onsemi NC7SZ125M5

Overview

NC7SZ125M5 from ON Semiconductor is a single-channel, three-state buffer IC designed for level translation and bus isolation in space-constrained digital systems. It operates across 1.65 V to 5.5 V V_CC, delivers ±24 mA output drive at 3 V, and achieves 2.6 ns typical propagation delay into 50 pF at 5 V - enabling high-speed signal routing in low-voltage microcontroller I/O expansion and mixed-voltage interface applications.

For engineers reviewing the NC7SZ125M5 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this page provides verified package mapping (SOT23-5), confirmed three-state timing parameters (t_PZL/t_PHZ ≤ 6.0 ns at 5 V), input overvoltage tolerance up to 6 V, and real-world design implications for voltage translation and bus contention control.

Technical Context

The NC7SZ125M5 implements a single non-inverting buffer with active-low three-state enable (OE), where output Y follows input A only when OE is logic LOW. Its CMOS UHS architecture enables rail-to-rail input compatibility and output clamping above V_CC in high-impedance state - critical for hot-swap and bidirectional bus designs.

Input thresholds scale with V_CC (VIH = 0.70V_CC at 2.3–5.5 V), and output drive strength is specified down to 1.65 V supply. The device supports 10 MHz input PRR with 1.8 ns input rise/fall times, and exhibits <4 pF input capacitance - minimizing loading on upstream drivers in high-density PCB layouts.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT23-5 package: 1.6 mm × 2.8 mm body, 0.95 mm height, gull-wing leads, JEDEC MO-178 compliant. Thermal resistance θ_JA = 300°C/W enables operation at full rated current up to +85°C ambient without heatsinking.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar buffer-with-three-state-output applications.

Compared with SN74LVC1G125DBVR and 74AUP1G125GW, the NC7SZ125M5 uniquely combines 2.6 ns speed, 6 V input tolerance, and ±24 mA drive in SOT23-5 - making it the only option meeting all three criteria for high-reliability mixed-voltage bus arbitration.

Availability

NC7SZ125M5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microcontroller I/O expansion, mixed-voltage bus interface, low-power wearable sensor hubs, and industrial PLC digital input conditioning requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for NC7SZ125M5 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

ON Semiconductor is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in energy-efficient power management, analog, sensing, and logic solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud computing, and IoT applications.

The TinyLogic® UHS family - including NC7SZ125M5 - was engineered for ultra-small-footprint, high-speed logic functions in battery-powered and space-constrained embedded systems, prioritizing speed, voltage flexibility, and robustness over legacy logic families.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage the NC7SZ125M5 can tolerate?

The NC7SZ125M5 supports DC input voltages up to 6.0 V regardless of V_CC level - verified per Absolute Maximum Ratings table. This allows direct connection to 5 V buses while operating from 1.8 V or 2.5 V supplies without external protection components. The NC7SZ125M5 input structure uses over-voltage tolerant gate oxides, not clamping diodes, ensuring reliable operation across mixed-voltage system boundaries.

Does the NC7SZ125M5 require external pull-up or pull-down resistors on its OE pin?

No, the NC7SZ125M5 OE pin has no internal pull-up or pull-down; it must be actively driven HIGH or LOW by the host system. Leaving OE floating violates the "Unused inputs must be held HIGH or LOW" requirement in the datasheet and may cause undefined output states or increased ICC. For fixed-enable operation, tie OE to GND via a 0 Ω resistor; for dynamic control, connect directly to a GPIO. The NC7SZ125M5 does not support weak internal biasing.

Can the NC7SZ125M5 drive a 50 pF load at 100 MHz?

The NC7SZ125M5 is characterized for AC operation up to 10 MHz input PRR (pulse repetition rate) with 500 ns pulse width, and propagation delay is specified into 50 pF loads. While edge rates support ~400 MHz bandwidth, sustained 100 MHz toggling exceeds the tested AC conditions and risks violating t_PLH/t_PHL specs or increasing dynamic power dissipation. For 100 MHz applications, verify timing margins using the NC7SZ125M5's actual t_PD and output rise/fall times under your specific load and V_CC.

What is the thermal performance of the NC7SZ125M5 in SOT23-5 package?

The NC7SZ125M5 in SOT23-5 has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (θ_JA) of 300°C/W, measured on standard 1-oz copper PCB with 1-inch² pad. At 24 mA output current and 5 V V_CC, power dissipation remains below 120 mW - resulting in <36°C junction rise above ambient at +85°C. This confirms reliable operation without derating in typical industrial temperature ranges. The NC7SZ125M5 thermal design assumes proper PCB copper pour under the exposed pad area.

Is the NC7SZ125M5 pin-compatible with other TinyLogic® buffers like NC7SZ05 or NC7SZ17?

No, the NC7SZ125M5 is not pin-compatible with NC7SZ05 (inverter) or NC7SZ17 (buffer with Schmitt-trigger input). All three share the SOT23-5 package outline, but pin assignments differ: NC7SZ125M5 uses Pin 1 = OE, Pin 2 = A, Pin 4 = Y; NC7SZ05 uses Pin 1 = A, Pin 2 = GND, Pin 4 = Y; NC7SZ17 uses Pin 1 = A, Pin 2 = GND, Pin 4 = Y with no OE pin. Swapping them requires PCB redesign. The NC7SZ125M5 pinout is unique to three-state buffer variants in the TinyLogic UHS family.