Texas Instruments PCA9306DCTRE4
- Part No.:
- PCA9306DCTRE4
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Translators, Level Shifters
- Package:
- Datasheet:
-
PCA9306DCTRE4.pdf
- Description:
- IC TRANSLATOR BIDIRECTIONAL SM8
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
PCA9306DCTRE4 from Texas Instruments is a dual bidirectional I²C/SMBus voltage-level translator IC operating between 1.2 V and 5.5 V domains, featuring 8-pin SSOP (DCT) package, <1.5 ns max propagation delay, 3.5 Ω typical RON, and 5-V-tolerant I/O - deployed in mixed-voltage server backplanes to isolate 400-kHz and 100-kHz I²C segments.
For engineers reviewing the PCA9306DCTRE4 datasheet, PCA9306DCTRE4 pinout, PCA9306DCTRE4 application, or PCA9306DCTRE4 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional translation without direction pin, EN-controlled isolation, open-drain compatibility with standard/fast-mode I²C, and verified operation across 1.2–3.3 V (VREF1) and 1.8–5.5 V (VREF2) supply pairs.
Technical Context
The PCA9306DCTRE4 implements two independent NFET-based pass-gate channels (SCL/SDA), each with threshold-dependent conduction (VTH ≈ 0.6 V) enabling automatic bidirectional level shifting. It requires external pull-up resistors on both sides and relies on VREF1/VREF2 biasing to define low- and high-side logic thresholds.
EN pin enables/disables both channels simultaneously, placing all I/O pins (SCL1, SDA1, SCL2, SDA2) into high-impedance state when low - supporting bus segmentation, hot-plug isolation, and frequency-domain separation (e.g., 400-kHz main bus vs. 100-kHz peripheral bus).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VREF1 Range | 1.2 V to 3.3 V - sets low-voltage domain reference for SCL1/SDA1; must be ≥0.6 V below VREF2 for reliable translation |
| VREF2 Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V - sets high-voltage domain reference for SCL2/SDA2; supports 5-V-tolerant I/O even when VREF1 = 1.2 V |
| RON (typ) | 3.5 Ω at EN = 4.5 V, IO = 64 mA - ensures minimal signal distortion and <1.5 ns propagation delay for fast-mode (400 kHz) timing compliance |
| Propagation Delay | <1.5 ns max (CL = 15 pF) - enables use with standard- and fast-mode I²C devices without violating tBUF/tHD;STA timing budgets |
| ESD Rating | ±2000 V HBM - protects downstream 1.2/1.8-V controllers from system-level ESD events on 3.3/5-V bus segments |
| Operating Temp | –40°C to +85°C - qualified for industrial embedded and telecom infrastructure applications including routers and servers |
Pinout & Package
PCA9306DCTRE4 uses an 8-pin SSOP (DCT) package measuring 2.95 mm × 4 mm with gull-wing leads and standard JEDEC MO-153 footprint. Pin numbering follows top-view orientation with Pin 1 at bottom-left corner.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| GND (Pin 1) | Ground reference | Common return path for both voltage domains; must be low-inductance connection to avoid noise coupling between sides |
| VREF1 (Pin 2) | Low-side reference supply | Bias input for SCL1/SDA1 FET gates; defines logic-low threshold on low-voltage side; requires external resistor to VCC1 per TI layout guidance |
| SCL1 (Pin 3) | Low-side serial clock I/O | Open-drain bidirectional port connected to 1.2–3.3 V controller/target; pulled up externally on local bus |
| SDA1 (Pin 4) | Low-side serial data I/O | Open-drain bidirectional port mirroring SCL1 behavior; shares same RON and timing specs as SCL1 |
| SDA2 (Pin 5) | High-side serial data I/O | Open-drain bidirectional port for 1.8–5.5 V domain; 5-V tolerant; pulled up externally on high-voltage bus |
| SCL2 (Pin 6) | High-side serial clock I/O | Open-drain bidirectional port matching SDA2 electrical specs; fully symmetric with SCL1/SDA1 channel |
| VREF2 (Pin 7) | High-side reference supply | Bias input for SCL2/SDA2 FET gates; must exceed VREF1 by ≥0.6 V; tied via 200-kΩ resistor to enable proper threshold setting |
| EN (Pin 8) | Enable control input | Active-high digital control: high = bidirectional translation enabled; low = full isolation with high-Z on all four I/O pins |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No direction pin required | Automatic bidirectional translation via internal NFET architecture eliminates GPIO overhead and simplifies firmware design |
