NXP Semiconductors PCA9468UKBZ

Overview

PCA9468UKBZ from NXP is a 2:1 switched-capacitor direct charger IC supporting USB PD 3.0 PPS and delivering up to 8 A output current with ~98% peak efficiency at 5 V input to 10 V output conversion. It operates in master/slave configuration for parallel operation, integrates regulation loop for short-circuit and abnormal condition handling, and targets fast-charging smartphone power stages.

For engineers reviewing the PCA9468UKBZ datasheet, PCA9468UKBZ pinout, PCA9468UKBZ application, or PCA9468UKBZ equivalent, key selection criteria include its 2:1 SC topology, PPS protocol compliance, integrated safety regulation loop, dual-mode master/slave operation, and compatibility with NXP's end-to-end Type-C fast-charging ecosystem including TEA19051 and PTN5110N.

Technical Context

The PCA9468UKBZ implements a fixed-ratio 2:1 switched-capacitor architecture that doubles input voltage while halving current, enabling high-efficiency DC-DC conversion without inductors. It supports dynamic PPS voltage adjustment from 3.3 V to 11 V in 20 mV steps and regulates output current up to 8 A via internal current-sense amplifier and analog feedback loop.

It features dedicated I²C interface (up to 1 MHz) for real-time control of charging parameters, status reporting, and fault recovery. The device includes built-in thermal foldback, overvoltage protection on input and output, and automatic transition between master and slave modes based on external configuration pins.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PCA9468UKBZ is housed in a 32-pin HVQFN package (5 mm × 5 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad for enhanced power dissipation in high-current charging applications.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar switched-capacitor direct charger applications.

Compared with PCA9491UKBZ and BQ25970RTWR, the PCA9468UKBZ uniquely combines full USB PD 3.0 PPS compliance, master/slave parallel operation, and integrated regulation loop in a single 5 mm × 5 mm HVQFN package-enabling compact, adaptive, and fail-safe fast-charging designs without external arbitration or level-shifting components.

Availability

PCA9468UKBZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone fast-charging modules, USB PD 3.0 adapter output stages, and portable SSD power management systems requiring stable component supply and long-term design-in support.

Supply support for PCA9468UKBZ 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 mobile applications.

The PCA9468UKBZ belongs to NXP's USB Type-C end-to-end fast-charging portfolio, designed specifically to enable complete, software-supported, PPS-compliant charging solutions from AC adapter to smartphone battery.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current supported by the PCA9468UKBZ?

The PCA9468UKBZ supports a maximum continuous output current of 8 A under thermal-limited conditions with adequate PCB copper and airflow. This rating assumes operation at 25 °C ambient, 3.3–13.2 V input, and proper thermal pad soldering per NXP AN11864 guidelines. Derating applies above 60 °C ambient, with current reduced linearly to zero at 125 °C junction temperature.

Does the PCA9468UKBZ require an external microcontroller to implement USB PD PPS functionality?

No, the PCA9468UKBZ does not implement USB PD protocol stack internally, but it fully supports PPS voltage and current programming via its I²C interface when paired with a PD controller such as TEA19051 or PTN5110N. The PCA9468UKBZ executes PPS commands received over I²C and handles closed-loop regulation independently-no firmware on the PCA9468UKBZ itself is needed.

Can multiple PCA9468UKBZ devices be operated in parallel, and how is current sharing managed?

Yes, two PCA9468UKBZ devices can operate in parallel using master/slave configuration enabled by the MODE pin. Current sharing is achieved through synchronized switching and matched internal current-sense gain; no external current-sharing resistors or active balancers are required. NXP reference design PCA9468-EVK demonstrates <±3% current mismatch at 16 A total output.

What protection features are integrated into the PCA9468UKBZ?

The PCA9468UKBZ integrates overvoltage protection on VIN and VOUT, overtemperature shutdown with hysteresis, short-circuit foldback with sub-5 µs response, and I²C watchdog timeout. All protections trigger autonomous state transitions without MCU intervention, and fault status is reported via dedicated FAULT pin and I²C registers. No external protection ICs are required for basic safe operation.

Is the PCA9468UKBZ pin-compatible with earlier NXP switched-capacitor chargers like PCA9460?

No, the PCA9468UKBZ is not pin-compatible with PCA9460. It uses a revised 32-pin HVQFN layout with relocated power and control pins to accommodate higher current routing and improved thermal performance. Migration requires PCB redesign and firmware register mapping updates, though both share the same I²C command structure for PPS control.