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Texas Instruments PCA9306DCTR
- Part No.:
- PCA9306DCTR
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Translators, Level Shifters
- Package:
- Datasheet:
-
PCA9306DCTR.pdf
- Description:
- IC TRANSLATOR BIDIRECTIONAL SM8
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
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Product details
Overview
PCA9306DCTR from Texas Instruments is a dual bidirectional I²C/SMBus voltage-level translator IC operating without direction control, supporting 1.2-V to 3.3-V VREF1 and 1.8-V to 5.5-V VREF2 rails, with ≤1.5-ns max propagation delay and 3.5-Ω typical RON, used to interface mixed-voltage I²C subsystems in server backplanes and industrial controllers.
For engineers reviewing the PCA9306DCTR datasheet, PCA9306DCTR pinout, PCA9306DCTR application, or PCA9306DCTR equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional translation capability, EN-controlled isolation, open-drain I/O tolerance up to 5 V, flow-through SSOP-8 pinout, and compatibility with standard/fast-mode I²C (100/400 kHz) timing budgets.
Technical Context
The PCA9306DCTR implements two independent NFET-based pass-gate channels (SCL1↔SCL2, SDA1↔SDA2), each controlled by a shared enable input (EN) and biased by separate reference supplies (VREF1, VREF2). Its threshold-dependent conduction mechanism enables automatic bidirectional level shifting without external direction logic.
It supports asymmetric voltage translation across four defined rail combinations (e.g., 1.2 V ↔ 3.3 V), maintains high-impedance isolation when EN = low, and delivers sub-nanosecond AC performance under 50-pF load-critical for maintaining I²C timing margins in multi-controller systems.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VREF1 Range | 1.2 V to 3.3 V: sets low-side I/O voltage domain for SCL1/SDA1; must be ≥0.6 V below VREF2 for valid translation |
| VREF2 Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V: sets high-side I/O voltage domain for SCL2/SDA2; defines maximum tolerant pull-up voltage |
| Max Propagation Delay | ≤1.5 ns (CL = 15 pF): ensures full compliance with fast-mode I²C (400 kHz) setup/hold timing at bus capacitance ≤400 pF |
| RON (Typical) | 3.5 Ω at EN = 4.5 V, IO = 64 mA: minimizes signal distortion and voltage drop during active-low transitions on open-drain buses |
| ESD Rating (HBM) | ±2000 V: protects connected 1.2–3.3-V I²C peripherals from handling-induced transients without external clamping |
| Operating Temperature | –40°C to +85°C: supports deployment in industrial automation and telecom switching equipment environments |
| EN Input Voltage | 0 V to 5.5 V: allows direct interfacing with 1.8-V, 3.3-V, or 5-V logic controllers without level-shifting circuitry |
Pinout & Package
PCA9306DCTR is packaged in an 8-pin SSOP (DCT) measuring 2.95 mm × 4.00 mm with gull-wing leads and 0.65-mm pitch. The flow-through layout simplifies PCB routing by aligning inputs (SCL1, SDA1) and outputs (SCL2, SDA2) on opposite edges.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GND | Ground reference | Common return path for both VREF1 and VREF2 domains; must be low-impedance connection to minimize noise coupling |
| 2 VREF1 | Low-voltage reference supply | Bias source for SCL1/SDA1 I/O; determines low-side logic thresholds and internal FET gate drive |
| 3 SCL1 | Low-side serial clock I/O | Open-drain bidirectional port tied to 1.2–3.3-V controller or peripheral; pulled up externally on VREF1 side |
| 4 SDA1 | Low-side serial data I/O | Open-drain bidirectional port identical in function to SCL1; shares same VREF1 bias and pull-up requirements |
| 5 SDA2 | High-side serial data I/O | Open-drain bidirectional port tied to 1.8–5.5-V device; pulled up externally on VREF2 side; 5-V tolerant |
| 6 SCL2 | High-side serial clock I/O | Open-drain bidirectional port identical in function to SDA2; electrically isolated from SCL1/SDA1 when EN = low |
| 7 VREF2 | High-voltage reference supply | Bias source for SCL2/SDA2 I/O; establishes high-side logic thresholds and enables 5-V operation |
| 8 EN | Enable control input | Active-high logic input; drives internal pass gates ON/OFF; high-impedance state when low isolates both I²C segments |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No-direction-pin bidirectional translation | Eliminates need for GPIO-controlled direction signals and associated timing constraints in I²C master-slave topologies |
