onsemi NC7SZ125M5X

Overview

NC7SZ125M5X from ON Semiconductor is a single-channel, three-state buffer IC designed for level translation and bus isolation in space-constrained digital systems. It delivers 2.6 ns typical propagation delay at 5 V, ±24 mA output drive at 3 V, and operates across 1.65 V to 5.5 V supply range - enabling interoperability between 1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.3 V, and 5 V logic domains. It is used in portable consumer interfaces requiring low-power, high-speed signal buffering with voltage-tolerant inputs.

For engineers reviewing the NC7SZ125M5X datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its ultra-high-speed tPD performance into 50 pF, over-voltage tolerant inputs (up to 6 V), three-state control timing (tPZL/tPHZ < 6 ns at 5 V), and SOT23-5 package compatibility with high-density PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The NC7SZ125M5X implements a single non-inverting buffer with active-low three-state enable (OE), where output Y follows input A when OE is low and enters high-impedance state when OE is high. Its CMOS UHS architecture achieves sub-3 ns propagation delay while maintaining rail-to-rail output swing and input tolerance beyond VCC - critical for mixed-voltage bus interfacing.

It features power-down high-impedance inputs/outputs at VCC = 0 V, supports 5 V → 3 V level translation without external components, and integrates proprietary noise/EMI reduction circuitry. Input leakage remains ≤±10 µA across –40°C to +85°C, and output disable time (tPHZ) is 4.7 ns max at 5 V, ensuring clean bus release in multi-driver systems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

NC7SZ125M5X is packaged in a 5-lead SOT23 (JEDEC MO-178, 1.6 mm body width), optimized for automated placement and thermal dissipation in compact layouts. The package supports reflow soldering per J-STD-020 and has θJA = 300°C/W.

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,125, the NC7SZ125M5X uniquely combines 6 V input tolerance, 2.6 ns speed, and ±24 mA drive in a SOT23-5 package - making it the only option qualified for robust 5 V ↔ 3.3 V/1.8 V translation without external components or layout compromises.

Availability

NC7SZ125M5X is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for mobile interface isolation, industrial sensor bus buffering, portable display latching, and automotive infotainment bus extension requiring stable component supply and guaranteed long-term sourcing.

Supply support for NC7SZ125M5X 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, logic, and sensor solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud computing, and consumer electronics.

The NC7SZ125M5X belongs to the TinyLogic® UHS family, engineered for ultra-high-speed, low-voltage logic interfacing in space- and power-constrained applications - particularly where mixed-voltage domain bridging and minimal propagation delay are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for NC7SZ125M5X, and does it depend on VCC?

The NC7SZ125M5X supports DC input voltages up to 6.0 V regardless of VCC value - a key feature enabling safe 5 V signal interfacing even when powered from 1.8 V or 2.5 V supplies. This over-voltage tolerance is specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table and verified across –40°C to +85°C. Unlike standard logic buffers, the NC7SZ125M5X does not require external clamping diodes or level shifters for such mixed-voltage use cases, simplifying design and reducing BOM count.

Can NC7SZ125M5X operate reliably at 1.65 V VCC, and what performance trade-offs apply?

Yes, NC7SZ125M5X is fully specified down to 1.65 V VCC per the Recommended Operating Conditions table. At this minimum supply, tPLH/tPHL increases to 13.8 ns max (vs. 4.8 ns at 5 V), and output drive drops to ±4 mA (vs. ±24 mA at 3 V). However, VIH/VIL thresholds scale correctly (0.75×VCC), ensuring robust noise margins. This makes NC7SZ125M5X suitable for ultra-low-power IoT sensor nodes where 1.8 V operation is standard, while retaining functional compatibility across the entire 1.65–5.5 V range.

Does NC7SZ125M5X require external pull-up or pull-down resistors on its inputs or outputs?

No, NC7SZ125M5X does not require external biasing resistors on OE, A, or Y pins under normal operation. Its inputs exhibit high-impedance behavior with ≤±10 µA leakage, and the device specifies that unused inputs must be held HIGH or LOW - achievable via direct MCU GPIO or internal weak pulls if available. The output Y is actively driven or placed in true high-impedance (not floating), eliminating need for external termination unless dictated by transmission-line requirements. Internal power-down logic ensures Hi-Z states at VCC = 0 V.

How does the thermal performance of NC7SZ125M5X compare across its SOT23-5 package variants?

The NC7SZ125M5X uses the JEDEC MO-178 SOT23-5 package with θJA = 300°C/W, as documented in the datasheet's Recommended Operating Conditions table. This is significantly better than SC70-5 (425°C/W) and MicroPak-6 (500°C/W) variants of the same family. For continuous operation at 24 mA output current and 5 V VCC, junction temperature rise remains below 15°C above ambient - well within the +150°C TJ limit. No heatsinking is required in typical PCB layouts with 1 oz copper and standard thermal relief.

Is NC7SZ125M5X pin-compatible with other TinyLogic® buffers like NC7SZ05 or NC7SZ17?

No, NC7SZ125M5X is not pin-compatible with NC7SZ05 (inverter) or NC7SZ17 (buffer with Schmitt-trigger input), despite sharing the same SOT23-5 package footprint. Pin 1 is OE (active-low enable) in NC7SZ125M5X but A (input) in NC7SZ05 and NC7SZ17. Swapping them would result in permanent misconnection - OE tied to GND or VCC would force the NC7SZ125M5X output into constant LOW or Hi-Z, breaking functionality. Always verify pin mapping using the "Pin Definitions" table in the NC7SZ125 datasheet before board reuse.