STMicroelectronics ST6G3238ETBR
- Part No.:
- ST6G3238ETBR
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Translators, Level Shifters
- Package:
- Datasheet:
-
ST6G3238ETBR.pdf
- Description:
- IC TRNSLTR BIDIR 25UTFBGA
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
ST6G3238ETBR from STMicroelectronics is a dual-supply CMOS level translator for SD/MiniSD/T-Flash interfaces, supporting bidirectional voltage translation between 1.4–3.6 V A-side (e.g., 1.8 V host) and 1.4–3.6 V B-side (e.g., 3.3 V card), with 4.4 ns typical propagation delay at 85 °C, ±8 kV contact ESD protection on B-side CD/WP pins, and integrated 26 Ω series resistors on A-side I/Os.
For engineers reviewing the ST6G3238ETBR datasheet, ST6G3238ETBR pinout, ST6G3238ETBR application, or ST6G3238ETBR equivalent, this device addresses precise bidirectional level shifting in memory card interface designs where supply domain isolation, ESD robustness, and timing-critical signal integrity are required - especially in portable consumer electronics with mixed-voltage SD host controllers.
Technical Context
The ST6G3238ETBR implements asynchronous bidirectional translation using three independent direction-control inputs (CMD-dir, DAT0-dir, DAT123-dir) to dynamically configure data flow per signal group. Each direction control enables independent A→B or B→A translation without bus contention.
It integrates on-die ESD protection structures including ±8 kV IEC 61000-4-2 contact discharge on B-side CD/WP pins, ±15 kV HBM on all B-side I/Os, and ±2 kV HBM on A-side I/Os (except CD/WP), plus 40 Ω ESD diode series resistors and 70 kΩ pull-up/pull-down networks on B-side control lines.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| tPD (typ) | 4.4 ns at TA = 85 °C, VCCA = 1.8 V, VCCB = 2.7 V - ensures sub-5 ns latency for high-speed SD clock and data paths |
| VCCA range | 1.4 V to VCCB - supports A-side operation down to 1.4 V while tracking B-side supply, enabling ultra-low-voltage host interfaces |
| VCCB range | 1.4 V to 3.6 V - accommodates legacy 3.3 V and modern 1.8 V/2.5 V card-side supplies without external regulation |
| ESD (B-side CD/WP) | ±8 kV contact discharge (IEC 61000-4-2) - eliminates need for discrete TVS diodes on critical card-detect and write-protect lines |
| ICC (max) | 5 µA per supply at TA = 85 °C - enables always-on level translation in battery-powered devices with negligible quiescent current impact |
| fMAX | 52 MHz clock/data rate - meets SD Mode 0 (default speed) timing requirements up to 25 MB/s transfer rates |
| CI/OB (typ) | 33 pF - low B-side input/output capacitance preserves signal edge integrity on high-frequency card-side traces |
Pinout & Package
ST6G3238ETBR uses a 25-ball µTFBGA package (3.0 × 3.0 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with 21 functional terminals and 4 NC balls. The package supports fine-pitch PCB layout for space-constrained portable applications and features lead-free ECOPACK® construction compliant with RoHS.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CMD-dir | Direction control (A→B or B→A) | Configures command line translation direction; HIGH = A→B, LOW = B→A - decouples host-to-card and card-to-host timing paths |
| DAT0-dir | Direction control (A→B or B→A) | Independent control for DAT0 line; enables asymmetric read/write configurations without affecting other data lanes |
| DAT123-dir | Direction control (A→B or B→A) | Shared direction control for DAT1–DAT3; reduces pin count while maintaining full bidirectional flexibility for multi-bit transfers |
| CLK.h / CLK-f | A-side clock input / feedback output | CLK.h accepts host clock; CLK-f returns phase-aligned feedback to host for delay compensation - critical for setup/hold margin in high-speed SD |
| CD / WP | Card detect / write protect inputs | B-side inputs with ±8 kV contact ESD protection and internal 100 kΩ pull-ups to VCCA - eliminate external biasing components |
| VCCA / VCCB | Independent supply rails | VCCA powers A-side logic and I/Os; VCCB powers B-side logic and I/Os - enables true dual-domain isolation and voltage translation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Balanced TPLH/TPHL | Minimizes skew-induced timing violations across bidirectional data groups - essential for synchronous SD protocol compliance |
| Integrated 26 Ω series resistors (A-side) | Reduces ringing and overshoot on fast-switching host-side signals without requiring external termination components |
| EMI filter + 70 kΩ pull-up/down (B-side) | Suppresses high-frequency noise on card-side lines and ensures defined logic states during hot-plug events or power sequencing |
| Power-down protection | Prevents back-driving and leakage when either VCCA or VCCB is unpowered - safeguards host and card ICs during partial power loss |
| Latch-up immunity > 500 mA | Guarantees robustness against transient overvoltage events per JESD17 - critical for field-reliable consumer device deployments |
Applications
| Smartphone SD Host Interface | Digital Camera Memory Card Slot |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Translating signals between a 1.8 V application processor SD controller and a 3.3 V SD card slot in a slim smartphone form factor. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional level shifter managing CMD, CLK, DAT0–DAT3, CD, and WP with independent direction controls and clock feedback. Use Value: Enables direct integration of legacy 3.3 V SD cards into ultra-low-power 1.8 V SoC platforms without external ESD protection or termination resistors. |
Use Scenario: Interfacing a 2.5 V image sensor SoC with a MiniSD card in a compact digital camera where board space and ESD reliability are critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage translator providing isolated A-side (2.5 V) and B-side (3.3 V) domains with ±8 kV contact ESD on CD/WP pins. Use Value: Eliminates risk of ESD damage during frequent card insertion/removal while maintaining 52 MHz timing margins for burst photo storage. |
| Tablet PC T-Flash Expansion | Portable Media Player SDIO Interface |
|