| Flow-through pinout | Linear SCL1–SDA1–SDA2–SCL2 arrangement minimizes PCB trace crossovers and reduces parasitic capacitance in high-speed routing |
| EN-controlled isolation | Hardware-gated bus segmentation allows dynamic disconnection of slow peripherals during fast-mode transactions without software intervention |
| Lockup-free disable mode | Zero current flow and true high-Z state when EN = low prevent bus contention or latch-up during power sequencing or hot-insertion |
| Multi-supply voltage support | Four validated VREF1/VREF2 combinations (e.g., 1.2 V ↔ 3.3 V, 1.8 V ↔ 5 V) cover common mixed-voltage SoC-to-peripheral interfaces |
Applications
| Server Backplane Isolation | Industrial Sensor Hub Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Isolating legacy 100-kHz temperature sensors from a 400-kHz BMC management bus in a 1U rack server. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage translator and hardware-enforced bus segment switch controlled by BMC GPIO. Use Value: Prevents timing violations on slow sensors during high-speed BMC polling while maintaining single-bus topology and eliminating protocol bridges. | Use Scenario: Interfacing 1.8-V microcontroller GPIOs with 3.3-V industrial I/O expanders and analog front-ends in a PLC module. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Level-shifting interface IC enabling direct I²C communication across mismatched supply rails without signal degradation. Use Value: Eliminates discrete MOSFET solutions, reduces BOM count by 4 components per channel, and guarantees <1.5 ns skew between SCL/SDA paths. |
| Telecom Router Control Plane | Embedded PC Peripheral Bridge |
Use Scenario: Connecting 1.2-V baseband processor I²C to 3.3-V PMIC and fan controllers in carrier-grade edge router line cards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-channel voltage translator ensuring robust communication under wide ambient temperature (–40°C to +85°C) and ESD-prone board environments. Use Value: ±2000-V HBM rating protects sensitive 1.2-V logic; flow-through pinout simplifies dense line-card layout with minimal layer transitions. | Use Scenario: Bridging 5-V legacy SMBus EEPROMs and thermal sensors to modern 3.3-V host processors in compact embedded PCs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SMBus-compliant level shifter supporting both standard- and fast-mode speeds with no direction control logic. Use Value: Enables drop-in replacement of aging discrete solutions while maintaining full SMBus packet integrity and ACK timing compliance. |
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 auto-direction sensing; higher RON (6 Ω typ); requires no VREF2 resistor network | Eliminates external bias resistor but adds 2.5 ns propagation delay; less suitable for sub-100 ns timing-critical links | Select when simplifying bill-of-material and layout outweighs need for lowest possible delay |
| TXS0102DCUR | Data-rate-limited to 10 Mbps (vs. I²C-specific optimization); lower ESD rating (±1000 V HBM); no VREF2 bias requirement | Better for general-purpose GPIO translation; not characterized for SMBus timing margins or multi-controller arbitration | Prefer for non-I²C protocols like UART or MDIO where timing margins are looser and ESD risk is lower |
Compared with TCA9617ADGKR and TXS0102DCUR, PCA9306DCTRE4 delivers the lowest propagation delay (<1.5 ns) and highest ESD robustness (±2000 V HBM) specifically optimized for I²C/SMBus timing compliance across mixed-voltage server and telecom systems - making it the preferred choice when deterministic fast-mode performance and field reliability are critical.
Availability
PCA9306DCTRE4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for server backplanes, industrial PLCs, telecom routers, and embedded PCs requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term manufacturability and consistent parametric performance.
Supply support for PCA9306DCTRE4 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 leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies, with decades of leadership in interface IC design and automotive/industrial qualification.
