Introducing the NXP PCA9546APW+118 I2C Switch

The PCA9546APW+118 is a robust and versatile I2C-bus switch designed and manufactured by NXP Semiconductors. This integrated circuit provides a simple, efficient solution for expanding your I2C-bus connectivity by allowing up to four downstream channels to be controlled individually. It is an ideal choice for applications where multiple I2C devices with identical addresses need to be connected to a single I2C-bus.

Key Features

• 4-channel I2C-bus switch: The PCA9546APW+118 features four bidirectional translating switches that can be controlled via the I2C-bus, enabling connection to four separate I2C slave sub-busses.
• Low standby current: Designed for power-sensitive applications, this switch maintains low power consumption with a standby current of just 2.5 µA (max).
• Channel selection via I2C-bus: Each switch can be individually selected through a built-in I2C-bus interface, which provides a simple and flexible method of channel management.
• Wide operating voltage range: The device supports a wide range of supply voltages from 2.3V to 5.5V, making it suitable for various logic levels and ensuring compatibility with a broad spectrum of I2C-bus interfaces.
• High noise immunity: The inputs and outputs are designed to withstand 0.3V below ground and 5.5V above VCC without any damage, offering excellent noise immunity.
• Active LOW reset input: A hardware reset input (/RESET) is provided to reset the I2C-bus/SMBus state machine, which helps in recovering from a situation where one of the downstream I2C-busses is stuck in a low state.

Applications

The PCA9546APW+118 is ideal for a multitude of applications that require multiple I2C devices or sensors to be connected to a single I2C-bus. It is commonly used in:

• Server systems
• Telecommunication systems
• AdvancedTCA (ATCA) systems
• Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) systems
• Industrial control systems
• Consumer electronics

With its compact TSSOP16 package, the PCA9546APW+118 is designed to occupy minimal board space while providing maximum functionality, making it a top choice for engineers and designers looking to enhance their I2C-bus systems.