NXP Semiconductors PCA82C251T/YM,118

Overview

PCA82C251T/YM,118 from NXP Semiconductors is a high-speed CAN transceiver designed as the physical layer interface between a CAN protocol controller and the differential bus in 24 V automotive systems. It delivers differential transmit/receive capability, supports up to 1 MBd data rate, operates from 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply, and features thermal protection, short-circuit robustness to ±36 V, and selectable slope control via pin Rs - enabling use in truck and bus networks.

For engineers reviewing the PCA82C251T/YM,118 datasheet, PCA82C251T/YM,118 pinout, PCA82C251T/YM,118 application, or PCA82C251T/YM,118 equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, SO8 package mapping, functional mode selection logic (High-speed/Slope/Standby), bus fault tolerance specs, and validated alternatives for CAN physical layer design in harsh 24 V environments.

Technical Context

The PCA82C251T/YM,118 implements a fully ISO 11898-2 compliant CAN physical layer with integrated driver/receiver circuitry, reference voltage output (Vref), and Rs-controlled operational modes. Its transmitter provides differential bus drive (CANH/CANL) with programmable slew rate via external resistor on pin 8, while the receiver detects dominant/recessive states using ≥0.9 V differential input threshold and 150 mV hysteresis.

Thermal protection activates at ~160 °C junction temperature, reducing transmitter current without disabling receiver functionality. The device remains electrically isolated from the bus when unpowered, and supports ≥110 nodes on a single network - all within −40 °C to +125 °C ambient operation and ±36 V bus fault tolerance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PCA82C251T/YM,118 is housed in an SO8 plastic small outline package (SOT96-1), 3.9 mm body width, 1.27 mm lead pitch, and JEDEC MS-012 compliant footprint.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar CAN transceiver applications.

Compared with PCA82C251T/YM,118, TJA1042T/3/1 offers superior ESD immunity and lower standby power but adds supply complexity, while MCP2551-I/P sacrifices slope control and Vref functionality for simpler implementation - making PCA82C251T/YM,118 the optimal balance of configurability, ruggedness, and feature integration for 24 V truck/bus networks.

Availability

PCA82C251T/YM,118 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for truck powertrain control, bus chassis networking, off-highway vehicle gateways, and commercial trailer telematics requiring stable component supply across extended automotive lifecycles.

Supply support for PCA82C251T/YM,118 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, with deep expertise in automotive-grade analog and mixed-signal ICs.

The PCA82C251T/YM,118 belongs to NXP's legacy CAN transceiver product line, engineered specifically for ruggedized 24 V vehicle networks - emphasizing bus fault tolerance, thermal resilience, and interoperability with ISO 11898-2 infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the maximum bus voltage the PCA82C251T/YM,118 can withstand without damage?

The PCA82C251T/YM,118 supports DC bus voltages from −36 V to +36 V on both CANH and CANL pins, meeting ISO 11898-2 requirements for 24 V automotive systems. This rating covers load dump, jump-start, and reverse-battery conditions - eliminating the need for external TVS diodes in most implementations. Transient voltage tolerance extends to ±200 V per ISO 7637 test pulses.

How does the Rs pin configure operating modes on the PCA82C251T/YM,118?

Pin 8 (Rs) selects three distinct modes: grounding Rs enables high-speed mode (fastest edges, ≤50 ns propagation); connecting a 47 kΩ resistor to ground enables slope control mode (7 V/µs slew rate for unshielded cables); applying >0.75×VCC to Rs activates standby mode (275 µA supply current, transmitter disabled). Mode detection is voltage- and current-based per Table 5 in the datasheet.

Does the PCA82C251T/YM,118 provide a reference voltage output, and how is it used?

Yes, the PCA82C251T/YM,118 provides a buffered Vref output (pin 5) at approximately 0.5×VCC, specified from 0.45×VCC to 0.55×VCC under 50 µA load. This reference is commonly used to bias external CAN bus termination resistors, calibrate diagnostic circuits, or stabilize comparator thresholds in fault-monitoring subsystems - enhancing measurement accuracy across temperature and supply variation.

What thermal protection mechanism does the PCA82C251T/YM,118 implement?

The PCA82C251T/YM,118 incorporates junction-temperature-dependent current foldback: when chip temperature exceeds ~160 °C, transmitter output current is reduced to limit power dissipation. This preserves receiver functionality and prevents destructive thermal runaway during sustained bus shorts - a critical safeguard in enclosed chassis or engine bay installations where airflow is limited.

Is the PCA82C251T/YM,118 compatible with 3.3 V CAN controllers?

The PCA82C251T/YM,118 accepts 3.3 V logic levels on TXD (input) and drives RXD (output) to full 5 V CMOS levels, making it directly compatible with 3.3 V microcontrollers when VCC = 5 V. However, its Vref output and internal logic are referenced to VCC, so level-shifting is not required for TXD/RXD signaling - only ensure the controller's 3.3 V outputs meet the PCA82C251T/YM,118's VIH/VIL thresholds (0.7×VCC min for HIGH, 0.3×VCC max for LOW).