Nexperia unveils low-voltage analog switches

The multinational semiconductor firm Nexperia unveiled a new line of 4- and 8-channel analogue switches that are intended to safeguard and monitor 1.8 V electrical devices.

In addition to ordinary versions appropriate for a wider range of consumer and industrial applications such as sensor monitoring and diagnostics, enterprise computers, and home appliances, this series of multiplexers also offers AEC-Q100-qualified variations meant for use in automotive applications.

Because the control circuitry cannot function from the voltage level used to give power to the switch, designers frequently need additional voltage translators when utilising analogue switches. In contrast, the NMUX1308 and NMUX1309 switches’ control pins function independently of the voltage range of their power supply, eliminating the need for extra parts to accomplish level-shifting and saving money and board space in the process.

This switch series has been designed by Nexperia with extra features that improve overall system safety. Control pins can be biassed before the system powers on and can continue to be biassed after the system has shut down, thanks to fail-safe logic. As a result, power sequencing between the system microcontroller unit (MCU) and the analogue switch is no longer necessary. Analogue pins can be biassed before system power-up and can continue to be biassed following system power-down thanks to a power-off protection function. By doing this, the limitations of power sequencing for the analogue switch and different power rails that support analogue signals and ADC circuits downstream in the signal chain are eliminated. The NMUX130X’s combination of these two features stops the supply rail from returning power through any pin of the analogue switch.

When an overvoltage event occurs on disabled signal channels, these devices’ integrated injection current control circuitry limits output voltage shifts on the active channel to less than 5 mV. This saves board space and money by doing away with the requirement for external resistors and diode networks. 

Both standard (-40 °C to +85 °C) and automotive-qualified (-40 °C to +125 °C) versions of the NMUX1308 and NMUX1309 switches are available in 8-channel and dual 4-channel devices. Leaded and leadless options are also available, including a leadless package that supports AOI (Automated Optical Inspection) for automotive applications.

For more info visit: https://www.nexperia.com/

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