NXP Semiconductors PCA9848BSMP

Overview

PCA9848BSMP from NXP Semiconductors is an ultra-low voltage, 8-channel bidirectional I²C-bus switch with active-low reset and software reset capability. It enables voltage translation between 1.2 V, 1.8 V, 2.5 V, and 3.3 V I²C segments, supports Fm+ (1 MHz) operation, and features programmable channel selection via I²C control register. It is used in multi-voltage embedded systems to isolate and route I²C traffic among peripherals with differing supply rails.

For engineers reviewing the PCA9848BSMP datasheet, PCA9848BSMP pinout, PCA9848BSMP application, or PCA9848BSMP equivalent, key selection considerations include its 1.08 V minimum VDD1 operation, 24-pin HVQFN package with exposed thermal pad, dual-supply architecture (VDD1/VDD2), 8-channel enable/disable control, and hardware/software reset support for bus fault recovery.

Technical Context

The PCA9848BSMP implements a passive pass-gate switching architecture-no buffering or signal regeneration-where each SCx/SDx channel is controlled by a single bit in an 8-bit I²C-accessible control register. Channel activation occurs only after STOP condition, preventing false bus states during configuration.

Its dual-supply design separates logic level translation (VDD1 sets input thresholds at 0.3×VDD1/0.7×VDD1) from core logic power (VDD2 ≥ 1.65 V). The RESET pin asserts low to clear the state machine and deselect all channels, while software reset uses General Call address 00h + data byte 06h.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

HVQFN24 package (SOT616-3), 4 mm × 4 mm × 0.85 mm body with exposed thermal pad; requires soldering of center pad to PCB thermal plane with vias for thermal and electrical integrity.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar I²C bus switching applications.

Compared with TCA9548APWR and PCA9548ADW, PCA9848BSMP delivers unique ultra-low-voltage operation (1.08 V), dual-supply translation, hardware/software reset, and extended temperature support - making it the only option qualified for next-generation low-power automotive and industrial edge nodes.

Availability

PCA9848BSMP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial sensor hubs, and server baseboard management systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and multi-voltage I²C architectures.

Supply support for PCA9848BSMP 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 focused on secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with deep expertise in interface and power management ICs.

The PCA9848BSMP belongs to NXP's advanced I²C switching portfolio, designed specifically for ultra-low-voltage, multi-rail embedded systems needing robust bus isolation, voltage translation, and fault recovery in space- and power-constrained environments.

FAQ

What is the minimum operating voltage for PCA9848BSMP?

The PCA9848BSMP supports VDD1 down to 1.08 V, enabling direct interfacing with ultra-low-power 1.2 V microcontrollers. VDD2 must be ≥1.65 V and ≥ VDD1 for guaranteed operation. This dual-supply architecture allows precise input threshold setting while maintaining core logic integrity - a key differentiator from single-supply switches like the TCA9548A.

How does PCA9848BSMP handle I²C bus faults such as stuck-low conditions?

The PCA9848BSMP provides two independent reset mechanisms: an active-low hardware RESET pin that asynchronously clears the control register and deselects all channels, and a software reset via General Call address 00h followed by data byte 06h. Both methods restore the device to its power-on default state (all channels deselected), enabling recovery without power cycling - critical in mission-critical automotive and industrial systems.

Can PCA9848BSMP translate between 1.2 V and 3.3 V I²C buses simultaneously?

Yes. PCA9848BSMP supports simultaneous voltage translation across all eight channels: set VDD1 to 1.2 V (defining input thresholds), connect upstream SCL/SDA to the 1.2 V controller, and pull downstream SCx/SDx lines to their respective peripheral voltages (e.g., 3.3 V on channel 0, 1.8 V on channel 1). The pass-gate architecture inherently limits output swing to min(VDD1, VDD2), while external pullups establish final HIGH levels.

What is the purpose of the exposed thermal pad on the HVQFN24 package of PCA9848BSMP?

The exposed thermal pad on the PCA9848BSMP's HVQFN24 package (SOT616-3) serves dual roles: it provides low-thermal-resistance conduction to the PCB for heat dissipation under sustained 125 °C operation, and it forms the primary die ground connection alongside the VSS pin. NXP specifies that the pad must be soldered to a matching PCB thermal pad with thermal vias to ensure electrical stability, thermal performance, and mechanical reliability - omission risks latch-up or parametric drift.

Does PCA9848BSMP support I²C device identification, and how is it accessed?

Yes. PCA9848BSMP includes a hardwired 24-bit Device ID register containing 12 bits of manufacturer code (NXP), 9 bits of part identification (100001010), and 3 bits of die revision (000). It is read using reserved I²C addresses: write 0xF8 to initiate, then read three bytes from 0xF9. This enables firmware-level verification of correct device presence and version - essential for automated BOM validation and field firmware updates.