| Flow-through SSOP-8 pinout | Enables straight-line PCB trace routing between adjacent connectors, reducing crosstalk and stub length in dense backplane designs |
| EN-controlled bus isolation | Allows dynamic segmentation of I²C networks-e.g., disconnecting 100-kHz peripherals during 400-kHz controller operation |
| 5-V-tolerant high-side I/O | Permits direct connection to legacy 5-V SMBus peripherals without external voltage clamps or series resistors |
| Sub-2-ns propagation delay | Maintains I²C timing integrity across mixed-speed devices, enabling reliable operation up to 400 kHz with ≤400-pF total bus capacitance |
Applications
| Server Backplane Interfacing | Industrial I/O Module Isolation |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Connecting hot-pluggable compute modules with 1.8-V I²C controllers to a 3.3-V management bus on a server motherboard. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage translator and EN-gated isolation switch enabling safe insertion while preserving bus integrity. Use Value: Prevents SCL glitches during board insertion and eliminates risk of damaging low-voltage controllers via 3.3-V pull-ups. | Use Scenario: Isolating legacy 5-V sensor nodes from a modern 3.3-V PLC CPU using shared I²C infrastructure. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Level translator with programmable segment enable, supporting mixed-voltage fieldbus interoperability. Use Value: Enables reuse of existing 5-V analog sensors without redesigning power domains or adding discrete MOSFET translators. |
| Multi-Speed I²C Bus Segmentation | Embedded PMBus Voltage Monitoring |
Use Scenario: Separating a 400-kHz microcontroller debug interface from a 100-kHz thermal monitoring subsystem on the same physical bus. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Frequency-aware bus switch activated/deactivated via GPIO to prevent timing violations during high-speed transfers. Use Value: Avoids bus lockup caused by slow peripherals responding to fast-mode clock edges, improving system reliability. | Use Scenario: Translating PMBus commands between a 1.2-V FPGA-based power sequencer and 3.3-V digital power supplies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-latency bidirectional translator supporting PMBus packet structure and alert signaling. Use Value: Maintains strict PMBus timing (tBUF, tHD;STA) across voltage domains without introducing protocol-level delays. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar I²C voltage-level translation applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TCA9617ADGKR | Integrated 2-channel repeater with auto-direction sensing; requires no EN pin; higher quiescent current (120 µA vs. 10 µA) | Supports longer bus runs (>1 m) and higher node counts due to active drive; less suitable for ultra-low-power always-on monitoring | Select TCA9617ADGKR when bus extension or automatic direction resolution is required; PCA9306DCTR remains optimal for simple, low-power, EN-controlled segmentation |
| TXS0102DCUR | Lower RON (2.5 Ω typ), but limited VREF1 range (1.65–3.6 V); no 1.2-V support; lacks 5-V tolerance on high-side I/O | Not usable in 1.2-V ↔ 3.3-V or 1.2-V ↔ 5-V configurations; unsuitable for legacy 5-V SMBus peripherals | Choose TXS0102DCUR only for 1.8-V/2.5-V/3.3-V-only systems where lowest possible RON is critical and 5-V tolerance is unnecessary |
Compared with TCA9617ADGKR and TXS0102DCUR, PCA9306DCTR uniquely supports 1.2-V operation, 5-V-tolerant high-side I/O, and explicit EN-controlled isolation-making it the only option among the three for low-voltage embedded controllers interfacing with legacy 5-V management buses under strict power and timing constraints.
Availability
PCA9306DCTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for server backplanes, industrial I/O modules, multi-speed I²C segmentation, and embedded PMBus voltage monitoring requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.
Supply support for PCA9306DCTR 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
Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor company specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies, with leadership in interface, power management, and signal chain solutions.
