NXP Semiconductors PCA9460CUKZ

Overview

PCA9460CUKZ from NXP Semiconductors is a 13-channel PMIC optimized for ultra-low-power i.MX 8ULP systems with LPDDR3 memory, featuring four buck regulators (including two DVS-capable 1 A channels), five LDOs (300 nA quiescent current), and four 150 mΩ load switches configurable as LED drivers. It enables sub-1.5 μA standby current in wearable and portable applications such as smartwatches and handheld scanners.

For engineers reviewing the PCA9460CUKZ datasheet, PCA9460CUKZ pinout, PCA9460CUKZ application, or PCA9460CUKZ equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, exact OTP-configured parameters for the C-version (BUCK4 = 1.2 V, LDO1 = 1.2 V), package mapping to WLCSP42, and validated alternatives aligned with i.MX 8ULP + LPDDR3 system requirements.

Technical Context

The PCA9460CUKZ implements a flexible OTP-programmed power sequencer supporting 16 PUD groups with tON_STEP = 2 ms and tOFF_STEP = 8 ms, enabling precise startup/shutdown timing for i.MX 8ULP subsystems. Its six power states-OFF, SNVS, RUN, PWRDN, PWRUP, and FAULT_SD-are managed via dedicated control pins (PMIC_ON_REQ, PMIC_STBY_REQ, MODE[2:0]) and internal status registers.

It integrates Fm+ I²C (1 MHz) for dynamic voltage scaling and fault monitoring, with hardware-level thermal shutdown (TJSHDN) and voltage regulator fault detection triggering automatic transition to SNVS state after tFLT_THSD = 20 µs or tFLT_SD_WAIT = 100 ms. The SNVS LDO (3.0 V, 10 mA) remains active during secure non-volatile storage mode with tSNVS ≤ 20 ms.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PCA9460CUKZ uses a 42-bump wafer-level chip-scale package (WLCSP42), 2.86 mm × 2.46 mm, 0.4 mm pitch, with backside coating and A1 silicon die (SOT1459-7).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with PCA9460BUKZ and PCA9460AUKZ, PCA9460CUKZ provides the only OTP configuration delivering 1.2 V BUCK4 and 1.2 V LDO1 required for stable i.MX 8ULP operation with LPDDR3, making it non-interchangeable in memory-critical embedded designs.

Availability

PCA9460CUKZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for ultra-low-power portable devices, wearable electronics, and industrial handheld scanners requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for PCA9460CUKZ 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 over 30 years of power management IP development.

The PCA9460 product line was designed specifically to deliver ultra-low-power, highly integrated power management for NXP's i.MX 8ULP application processors, emphasizing minimal standby current, OTP-configurable sequencing, and LPDDR3/LPDDR4X memory interface optimization.

FAQ

What is the default BUCK4 output voltage for PCA9460CUKZ?

The PCA9460CUKZ has BUCK4 factory-programmed to 1.2 V, as defined in OTP register 0x2F for the C-version targeting i.MX 8ULP + LPDDR3 systems. This value is fixed and cannot be altered via I²C; it differs from PCA9460AUKZ (1.1 V) and PCA9460BUKZ (1.1 V), ensuring correct LPDDR3 termination voltage compliance. PCA9460CUKZ must be used where 1.2 V BUCK4 is required.

How does PCA9460CUKZ manage ultra-low standby current?

PCA9460CUKZ achieves 1.5 μA standby current by disabling non-essential regulators in low-power mode, retaining only LDO_SNVS (3.0 V, 10 mA) for secure memory retention, and minimizing bias currents across all control circuits. Its architecture isolates the SNVS domain from the main power grid, allowing full system sleep while preserving RTC and cryptographic key storage. PCA9460CUKZ maintains this spec across –40 °C to +85 °C.

Can PCA9460CUKZ drive LEDs directly?

Yes - PCA9460CUKZ supports LED driving via its four load switches (LSW1–LSW4), each configurable as constant-current sources with two programmable blink patterns. When configured as LED drivers, LSW1OUT–LSW4OUT become current-sink outputs with adjustable duty cycle and frequency via I²C registers. PCA9460CUKZ integrates active discharge resistors to ensure rapid LED turn-off, eliminating external components.

What package type and dimensions does PCA9460CUKZ use?

PCA9460CUKZ uses a 42-bump wafer-level chip-scale package (WLCSP42), measuring 2.86 mm × 2.46 mm with 0.4 mm pitch and 0.525 mm body height, including backside coating. It is based on A1 silicon (SOT1459-7) and requires microvia PCB design with solder mask-defined pads. PCA9460CUKZ shares footprint compatibility with other PCA9460 variants but is not interchangeable due to OTP differences.

Does PCA9460CUKZ support thermal shutdown protection?

Yes - PCA9460CUKZ includes integrated thermal shutdown (TJSHDN) that triggers FAULT_SD state when junction temperature exceeds the threshold, immediately pulling POR_B low and turning off all regulators. Recovery occurs automatically once temperature falls below TJSHDN, transitioning back to SNVS mode. The fault response time tFLT_THSD is guaranteed ≤20 µs, and PCA9460CUKZ maintains this protection across its full –40 °C to +85 °C operating range.