Texas Instruments TCA9406DCTR
- Part No.:
- TCA9406DCTR
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Translators, Level Shifters
- Package:
- Datasheet:
-
TCA9406DCTR.pdf
- Description:
- IC TRANSLATOR BIDIRECTIONAL SM8
- Quantity:
- Payment:

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Product details
Overview
TCA9406DCTR from Texas Instruments is a 2-bit bidirectional I²C/SMBus voltage-level translator with auto-direction sensing, supporting 1.65–3.6 V on A-port and 2.3–5.5 V on B-port, 8-kV HBM ESD rating on B-port, internal 10-kΩ pullups on all I/Os, and operation up to 2 Mbps in open-drain mode - used to interface 1.8-V microcontrollers with 3.3-V or 5-V I²C peripherals.
For engineers reviewing the TCA9406DCTR datasheet, TCA9406DCTR pinout, TCA9406DCTR application, or TCA9406DCTR equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, package mapping (SM8, 2.95 mm × 2.80 mm), OE-controlled high-impedance state behavior, VCC isolation, and real-world I²C timing performance across VCCA/VCCB combinations.
Technical Context
The TCA9406DCTR uses pass-gate architecture with edge-rate accelerators (one-shots) to enable bidirectional translation without direction control. It supports both open-drain (I²C/SMBus) and push-pull logic translation, with automatic direction detection based on voltage differentials across ports.
VCC isolation ensures both ports enter high-impedance when either VCCA or VCCB = 0 V; no power-supply sequencing is required. OE is referenced to VCCA but 5.5-V tolerant, allowing direct tie-to-VCCA or GPIO control for full bus shutdown with ≤2 µA off-state current.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| A-port voltage range | 1.65 V to 3.6 V - enables direct interfacing with 1.8-V and 2.5-V logic domains. |
| B-port voltage range | 2.3 V to 5.5 V - supports legacy 3.3-V and 5-V I²C buses without external level-shifting components. |
| Max data rate (open-drain) | 2 Mbps - compatible with I²C Fast-mode Plus (1 MHz) and provides margin for noise/trace effects. |
| ESD rating (B-port HBM) | ±8 kV - exceeds industrial I²C bus immunity requirements and reduces need for external protection. |
| Internal pullup resistors | 10 kΩ on SDA_A, SCL_A, SDA_B, SCL_B - eliminates four external resistors in standard I²C designs. |
| OE disable current | ≤2 µA when VCCA = 0 V - enables ultra-low-power system sleep modes with bus retention disabled. |
| Propagation delay (A→B) | 2.4 ns min (VCCA = 3.3 V, VCCB = 3.3 V, push-pull) - ensures sub-ns channel skew (<0.7 ns) for synchronized SDA/SCL edges. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SM8 (8-pin small-outline package), body size 2.95 mm × 2.80 mm, moisture sensitivity level MSL-1, RoHS-compliant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1: SDA_B | B-port data line | Open-drain I/O referenced to VCCB; translates SDA signals between A- and B-sides bidirectionally. |
| 2: GND | Ground reference | Common return path for both ports; must be low-impedance to minimize ground bounce in mixed-voltage systems. |
| 3: VCCA | A-port supply | Powers A-side circuitry and sets logic thresholds for SDA_A/SCL_A; must be ≤ VCCB per datasheet constraint. |
| 4: SDA_A | A-port data line | Open-drain I/O referenced to VCCA; connects to 1.65–3.6 V I²C masters/slaves (e.g., ARM Cortex-M0+). |
| 5: SCL_A | A-port clock line | Open-drain I/O referenced to VCCA; maintains synchronous timing with SDA_A under bidirectional translation. |
| 6: OE | Output enable input | Active-high control referenced to VCCA; drives all I/Os into high-Z when low, enabling dynamic bus isolation. |
| 7: VCCB | B-port supply | Powers B-side circuitry and defines logic thresholds for SDA_B/SCL_B; supports 2.3–5.5 V rails including 3.3 V and 5 V. |
| 8: SCL_B | B-port clock line | Open-drain I/O referenced to VCCB; interfaces with higher-voltage I²C peripherals (e.g., EEPROMs, sensors). |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No direction pin required | Auto-direction sensing via pass-gate biasing eliminates GPIO overhead and routing complexity in space-constrained layouts. |
| VCC isolation | Both ports go high-impedance if either VCCA or VCCB drops to 0 V - prevents back-powering and ensures safe power sequencing. |
| Integrated 10-kΩ pullups | Reduces bill-of-materials count by four resistors and guarantees consistent rise-time behavior across temperature and voltage corners. |
| 5.5-V-tolerant OE input | Allows direct connection to VCCA (e.g., 1.8 V) or control from 3.3-V/5-V GPIO without level-shifting circuitry. |
| 24 Mbps push-pull support | Enables use beyond I²C - e.g., GPIO or UART level translation where faster edge rates are needed and bus topology permits. |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Hub | Automotive Body Control Module |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Interfacing 1.8-V MCU I²C master with 5-V automotive-grade temperature/humidity sensors and EEPROMs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage translator ensuring signal integrity across mixed-supply domains while maintaining I²C timing compliance. Use Value: Eliminates discrete MOSFET translators and external pullups, reducing PCB area by >30% and assembly cost per node. |
Use Scenario: Connecting 3.3-V infotainment SoC to legacy 5-V CAN transceiver configuration EEPROMs via shared I²C bus. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Level-shifting bridge that preserves SMBus packet timing and ACK/NACK handshaking across voltage domains. Use Value: Enables reuse of existing 5-V peripheral firmware without modifying timing margins or adding external buffers. |
| Medical Wearable Subsystem | IoT Edge Gateway |
Use Scenario: Isolating low-power 1.8-V sensor hub MCU from 3.3-V wireless SoC during deep-sleep states using OE control. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bus gatekeeper that disables all I/Os to cut leakage paths, achieving <2 µA system standby current. Use Value: Extends battery life in coin-cell-powered devices by eliminating cross-rail leakage through I²C lines. |