The PCA9306DCTR belongs to TI's I²C/SMBus level translation product line, designed specifically to solve mixed-voltage interoperability challenges in computing, industrial, and communications infrastructure where precise timing, low RON, and robust isolation are mandatory.
FAQ
What voltage combinations does the PCA9306DCTR support for bidirectional translation?
The PCA9306DCTR supports four defined translation pairs: 1.2 V ↔ 1.8/2.5/3.3/5 V; 1.8 V ↔ 2.5/3.3/5 V; 2.5 V ↔ 3.3/5 V; and 3.3 V ↔ 5 V. It requires VREF2 ≥ VREF1 + 0.6 V for valid operation, and both supplies must remain within their absolute maximum ratings (–0.5 V to 7 V). The PCA9306DCTR does not support translation where VREF1 equals or exceeds VREF2.
How does the EN pin affect I²C bus behavior in the PCA9306DCTR?
When EN is high, the PCA9306DCTR enables bidirectional conduction between SCL1↔SCL2 and SDA1↔SDA2, allowing normal I²C communication across voltage domains. When EN is low, both channel pairs enter high-impedance isolation, decoupling the buses electrically-preventing cross-talk, glitch propagation, and unintended pull-up conflicts. This behavior is leveraged in hot-swap and multi-speed segmentation use cases for the PCA9306DCTR.
Can the PCA9306DCTR be used with 100-kHz and 400-kHz I²C buses simultaneously?
Yes-the PCA9306DCTR can isolate a 100-kHz bus segment from a 400-kHz main bus using the EN pin. During 400-kHz operation, EN is asserted to connect both sides; during idle or low-speed transfers, EN is deasserted to disconnect the slower segment. This prevents timing violations and bus lockup, a documented application for the PCA9306DCTR per TI's datasheet Section 8.1.3.
What is the maximum capacitive load the PCA9306DCTR can drive on each side of the translation interface?
The PCA9306DCTR itself contributes ≤12.5 pF (Cio(on)) per channel when enabled. However, total system bus capacitance-including all devices, traces, and connectors on both sides-must remain ≤400 pF to comply with I²C specification timing limits. Designers must sum capacitance from SCL1/SDA1 side and SCL2/SDA2 side separately, ensuring neither exceeds practical routing limits while keeping the aggregate under 400 pF for reliable PCA9306DCTR operation.
Does the PCA9306DCTR require external pull-up resistors, and how are they configured?
Yes-the PCA9306DCTR has open-drain I/O ports (SCL1, SDA1, SCL2, SDA2) and requires external pull-up resistors on both sides. Pull-ups on the SCL1/SDA1 side connect to VREF1; those on SCL2/SDA2 connect to VREF2. Resistor values are selected based on bus speed, capacitance, and voltage-e.g., 2.2 kΩ for 400-kHz operation at 3.3 V. No pull-ups are placed between VREF1 and VREF2, as specified in the PCA9306DCTR application guidelines.
PCA9306DCTR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Translator Type:
- Voltage Level
- Channel Type:
- Bidirectional
- Number of Circuits:
- 1
- Channels per Circuit:
- 2
- Voltage - VCCA:
- 1.2 V ~ 3.3 V
- Voltage - VCCB:
- 1.8 V ~ 5.5 V
- Input Signal:
- -
- Output Signal:
- -
- Output Type:
- Open Drain, Push-Pull
- Data Rate:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 105°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Features:
- Auto-Direction Sensing
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-LSSOP, 8-MSOP (0.110", 2.80mm Width)
PCA9306DCTR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PCA9306DCTR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PCA9306DCTR on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for PCA9306DCTR reliable?
The price and inventory of PCA9306DCTR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PCA9306DCTR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PCA9306DCTR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PCA9306DCTR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PCA9306DCTR?
PCA9306DCTR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PCA9306DCTR order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for PCA9306DCTR?
For technical support, including PCA9306DCTR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PCA9306DCTR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PCA9306DCTR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PCA9306DCTR products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that PCA9306DCTR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PCA9306DCTR?
All PCA9306DCTR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PCA9306DCTR, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The PCA9306DCTR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PCA9306DCTR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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