Overview
The PCA9546APWTG4, produced by Texas Instruments, is a 4-channel, bidirectional translating switch designed for I2C and SMBus applications. This device is particularly useful in systems where multiple I2C or SMBus devices need to be connected to a single master controller, and it supports both Standard-Mode (100 kHz) and Fast-Mode (400 kHz) operation. The PCA9546A allows for voltage-level translation between different bus voltages, enabling communication between devices operating at different voltage levels such as 1.8-V, 2.5-V, 3.3-V, and 5-V without additional protection.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Power-Supply Voltage Range | 2.3 to 5.5 | V |
| Input Voltage Tolerance | -0.5 to 7 | V |
| Clock Frequency Range | 0 to 400 | kHz |
| Operating Free-Air Temperature Range | -40 to 85 | °C |
| Package Types | TSSOP, SOIC, TVSOP, DW, PW, VQFN | |
| Address Pins | Three (allowing up to eight devices on the I2C bus) | |
| Switch Channels | Four bidirectional translating switches | |
| Reset Input | Active-low reset input | |
| Standby Current | Low standby current | |
| ESD Protection | Exceeds JESD 22 - 2000-V Human-Body Model |
Key Features
- I2C Bus and SMBus compatible
- 1-of-4 bidirectional translating switches
- Active-low reset input
- Three address pins, allowing up to eight devices on the I2C bus
- Channel selection via I2C Bus, in any combination
- Power-up with all switch channels deselected
- Low RON switches
- Allows voltage-level translation between 1.8-V, 2.5-V, 3.3-V, and 5-V buses
- No glitch on power-up
- Supports hot insertion
- Low standby current
- 5.5 V tolerant inputs
- Latch-up performance exceeds 100 mA Per JESD 78
Applications
The PCA9546APWTG4 is suitable for various applications where multiple I2C or SMBus devices need to be managed by a single master controller. This includes:
- Embedded systems requiring multiple I2C or SMBus peripherals
- Industrial automation systems with multiple sensors and actuators
- Consumer electronics such as smart home devices and appliances
- Automotive systems with multiple I2C or SMBus interfaces
- Medical devices requiring multiple sensor and actuator control
Q & A
- What is the primary function of the PCA9546APWTG4?
The PCA9546APWTG4 is a 4-channel, bidirectional translating switch for I2C and SMBus applications, allowing multiple devices to be connected to a single master controller.
- What voltage levels does the PCA9546APWTG4 support for voltage translation?
The device supports voltage-level translation between 1.8-V, 2.5-V, 3.3-V, and 5-V buses.
- How many devices can be connected on the I2C bus using the PCA9546APWTG4?
Up to eight PCA9546APWTG4 devices can be connected on the I2C bus due to the three address pins.
- What is the purpose of the active-low reset input?
The active-low reset input allows the device to recover from a fault state by resetting the I2C state machine and deselecting all channels.
- What is the clock frequency range supported by the PCA9546APWTG4?
The device supports a clock frequency range of 0 to 400 kHz.
- Is the PCA9546APWTG4 tolerant to high input voltages?
Yes, the device has 5.5 V tolerant inputs.
- Does the PCA9546APWTG4 support hot insertion?
Yes, the device supports hot insertion.
- What is the operating free-air temperature range of the PCA9546APWTG4?
The operating free-air temperature range is -40 to 85 °C.
- What types of packages are available for the PCA9546APWTG4?
The device is available in TSSOP, SOIC, TVSOP, DW, PW, and VQFN packages.
- Does the PCA9546APWTG4 have any ESD protection features?
Yes, the device exceeds JESD 22 - 2000-V Human-Body Model for ESD protection.
