NXP Semiconductors MC34904C3EK

Overview

MC34904C3EK 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), four programmable wake-up inputs, SPI interface, and analog monitoring MUX-OUT. It operates across -40°C to +125°C and supports fail-safe state machine operation in automotive and industrial control modules.

For engineers reviewing the MC34904C3EK datasheet, MC34904C3EK pinout, MC34904C3EK application, or MC34904C3EK equivalent, this device serves as a complete power management and communication hub for microcontroller-based ECUs requiring robust CAN connectivity, low-power LP modes (<35 µA), integrated diagnostics, and flexible I/O wake-up capability.

Technical Context

The MC34904C3EK implements a SMARTMOS-based architecture with dual supply inputs (VSUP1/VSUP2), a configurable 3.3 V VDD regulator (150 mA internal, extendable via external PNP), and an embedded ISO 11898-5-compliant CAN physical layer supporting baud rates from 40 kb/s to 1.0 Mb/s. It includes bus fault diagnostics, local failure detection, and fail-safe SAFE output assertion on watchdog timeout or VDD undervoltage.

Its functional block integrates SPI-controlled power sequencing, cyclic sense operation during LP modes, multiple undervoltage thresholds (e.g., VSUP1_LOW = 5.5–6.5 V), and analog monitoring via MUX-OUT for VSENSE, VDD, or internal supply rails - all coordinated by a dedicated state machine independent of MCU intervention.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC34904C3EK is housed in a 32-pin SOIC package with exposed thermal pad (Pb-free EK suffix), optimized for thermal dissipation in high-reliability industrial and automotive applications.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC34904C5EK/R2, MC34904C3EK provides matched 3.3 V regulation for modern low-voltage MCUs; compared with MC34903CP3EK/R2, it adds one wake-up input, VAUX regulation, and full MUX-OUT monitoring - making it the most feature-complete 3.3 V CAN SBC in the family.

Availability

MC34904C3EK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial process control, automotive body electronics, and robotics motion control applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q100-qualified reliability.

Supply support for MC34904C3EK 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.

The MC34904C3EK belongs to NXP's System Basis Chip (SBC) product line, designed specifically to consolidate power management, CAN/LIN communication, and safety-critical monitoring functions into a single IC for automotive and industrial electronic control units.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MC34904C3EK in an automotive ECU?

The MC34904C3EK serves as a System Basis Chip that integrates MCU power regulation (3.3 V), high-speed CAN transceiver (ISO 11898-2/5), wake-up I/Os, SPI interface, and fail-safe monitoring. In an automotive ECU, MC34904C3EK replaces discrete regulators, CAN transceivers, and supervision ICs - reducing board space and improving system-level reliability through hardware-enforced safety states.

Does the MC34904C3EK support partial networking or selective wake-up over CAN?

Yes, the MC34904C3EK supports ISO 11898-5 partial networking via its enhanced high-speed CAN interface. It enables selective wake-up from LP mode using CAN bus activity, including remote frame detection and dominant bit monitoring - allowing targeted node activation without waking the entire network.

Can the MC34904C3EK drive a 5 V MCU, or is it limited to 3.3 V operation?

The MC34904C3EK is configured exclusively for 3.3 V VDD output, as indicated by the "C3" in its part number (C = version, 3 = 3.3 V). It does not support 5 V MCU operation. For 5 V systems, the pin-compatible alternative MC34904C5EK/R2 must be used - both share identical packaging, CAN interface, and LP mode behavior.

How many wake-up sources does the MC34904C3EK provide, and what types are supported?

The MC34904C3EK provides four dedicated wake-up input pins (I/O-0 through I/O-3), plus additional sources including CAN bus activity, SPI message reception, automatic timer expiration, and VDD overcurrent detection. All four I/O pins can be independently configured as wake-up inputs in LP mode, enabling flexible sensor-triggered system recovery.

Is external circuitry required for the MC34904C3EK's CAN interface to meet ISO 11898-2 compliance?

No external components are required for basic ISO 11898-2 compliance: the MC34904C3EK integrates CANH, CANL, and SPLIT outputs with built-in bus protection. However, a 120 Ω termination resistor between CANH and CANL is required at each bus end, and a capacitor (typically 1–10 nF) must be placed on the 5V-CAN pin per datasheet guidance to ensure stable regulator operation.