Use Scenario: Translating between 2.5-V FPGA I²C controller and 5-V industrial I/O expander ICs in programmable logic-based gateways. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust voltage translator with 8-kV B-port HBM rating to withstand ESD events in unshielded field-deployed enclosures. Use Value: Reduces field failure rate due to I²C bus ESD damage by >90% compared to discrete resistor-MOSFET solutions. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar voltage-level translation applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCA9306DCUR | Single-supply referenced (VREF pin); no internal pullups; max 1.8-V to 5.5-V translation; 30-ns propagation delay. | Requires external 4.7-kΩ pullups; lacks VCC isolation and OE control; not suitable for dynamic bus shutdown. | Select PCA9306DCUR only when board space allows external resistors and system does not require OE-driven isolation. |
| TXS0102DCUR | Auto-directional, no OE pin; 1.65–3.6 V A-port, 2.3–5.5 V B-port; integrated 10-kΩ pullups; 3.3-V-tolerant I/Os. | Fixed-enable operation - cannot force high-Z state; lacks 5.5-V-tolerant OE; lower B-port HBM (4 kV vs. 8 kV). | Choose TXS0102DCUR for always-on I²C bridges where OE control and 8-kV ESD are non-critical. |
Compared with PCA9306DCUR and TXS0102DCUR, the TCA9406DCTR uniquely combines OE-driven bus shutdown, VCC isolation, and 8-kV B-port HBM - making it the only option among the three qualified for safety-critical, low-power, and high-noise industrial I²C interconnects.
Availability
TCA9406DCTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor hubs, automotive body control modules, medical wearables, and IoT edge gateways requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceability.
Supply support for TCA9406DCTR 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
Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor company specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with leadership in interface, power management, and signal chain ICs.
The TCA9406 belongs to TI's I²C/SMBus level translator product line, designed specifically for robust, low-component-count voltage translation in mixed-supply embedded systems where reliability, ESD immunity, and power-state control are critical.
FAQ
What is the maximum supported I²C clock frequency for TCA9406DCTR?
The TCA9406DCTR supports standard I²C modes up to 1 MHz (Fast-mode Plus) in open-drain configuration. Its 2 Mbps capability provides design margin for trace capacitance and noise, but actual bus speed depends on pullup strength, bus capacitance, and VCCA/VCCB combination - verified timing data shows tPHL/tPLH ≤4.4 ns at 3.3 V/3.3 V push-pull, confirming robust 1-MHz operation.
Can TCA9406DCTR translate UART signals?
Yes, the TCA9406DCTR can translate UART signals when driven in push-pull mode, supporting up to 24 Mbps depending on VCCA/VCCB. However, its internal 10-kΩ pullups are optimized for open-drain I²C/SMBus; for UART, external pullups or series resistors may be needed to meet drive-strength and slew-rate requirements of specific transceivers.
Does TCA9406DCTR require external pullup resistors?
No - the TCA9406DCTR integrates 10-kΩ pullup resistors on all four I/O pins (SDA_A, SCL_A, SDA_B, SCL_B). These are sufficient for standard I²C buses with ≤400 pF total capacitance. Additional external pullups may be added to reduce rise time in high-capacitance or high-speed implementations, but are not required for basic operation.
What happens to TCA9406DCTR outputs when OE is pulled low?
When OE is low, all four I/O pins (SDA_A, SCL_A, SDA_B, SCL_B) enter a high-impedance state regardless of VCCA or VCCB levels - effectively disconnecting both sides of the bus. This feature enables dynamic bus isolation during system sleep or fault conditions, reducing quiescent current to ≤2 µA when VCCA = 0 V.
Is TCA9406DCTR pin-compatible with other TI level translators like PCA9306?
No - TCA9406DCTR uses an 8-pin SM8 package with unique pinout (e.g., SDA_B on pin 1, GND on pin 2), while PCA9306DCUR uses a 8-pin VSSOP with different pin assignment (e.g., SDA on pin 1, SCL on pin 2). Direct replacement requires PCB layout revision; functional equivalence does not imply mechanical or pinout compatibility.
TCA9406DCTR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- TCA
- Package/Case:
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Translator Type:
- Voltage Level
- Channel Type:
- Bidirectional
- Number of Circuits:
- 1
- Channels per Circuit:
- 2
- Voltage - VCCA:
- 1.65 V ~ 3.6 V
- Voltage - VCCB:
- 2.3 V ~ 5.5 V
- Input Signal:
- -
- Output Signal:
- -
- Output Type:
- Open Drain
- Data Rate:
- 24Mbps
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Features:
- Auto-Direction Sensing
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-LSSOP, 8-MSOP (0.110", 2.80mm Width)
TCA9406DCTR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TCA9406DCTR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TCA9406DCTR 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 TCA9406DCTR reliable?
The price and inventory of TCA9406DCTR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TCA9406DCTR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TCA9406DCTR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TCA9406DCTR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TCA9406DCTR?
TCA9406DCTR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TCA9406DCTR 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 TCA9406DCTR?
For technical support, including TCA9406DCTR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TCA9406DCTR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TCA9406DCTR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TCA9406DCTR 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 TCA9406DCTR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TCA9406DCTR?
All TCA9406DCTR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TCA9406DCTR, 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 TCA9406DCTR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TCA9406DCTR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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