Multiplexers and Switches support mixed voltage I2C systems.
Press Release Summary:
Controlled via I2C bus, 4-bit, bi-directional Models PCA9544A, PCA9545A and PCA9546A support voltage level translation between 2.5, 3.3, and 5 V buses. Each upstream channel fans out to 4 downstream channels where each individual SCn/SDn channel or combination of channels can be selected through contents of programmable control register. Housed in QFN lead-free package, I2C and SMBus compatible units are suited for system monitoring in telecom and computing segments.
Original Press Release:
TI Continues Growth in the I2C(TM) Market with the Addition of Three 4-Channel I2C and SMBus(TM) Multiplexers and Switches
DALLAS (February 17, 2006) - Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) today announced the release of three new 4-bit bidirectional translating (Level Shifting) I2C and SMBus Multiplexers and Switches. The PCA9544A, PCA9545A and PCA9546A support voltage level translation between 2.5V, 3.3V and 5V buses which is essential in mixed voltage I2C systems. (See: www.ti.com/i2c.)
As the popular I2C two-wire communication bus standard continues to be adopted into many system applications, including computing and portable electronics, it is important to have I2C and SMBus compatible multiplexers and switches that can support the mixed voltage I2C systems. Controlled via the I2C bus, TI's new 4-channel bidirectional switches support voltage interface between 2.5V, 3.3V and 5V buses. Each upstream channel (SCL/SDA) fans out to four downstream channels where each individual SCn/SDn channel or combination of channels can be selected through the contents of the programmable control register. This type of internal architecture allows designers to isolate a section of the I2C bus through I2C software which provides pin savings in the processor. These 'free' pins on the processor can now be used for other functions. These I2C switches and multiplexers can also be used to resolve I2C address conflicts. These devices also support the standard mode and fast mode speeds.
Of these 3 devices, the part with this highest feature set is the PCA9545A. All 4 channels in this device can be selected at the same time providing for more design flexibility. This device offers an Interrupt output and Reset input along with a low on state resistance (Ron=10 ohms) improving signal degradation between the input and output channels. All 3 devices are useful for range of applications including system monitoring in the telecom and computing segments.
Additional Multiplexer Features
o Low RON Switches (10 ohm typically)
o Vcc range of 2.3V to 5.5V
o Interface with 400 kbit/s Fast I2C Bus
o Low Power Consumption
o Ultra-small QFN package
o All packages are Lead(Pb)-Free (NiPdAu finish)
Packaging, Pricing, and Availability
All three devices are available now with free samples support. The PCA9544A, PCA9545A and PCA9546A are available in the industry standard 20-pin SSOP, TSSOP, SOIC, and TVSOP packages along with the space saving Quad Flat Pack (QFN) and Ball Grid Array (BGA) package options. Budgetary pricing for the PCA9544ADGVR and PCA9545ADGVR (TVSOP) is set at $2.75 in quantities of 1,000. Budgetary pricing for the PCA9546ADGVR (TVSOP) is set at $1.74 in quantities of 1,000.
These new devices join other I2C devices in the Standard Linear and Logic Must Have (www.ti.com/musthave) product offerings. TI's Must Have products are a select group of Standard Linear and Logic products that provide a focused priority for the customer.
About Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers' real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company's businesses include Sensors & Controls, and Educational & Productivity Solutions. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries.
Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN. More information is located on the World Wide Web at www.ti.com
