NXP Semiconductors MC34903CP3EKR2

Overview

MC34903CP3EKR2 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a System Basis Chip (SBC) integrating a 3.3 V MCU power regulator, high-speed CAN transceiver (ISO 11898-2/5), fail-safe state machine, and three programmable wake-up I/O pins. It operates across -40 °C to +125 °C, supports baud rates from 40 kb/s to 1 Mb/s, and delivers <35 µA quiescent current in LP mode with VDD OFF - enabling robust power management for automotive and industrial ECU designs.

For engineers reviewing the MC34903CP3EKR2 datasheet, MC34903CP3EKR2 pinout, MC34903CP3EKR2 application, or MC34903CP3EKR2 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 32-pin SOIC exposed-pad package, absence of LIN interface, integrated 5 V-CAN supply, VSENSE-based battery monitoring, and SPI-configurable diagnostics - all critical for low-power, fault-tolerant embedded control systems requiring CAN connectivity and multi-source wake-up capability.

Technical Context

The MC34903CP3EKR2 implements a SMARTMOS-based fail-safe state machine that autonomously manages transitions between Normal, Sleep, and Fail-Safe modes based on watchdog timeout, VDD undervoltage, RST pin faults, or CAN bus errors. Its CAN interface complies fully with ISO 11898-5 for partial networking and includes local/bus failure diagnostics, short-circuit protection, and SPLIT output for split-termination topology.

This variant lacks LIN functionality and VAUX output, distinguishing it from MC34903S and MC34904 variants. It supports only three wake-up inputs (I/O-0, I/O-2, I/O-3), all configurable as inputs or high-side outputs, and uses VSUP as the sole battery supply input (VSUP1/VSUP2 internally connected), simplifying power routing versus dual-supply SBCs.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC34903CP3EKR2 is housed in a 32-pin SOIC package with exposed pad (Pb-free, EK suffix), footprint-compatible with MC34903S, MC34904, and MC34905 family members. The exposed pad enhances thermal dissipation and must be soldered to PCB ground plane.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar system basis chip applications.

Compared with MC34903CP5EKR2 and MC34904C3EKR2, MC34903CP3EKR2 provides optimal integration for 3.3 V MCU-based ECUs with minimal external components, while trading VAUX flexibility and one wake-up pin for reduced complexity and cost in dedicated CAN-node applications.

Availability

MC34903CP3EKR2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial motor drive controllers, robotics actuator nodes, and off-highway telematics gateways requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for MC34903CP3EKR2 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 specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with deep expertise in automotive-grade analog and mixed-signal ICs.

The MC34903 family belongs to NXP's System Basis Chip product line, designed specifically for automotive and industrial electronic control units requiring integrated power management, CAN/LIN interfaces, and hardware-enforced functional safety - targeting ASIL-B compliance and long-term reliability in harsh environments.

FAQ

Does MC34903CP3EKR2 include a LIN interface?

No, MC34903CP3EKR2 does not include a LIN interface. It is the "P" variant (no LIN) within the MC34903 family, confirmed by Freescale documentation showing zero LIN channels and omission of LIN-related pins (RXD-L, TXD-L, LIN, LIN-T) in its pinout. This distinguishes it from the "S" variant (MC34903CS3EKR2), which integrates one LIN 2.1 interface.

What is the maximum continuous output current of the VDD regulator in MC34903CP3EKR2?

The VDD regulator in MC34903CP3EKR2 delivers up to 150 mA continuously without an external PNP transistor. When an external ballast transistor is implemented, total output current capability increases to 200 mA (internal + ballast), with a guaranteed current-sharing ratio K = 1.5–2.5 between ballast and internal paths.

How does the SAFE pin function in MC34903CP3EKR2?

The SAFE pin in MC34903CP3EKR2 is an open-drain active-low output that asserts LOW during fault conditions including VDD undervoltage, watchdog timeout, RST pin malfunction, or CAN bus failure. It directly drives external reset logic or microcontroller NMI inputs, enabling hardware-level fail-safe responses without software intervention.

Can MC34903CP3EKR2 operate with a single battery supply input?

Yes, MC34903CP3EKR2 operates with a single VSUP input (pin 1). Unlike variants with separate VSUP1/VSUP2 pins, this part internally connects VSUP to both primary and CAN/auxiliary supply domains - simplifying PCB layout and reducing external component count for applications not requiring isolated CAN power domains.

What wake-up sources are supported by MC34903CP3EKR2 in low-power mode?

MC34903CP3EKR2 supports wake-up from CAN bus activity, transitions on I/O-0, I/O-2, or I/O-3 pins, SPI message reception (via CS edge), automatic timer expiration, and VDD overcurrent detection. All three I/O pins are configurable as wake-up inputs or high-side drivers, with short-to-GND detection enabled in input mode.