NXP Semiconductors PCA9848PWJ

Overview

PCA9848PWJ 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 0.8 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 where a microcontroller at 0.8 V interfaces with peripherals operating at higher voltages.

For engineers reviewing the PCA9848PWJ datasheet, PCA9848PWJ pinout, PCA9848PWJ application, or PCA9848PWJ equivalent, key selection criteria include its 0.8 V minimum supply, 24-pin TSSOP package, 1-of-8 channel select logic, 15 Ω typical Ron at 0.8 V, and dual power domains (VDD1/VDD2) enabling true level-shifting without external buffers.

Technical Context

The PCA9848PWJ implements an octal pass-gate architecture controlled by an 8-bit I²C-accessible register, where each bit enables one downstream SCx/SDx channel pair. Its dual-supply design separates logic-level translation (VDD1 sets input thresholds) from core switching logic (VDD2 ≥ 1.65 V), enabling interoperability across four voltage domains.

It integrates hardware reset (active-low RESET pin) and software-initiated reset via General Call address 00h + data byte 06h, both restoring all channels to deselected state and resetting internal state machines. The device complies with Fm+ I²C timing (1 MHz max), SMBus standards, and provides 3.6 V-tolerant I/O pins with ESD protection exceeding 6 kV HBM.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP24 package (SOT355-1), 4.4 mm body width, 0.65 mm pitch, lead-free and RoHS compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TCA9548APWR and PCA9548APW, the PCA9848PWJ uniquely supports 0.8 V operation, dual-supply voltage translation, and dual-mode reset - making it the only option for energy-constrained edge nodes and automotive body electronics requiring guaranteed bus recovery.

Availability

PCA9848PWJ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, automotive body electronics, and server baseboard management requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for PCA9848PWJ 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 PCA9848PWJ belongs to NXP's I²C-bus switch product line, designed specifically to solve voltage-domain interoperability and bus isolation challenges in resource-constrained, multi-rail embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the minimum operating voltage for PCA9848PWJ?

The PCA9848PWJ supports ultra-low voltage operation with VDD1 as low as 0.8 V - enabling direct interface with sub-1V microcontrollers and SoCs. VDD2 must be ≥1.65 V for guaranteed functionality. This dual-supply architecture allows the device to translate signals between 0.8 V and 3.3 V buses without external components. The PCA9848PWJ maintains full Fm+ (1 MHz) timing compliance even at 0.8 V VDD1.

How does PCA9848PWJ handle I²C bus faults?

The PCA9848PWJ provides two independent reset mechanisms: an active-low hardware RESET pin that asynchronously clears the control register and deselects all channels, and a software-initiated reset via I²C General Call address 00h followed by data byte 06h. Both methods restore the device to its power-on default state. This dual-path recovery ensures bus fault resolution without requiring a full system power cycle - critical for unattended industrial and automotive deployments where PCA9848PWJ is used.

Can PCA9848PWJ translate between different I²C voltage levels simultaneously?

Yes. The PCA9848PWJ enables concurrent voltage translation across its eight downstream channels: each SCx/SDx pair can operate at a different voltage (0.8 V, 1.8 V, 2.5 V, or 3.3 V), determined by its local pull-up resistor supply. VDD1 sets input thresholds, while VDD2 powers core logic. This architecture allows a 0.8 V controller to communicate with peripherals at higher voltages without level-shifter ICs. The PCA9848PWJ maintains signal integrity and Fm+ timing across all combinations.

What package and pin count does PCA9848PWJ use?

The PCA9848PWJ is supplied in a 24-pin TSSOP package (SOT355-1), with 4.4 mm body width and 0.65 mm lead pitch. Pinout includes VDD1 (Pin 1), VDD2 (Pin 24), RESET (Pin 3), upstream SCL (Pin 22) and SDA (Pin 23), eight downstream SCx/SDx pairs (Pins 4–21), and address pins A0 (Pin 2) and A1 (Pin 21). This layout supports compact routing and is compatible with standard automated assembly processes. The PCA9848PWJ's pin mapping is fixed and documented in Figure 2 of the official NXP datasheet.

Does PCA9848PWJ support device identification in-system?

Yes. The PCA9848PWJ implements a 24-bit read-only Device ID accessible via reserved I²C address 0xF8h (write) followed by 0xF9h (read). The ID contains 12 bits of manufacturer code (NXP), 9 bits of part identification (100001010), and 3 bits of die revision (000). This feature enables firmware-level validation of correct component presence, version tracking, and automated BOM verification - especially valuable in high-reliability applications where PCA9848PWJ is deployed across multiple board variants.