NXP Semiconductors NTB0101AGWH

Overview

NTB0101AGWH from NXP Semiconductors is a 1-bit auto-direction-sensing dual-supply voltage-level transceiver enabling bidirectional translation between 1.2 V–3.6 V (VCC(A)) and 1.65 V–5.5 V (VCC(B)) domains. It features integrated IOFF circuitry for partial power-down protection, ±1 μA max input leakage at 125 °C, and supports data rates up to 100 Mbit/s in 3.3 V/5.0 V configurations. It is used in mixed-voltage I²C-adjacent digital interfaces where automatic direction detection eliminates external control logic.

For engineers reviewing the NTB0101AGWH datasheet, NTB0101AGWH pinout, NTB0101AGWH application, or NTB0101AGWH equivalent, key selection criteria include its asymmetric supply range support (VCC(A) ≤ VCC(B)), high-impedance OE-controlled disable state, ESD robustness (15 kV HBM on port B), and guaranteed operation from −40 °C to +125 °C without level-shifter biasing or direction pins.

Technical Context

The NTB0101AGWH implements auto-direction sensing via edge-triggered one-shot circuits that transiently enable PMOS/NMOS drivers during signal transitions-accelerating rise/fall times without requiring external direction control. Its I/O cells maintain weak static drive (70 Ω typical at 1.2–1.8 V, 40 Ω at 3.3–5.0 V) to allow bus contention resolution while supporting capacitive loads ≤70 pF.

IOFF circuitry actively disables outputs when either VCC(A) or VCC(B) is at GND, preventing backflow current damage during partial power-down. Input clamping and ESD structures are segregated per port: port A rated to 2.5 kV HBM (Class 2), port B to 15 kV HBM (Class 3B), with latch-up immunity exceeding 100 mA per JESD78B Class II.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

NTB0101AGWH uses the SOT363 (SC-88) 6-pin plastic surface-mount package (2.1 mm × 1.25 mm × 0.95 mm, 0.65 mm pitch), optimized for space-constrained PCB layouts in portable and embedded systems.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar voltage-level translation applications.

Compared with TXS0101DCUR and NTS0101PW,118, the NTB0101AGWH uniquely combines auto-direction sensing, IOFF-enabled partial power-down, and extended temperature qualification-making it the sole option for high-reliability mixed-voltage interfaces requiring zero-GPIO translation and hot-swap resilience.

Availability

NTB0101AGWH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interface, automotive body control, portable medical device, and programmable logic controller applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for NTB0101AGWH 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 company headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets.

The NTB0101AGWH belongs to NXP's auto-direction-sensing level translator product line, engineered specifically for robust, low-pin-count voltage domain bridging in thermally demanding and safety-critical embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable voltage difference between VCC(A) and VCC(B) for reliable operation of the NTB0101AGWH?

The NTB0101AGWH requires VCC(A) ≤ VCC(B) during active operation. While VCC(A) may temporarily exceed VCC(B) during power-up without damage, sustained operation with VCC(A) > VCC(B) violates the absolute maximum rating and risks undefined behavior or latch-up. The datasheet specifies VCC(A) up to 3.6 V and VCC(B) down to 1.65 V, but functional margin is maintained only when VCC(B) ≥ VCC(A). For example, 3.3 V/3.3 V and 1.8 V/5.0 V are valid; 2.5 V/1.8 V is not permitted.

Can the NTB0101AGWH be used to translate I²C signals between 1.8 V and 3.3 V domains?

No, the NTB0101AGWH is not recommended for I²C bus translation. Its weak static drive strength (designed for capacitive loads ≤70 pF) and lack of open-drain compatibility create risk of bus contention and violate I²C electrical specifications. The datasheet explicitly recommends the NTS0101 for I²C applications. Using NTB0101AGWH on I²C may result in failed ACK/NACK detection, clock stretching errors, or excessive bus rise time beyond 1000 ns.

How does the IOFF circuitry in the NTB0101AGWH protect the device during partial power-down?

The IOFF circuitry in the NTB0101AGWH actively disables all output drivers when either VCC(A) or VCC(B) falls to GND, blocking reverse current flow through the I/O clamps. This prevents backfeeding from an active supply domain into a powered-down domain-critical for hot-swap modules and firmware-controlled subsystem shutdown. Measured IOFF leakage remains ≤±10 μA at 125 °C, ensuring safe isolation without external diodes or MOSFETs. The feature is intrinsic and requires no configuration.

What is the significance of the asymmetric ESD ratings (2.5 kV HBM on port A vs. 15 kV HBM on port B) for the NTB0101AGWH?

The asymmetric ESD ratings reflect real-world exposure asymmetry: port B connects to higher-voltage, externally accessible peripherals (e.g., connectors, displays, sensors) more likely to encounter human-body discharge events, hence its 15 kV HBM (Class 3B) rating. Port A links to protected internal logic (e.g., SoC I/O), justifying its 2.5 kV HBM (Class 2) rating. This design optimizes silicon area and cost while meeting IEC 61000-4-2 system-level ESD requirements where the highest threat resides on the external interface side.

Does the NTB0101AGWH require external pull-up or pull-down resistors on the A or B I/O lines?

External pull-up or pull-down resistors on A or B lines must be ≥50 kΩ to avoid contention with the NTB0101AGWH's weak static drive strength. Resistors below this value cause excessive quiescent current and may prevent proper high-Z state assertion. The device is not designed for open-drain topologies; using standard 4.7 kΩ I²C pull-ups will overload its output stage and cause malfunction. For pull-up-dependent buses, dedicated translators like NTS0101 are required.