device connects to the SI pin of the next, with shared SCLK and CS lines. Each device uses its own CS signal for addressing, enabling multi-device diagnostics and control using a single MCU SPI port while maintaining individual register access and fault reporting.

How does the fail-safe input (FSI) pin determine output behavior after watchdog timeout?

The FSI pin on the MC33984BPNAR2 sets post-watchdog output states via an external resistor to GND: 0 kΩ disables watchdog/fail-safe; 6–17 kΩ forces both HS0 and HS1 OFF; 17–40 kΩ forces both ON; >40 kΩ enables HS0-only ON. This resistor-based configuration ensures deterministic, hardware-level safety behavior independent of firmware or SPI communication integrity.

Can MC33984BPNAR2 be used without SPI configuration?

Yes - the MC33984BPNAR2 operates in default mode using parallel inputs (IN0/IN1) for basic ON/OFF control immediately after power-up. SPI is optional for advanced features: current monitoring selection, overcurrent threshold tuning, slew rate programming, and detailed fault diagnostics. Default settings include 25 A overcurrent trip, slow slew rate, and watchdog disabled.

What thermal considerations apply to the exposed tab on MC33984BPNAR2's PQFN package?

The exposed thermal tab on the MC33984BPNAR2's 12 mm × 12 mm PQFN must be soldered to a large, multi-layer PCB copper pour (minimum 400 mm², ≥2 oz copper) connected to internal ground planes. Thermal vias (≥12× 0.3 mm diameter) beneath the tab are required to achieve R_θJA ≈ 30 °C/W. Without proper thermal design, junction temperature may exceed 150 °C even at 15 A, triggering overtemperature shutdown.