The PCA9306DCTRE4 belongs to TI's precision I²C/SMBus level-shifter product line, engineered specifically for reliable voltage-domain bridging in high-reliability infrastructure equipment where timing integrity, ESD resilience, and long-term supply stability are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the maximum supported I²C bus speed for PCA9306DCTRE4?
The PCA9306DCTRE4 supports standard-mode (100 kHz) and fast-mode (400 kHz) I²C operation. Its <1.5 ns maximum propagation delay ensures timing compliance with fast-mode specifications, including tBUF, tF, and tHD;STA. It is not rated for fast-mode plus (1 MHz) due to increased capacitive loading and propagation uncertainty above 400 kHz. PCA9306DCTRE4 must be used with appropriate pull-up resistors and bus capacitance ≤400 pF per side to maintain signal integrity.
Can PCA9306DCTRE4 translate between 1.2 V and 5 V domains?
Yes, PCA9306DCTRE4 explicitly supports 1.2 V VREF1 to 5 V VREF2 translation per TI's validated operating conditions. This requires VREF2 ≥ VREF1 + 0.6 V and proper external biasing: a 200-kΩ resistor between VREF2 and EN, and appropriate pull-up networks on both SCL/SDA sides. The device's 5-V-tolerant I/O ports and ±2000-V HBM rating ensure robust operation in this configuration. PCA9306DCTRE4 maintains <1.5 ns delay and 3.5 Ω RON under these conditions.
How does the EN pin function in PCA9306DCTRE4?
The EN pin on PCA9306DCTRE4 is an active-high enable input controlling both SCL and SDA channels simultaneously. When EN = high, the internal NFET switches conduct, enabling bidirectional signal translation. When EN = low, all four I/O pins (SCL1, SDA1, SCL2, SDA2) enter high-impedance state - providing complete electrical isolation between buses. This enables dynamic bus segmentation, hot-plug safety, and frequency-domain separation. PCA9306DCTRE4 guarantees lockup-free operation in disable mode with zero DC current flow.
Is PCA9306DCTRE4 compatible with SMBus and PMBus protocols?
Yes, PCA9306DCTRE4 is explicitly designed for I²C and SMBus compatibility, including support for SMBus alert response, timeout, and packet error checking (PEC) signaling. Its open-drain I/O structure, 5-V-tolerant ports, and fast-mode timing compliance meet SMBus 2.0/3.0 electrical requirements. PMBus compatibility is achieved when used in standard SMBus configurations - PCA9306DCTRE4 does not alter protocol semantics or timing, preserving full PMBus command set interoperability across voltage domains.
What package type is used by PCA9306DCTRE4?
PCA9306DCTRE4 uses the 8-pin SSOP (Shrink Small Outline Package) with designation DCT, measuring 2.95 mm × 4 mm and featuring gull-wing leads. This package is RoHS-compliant, lead-free, and optimized for automated surface-mount assembly. It is distinct from VSSOP (DCU), X2SON (DQE), and DSBGA (YZT) variants - the 'DCTRE4' suffix confirms the SSOP package with tape-and-reel packaging and enhanced moisture sensitivity level (MSL) handling. PCA9306DCTRE4's flow-through pinout simplifies PCB routing in space-constrained applications.
PCA9306DCTRE4 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- 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)
PCA9306DCTRE4 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PCA9306DCTRE4 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PCA9306DCTRE4 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 PCA9306DCTRE4 reliable?
The price and inventory of PCA9306DCTRE4 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PCA9306DCTRE4 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PCA9306DCTRE4?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PCA9306DCTRE4 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PCA9306DCTRE4?
PCA9306DCTRE4 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PCA9306DCTRE4 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 PCA9306DCTRE4?
For technical support, including PCA9306DCTRE4 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PCA9306DCTRE4 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PCA9306DCTRE4 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PCA9306DCTRE4 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 PCA9306DCTRE4 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PCA9306DCTRE4?
All PCA9306DCTRE4 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PCA9306DCTRE4, 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 PCA9306DCTRE4 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PCA9306DCTRE4:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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