Use Scenario: Supporting T-Flash (microSD) expansion in a tablet running dual-voltage logic, requiring seamless hot-swap detection and write-protection signaling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Level translator with integrated 100 kΩ pull-ups on CD/WP pins referenced to VCCA, enabling reliable card presence and lock-state sensing. Use Value: Removes need for external pull-up resistors and discrete ESD protection, reducing BOM count and PCB area in high-density tablet layouts. |
Use Scenario: Enabling SDIO-based Wi-Fi or Bluetooth modules operating at 1.8 V to communicate with a 3.3 V baseband processor in a portable media player. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Asynchronous bidirectional translator handling CMD/DAT/CLK with dynamic direction control per signal group via dedicated DIR inputs. Use Value: Supports full SDIO command/response protocols with sub-5 ns propagation delay and balanced TPLH/TPHL - preserving protocol timing integrity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-supply level translation applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TXS0108E | 8-channel auto-direction sensing (no DIR pins); higher ICC (20 µA typ); no integrated CD/WP ESD protection | Requires external ESD protection on card-detect lines; unsuitable for SD-specific hot-plug reliability requirements | Select only if direction control simplicity outweighs SD-specific ESD and timing needs |
| SN74AVC4T245 | 4-channel, manual DIR control; no integrated ESD beyond HBM; no CD/WP support or pull-ups | Lacks SD-specific features (CLK-f, CD/WP pins, ±8 kV contact ESD); requires full external protection network | Use only in non-SD applications where generic 4-bit translation suffices and ESD is handled externally |
Compared with TXS0108E and SN74AVC4T245, the ST6G3238ETBR uniquely combines SD-optimized pinout (CLK-f, CD, WP), ±8 kV contact ESD on critical card-side pins, and sub-5 ns propagation delay - making it the only drop-in solution for production SD/MiniSD/T-Flash host designs requiring certified ESD robustness and protocol-timed signal integrity.
Availability
ST6G3238ETBR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone SD host interfaces, digital camera memory card slots, tablet T-Flash expansion, and portable media player SDIO interfaces requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for ST6G3238ETBR 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
STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing analog, microcontroller, power, and sensor solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The ST6G3238E belongs to ST's interface and level translation product line, engineered specifically for SD/MiniSD/T-Flash interoperability in portable electronics - emphasizing ESD-hardened signal integrity, dual-supply flexibility, and minimal external component count.
FAQ
What is the maximum supported data rate for ST6G3238ETBR in SD mode?
The ST6G3238ETBR supports up to 52 MHz clock frequency and 52 Mbps data rate in both directions, meeting the timing requirements of SD Mode 0 (default speed) and enabling reliable 25 MB/s transfers. This is verified across temperature (−40 to +85 °C) and supply ranges (VCCA = 1.4–3.6 V, VCCB = 1.4–3.6 V) per Table 9 in the datasheet.
Does ST6G3238ETBR require external pull-up resistors on CD and WP pins?
No. The ST6G3238ETBR integrates 100 kΩ pull-up resistors on both CD and WP pins referenced to VCCA, as confirmed in Table 3 and Figure 1. These eliminate the need for external biasing components and ensure defined logic states during card insertion or power-up sequences.
Can ST6G3238ETBR operate with VCCA = 1.8 V and VCCB = 3.3 V simultaneously?
Yes. The device is explicitly rated for VCCA = 1.4–3.6 V and VCCB = 1.4–3.6 V, with VCCA required to be ≤ VCCB. Operation at VCCA = 1.8 V and VCCB = 3.3 V is fully supported and validated in AC parameter tables (e.g., tPD = 4.4 ns typ. at VCCA = 1.8 V, VCCB = 2.7 V).
Is the µTFBGA25 package of ST6G3238ETBR RoHS-compliant and lead-free?
Yes. The ST6G3238ETBR in µTFBGA25 packaging is RoHS-compliant and features lead-free second-level interconnect per JEDEC JESD97, as stated in Section 8 ("Package mechanical data") and marked with ST's ECOPACK® designation. The inner box label confirms lead-free status and soldering profile compliance.
ST6G3238ETBR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Translator Type:
- Voltage Level
- Channel Type:
- Bidirectional
- Number of Circuits:
- 2
- Channels per Circuit:
- 1, 3
- Voltage - VCCA:
- 1.4 V ~ 3.6 V
- Voltage - VCCB:
- 1.4 V ~ 3.6 V
- Input Signal:
- -
- Output Signal:
- -
- Output Type:
- Non-Inverted
- Data Rate:
- 52Mbps
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Features:
- Power-Off Protection
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 25-TFBGA
ST6G3238ETBR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ST6G3238ETBR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ST6G3238ETBR on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for ST6G3238ETBR reliable?
The price and inventory of ST6G3238ETBR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ST6G3238ETBR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ST6G3238ETBR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ST6G3238ETBR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ST6G3238ETBR?
ST6G3238ETBR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ST6G3238ETBR order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for ST6G3238ETBR?
For technical support, including ST6G3238ETBR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ST6G3238ETBR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ST6G3238ETBR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ST6G3238ETBR products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that ST6G3238ETBR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ST6G3238ETBR?
All ST6G3238ETBR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ST6G3238ETBR, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The ST6G3238ETBR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ST6G3238ETBR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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