NXP Semiconductors PCA9848PWZ

Overview

PCA9848PWZ from NXP Semiconductors is an ultra-low voltage, 8-channel bidirectional I²C-bus switch with hardware 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 to isolate and route I²C traffic among peripherals with differing supply rails.

For engineers reviewing the PCA9848PWZ datasheet, PCA9848PWZ pinout, PCA9848PWZ application, or PCA9848PWZ equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications, TSSOP24 package details, real-world voltage translation use cases, and two validated alternative parts for system-level I²C bus segmentation and fault recovery.

Technical Context

The PCA9848PWZ implements a passive pass-gate switching architecture-no active buffering-where channel enable states are controlled by an 8-bit I²C-accessible register. Its dual-supply design separates logic level translation (VDD1 sets input thresholds) from core logic power (VDD2 ≥ 1.65 V), enabling robust 0.8 V–3.6 V interoperability.

It integrates hardware reset (active LOW on pin 3) and software reset via General Call address 00h + data byte 06h, both restoring all channels to deselected state and resetting internal state machines. Addressing supports up to 16 devices via A0/A1 pins, with 8 distinct I²C target addresses (0xE0h–0xEEh) and two reserved addresses for device ID and software reset.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP24 package (SOT355-1), 4.4 mm body width, 0.65 mm pitch; lead-free, RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level 3.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TCA9548APWR and PCA9548APW, the PCA9848PWZ uniquely supports 0.8 V operation with dual-supply translation and integrated hardware RESET-critical for next-gen ultra-low-power MCUs and fail-safe industrial bus architectures.

Availability

PCA9848PWZ 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 guaranteed RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for PCA9848PWZ 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 deep expertise in I²C, SMBus, and power management ICs.

The PCA9848PWZ belongs to NXP's ultra-low-voltage I²C switch product line, designed specifically to solve voltage domain bridging and bus segmentation challenges in heterogeneous embedded systems with aggressive power budgets.

FAQ

What is the minimum operating voltage for the PCA9848PWZ controller interface?

The PCA9848PWZ supports 0.8 V operation on its VDD1 pin, enabling direct connection to next-generation ultra-low-voltage microcontrollers. Input thresholds scale with VDD1 (VIL = 0.3×VDD1, VIH = 0.7×VDD1), so at 0.8 V, the LOW threshold is 0.24 V and HIGH threshold is 0.56 V. This specification is validated across the full -40 °C to +85 °C temperature range, making the PCA9848PWZ suitable for battery-powered edge nodes where supply headroom is constrained.

How does the PCA9848PWZ handle bus contention when multiple channels are enabled simultaneously?

The PCA9848PWZ does not buffer or arbitrate between enabled channels-it acts as a passive pass gate. When multiple SCx/SDx pairs are selected, their respective bus segments become electrically connected, forming a single extended I²C bus. Bus contention is prevented by system-level design: only one peripheral per segment should drive SDA/SCL at a time, and total bus capacitance must remain ≤550 pF (Fm+ limit). The PCA9848PWZ's low Ron (7–24 Ω) minimizes added resistance, preserving rise/fall times and ensuring compliance with I²C timing budgets.

Can the PCA9848PWZ be used without connecting both VDD1 and VDD2 supplies?

No-both VDD1 and VDD2 must be powered for correct operation. VDD1 (0.8–3.6 V) sets input logic thresholds and enables voltage translation; VDD2 (1.65–3.6 V) powers the internal control logic, state machine, and pass-gate drivers. Omitting either supply causes undefined behavior: missing VDD1 disables input recognition, while missing VDD2 prevents register access and channel switching. The datasheet specifies that VDD2 must exceed 1.65 V even when VDD1 is at 0.8 V, confirming strict dual-supply dependency in the PCA9848PWZ.

What is the purpose of the Device ID function in the PCA9848PWZ, and how is it accessed?

The PCA9848PWZ includes a hardwired 24-bit Device ID (12-bit manufacturer code, 9-bit part ID, 3-bit revision) for firmware-level identification and supply chain traceability. It is read using a two-phase I²C sequence: first write the reserved address 0xF8h followed by the target's 7-bit address, then issue a Repeated START and read from 0xF9h. The PCA9848PWZ returns ID bits in order-manufacturer (first 12 bits), part ID (next 9), revision (final 3)-allowing host firmware to verify authenticity and detect counterfeit or obsolete units before executing critical configuration commands.

Does the PCA9848PWZ support hot-plug detection of downstream I²C peripherals?

The PCA9848PWZ does not include built-in hot-plug detection circuitry, but its architecture inherently supports safe hot insertion. At power-on, all channels default to deselected state (control register = 0x00), preventing any downstream peripheral from being electrically connected until explicitly enabled via I²C command. This eliminates bus contention during live module insertion. Combined with 3.6 V-tolerant I/O pins and ESD-hardened inputs, the PCA9848PWZ enables robust hot-swap-capable I²C subsystems-though external interrupt monitoring or polling of peripheral presence registers remains required for true plug-detection logic.