NXP Semiconductors MC34904C5EKR2

Overview

MC34904C5EKR2 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a System Basis Chip (SBC) integrating a 5.0 V MCU power regulator, high-speed CAN transceiver (ISO 11898-2/5), four programmable wake-up inputs, and SPI-controlled diagnostics. It operates across -40°C to +125°C, supports 40 kb/s–1 Mb/s CAN baud rates, and delivers <35 µA quiescent current in LP mode with VDD OFF - enabling robust power management in automotive and industrial ECU designs.

For engineers reviewing the MC34904C5EKR2 datasheet, MC34904C5EKR2 pinout, MC34904C5EKR2 application, or MC34904C5EKR2 equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed low-power behavior, real-world diagnostic capabilities (VSENSE, MUX-OUT, SAFE), and precise alternative part comparisons - all grounded in Freescale Document Number MC34903_4_5 Rev. 4.0.

Technical Context

The MC34904C5EKR2 implements a fail-safe state machine with hardware-enforced safe output (SAFE pin) triggered by VDD undervoltage, watchdog timeout, or RST pin faults. Its embedded CAN interface complies with ISO 11898-2 and -5, includes bus fault diagnostics (CANH/CANL short-to-battery/ground detection), and supports SPLIT termination for common-mode noise suppression.

It features dual supply domains: VSUP1 powers internal logic and VDD regulation, while VSUP2 supplies the 5V-CAN driver and I/Os. The device supports cyclic sense operation in LP mode using I/O-0/I/O-1 pairs and enables external PNP ballasting for VDD current extension up to 200 mA - critical for high-reliability ECU power architectures.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC34904C5EKR2 uses a 32-pin SOIC package with exposed thermal pad (Pb-free, EK suffix). Pin layout is footprint-compatible across the 34903/4/5 family, enabling design reuse.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar System Basis Chip applications.

Compared with MC34904C5EKR2, MC34904C3EKR2 changes only the VDD output voltage - preserving all power, CAN, and diagnostic functionality for 3.3 V systems - while MC34905CS5EKR2 extends functionality with LIN 2.1 at the cost of additional pin count and bus interface complexity.

Availability

MC34904C5EKR2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for Engine Control Units, Industrial Motor Drives, Robotics Motion Controllers, and Off-Highway Telematics Modules requiring stable component supply across automotive and industrial temperature ranges.

Supply support for MC34904C5EKR2 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 acquired Freescale in 2015 and continues to support the legacy SBC portfolio. NXP specializes in secure, high-reliability semiconductor solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets.

The MC34904C5EKR2 belongs to NXP's System Basis Chip product line, designed specifically for automotive and industrial electronic control units requiring integrated power regulation, CAN communication, and fail-safe diagnostics in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum CAN baud rate supported by the MC34904C5EKR2?

The MC34904C5EKR2 supports high-speed CAN up to 1.0 Mb/s, fully compliant with ISO 11898-2 and ISO 11898-5 standards. This enables real-time communication in demanding automotive networks such as powertrain and chassis systems. The device maintains signal integrity across the full range with built-in bus fault diagnostics and SPLIT termination support - all verified in Freescale Document Number MC34903_4_5 Rev. 4.0.

Does the MC34904C5EKR2 include a LIN interface?

No, the MC34904C5EKR2 does not include a LIN interface. It is the zero-LIN variant of the 34903/4/5 family, confirmed in Table 2 of the datasheet (MC34904 Device Variations). For LIN-capable alternatives, consider MC34905CS5EKR2 (single LIN) or MC34903CS5EKR2 (single LIN). The MC34904C5EKR2 retains all other features - 5.0 V VDD, CAN, four wake-up I/Os, and diagnostics - in the same 32-pin SOIC package.

What is the quiescent current of the MC34904C5EKR2 in low-power mode?

In LP mode with VDD OFF, the MC34904C5EKR2 draws ≤35 µA at −40°C to +25°C and ≤50 µA at +125°C (per Table 6, Static Electrical Characteristics). With VDD ON, current rises to ≤65 µA at −40°C to +25°C and ≤85 µA at +125°C - both values measured with VSUP ≤18 V. These figures enable multi-year battery operation in always-on automotive modules, as validated in Freescale's MC34903_4_5 Rev. 4.0 test conditions.

Can the MC34904C5EKR2 support external PNP ballasting for higher VDD current?

Yes, the MC34904C5EKR2 supports external PNP ballasting via VB (Pin 32) and VE (Pin 31) to extend VDD output current from 150 mA to 200 mA. The device implements internal current sharing (K = 1.5–2.5 ratio) and monitors ballast transistor health. This capability is explicitly documented in the "Voltage regulator for MCU" feature and Table 6 (VDROP-B parameter), making MC34904C5EKR2 suitable for high-current MCU or peripheral loads without redesigning the power stage.

What diagnostic functions are accessible via the MUX-OUT pin on the MC34904C5EKR2?

The MUX-OUT pin on the MC34904C5EKR2 provides SPI-selectable analog monitoring of internal parameters including VDD voltage, VSENSE (battery), die temperature, and internal reference voltages. A switchable internal pull-down resistor enables accurate VDD current sensing. This eliminates need for external op-amps or ADC channels - all signals are routed through a single pin and selected via SPI register writes, as defined in Section "MUX output pin" of Freescale Document Number MC34903_4_5 Rev. 4.0.