company blog about Mingjiada Supply NXP NTS0104GU12 4-Bit Dual-Supply Translating Transceiver With Auto Direction Sensing

Mingjiada Supply NXP NTS0104GU12 4-Bit Dual-Supply Translating Transceiver With Auto Direction Sensing

The NTS0104GU12 is a high-performance 4-bit dual-supply voltage level shifter from NXP, housed in an ultra-compact XQFN-12 package. The device incorporates an Auto Direction Sensing function, enabling bidirectional data communication without the need for external direction control signals, making it an ideal solution for addressing I/O interface compatibility challenges in mixed-voltage systems (such as 1.8V/3.3V/5V).

Shenzhen Mingjiada Electronics Co., Ltd. – Long-term supplier of the NTS0104GU12 – NXP 4-bit dual-supply voltage level converter transceiver, part of the NTS0104 series of dual-supply voltage level converter transceivers, whose primary function is to bridge processors and peripheral devices operating in different voltage domains. The chip provides independent voltage references for the A and B ports via two separate power pins (VCC(A) and VCC(B)), supporting any bidirectional level conversion between 1.65V and 3.6V (low-side) and 2.3V and 5.5V (high-side).

Product Overview:
The NTS0104GU12 is a 4-bit dual-power-conversion transceiver with automatic direction sensing, enabling bidirectional voltage level conversion. It features two 4-bit input/output ports (An and Bn), an output enable input (OE) and two power supply pins (VCC(A) and VCC(B)). VCC(A) can be supplied with any voltage between 1.65V and 3.6V, whilst VCC(B) can be supplied with any voltage between 2.3V and 5.5V. This voltage range makes the device suitable for conversion between any low-voltage nodes (1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V and 5.0V). Pins An and OE are referenced to VCC(A), whilst pins Bn are referenced to VCC(B). When pin OE is at a low level, the output is placed in a high-impedance shut-down state. The device is fully suitable for local power-down applications using IOFF. The IOFF circuit disables the output, thereby preventing destructive inrush currents when the device is powered down.

Specifications:
Model: NTS0104GU12 (XQFN12 package)
Logic function: 4-bit dual-supply conversion transceiver
Port A voltage VCC(A): 1.65 V to 3.6 V (connected to the MCU/SoC side, e.g. 1.8 V, 2.5 V)
Port B Voltage VCC(B): 2.3 V to 5.5 V (connected to the peripheral side, e.g. 3.3 V, 5.0 V)
Data Rate: Up to 50 Mbps (push-pull mode)
ESD Protection: Port A HBM > 2.5 kV; Port B HBM > 8 kV (suitable for interface protection)
Operating temperature: -40 °C to +125 °C (industrial-grade wide temperature range)
Package dimensions: XQFN-12 (1.7 mm × 2.0 mm × 0.5 mm, ultra-thin and compact)

Key features of the NTS0104GU12:
1. Dual-supply, wide-voltage design covering mainstream voltage ranges
The VCC(A) supply range is 1.65V to 3.6V, whilst the VCC(B) supply range is 2.3V to 5.5V. This configuration enables the NTS0104GU12 to switch freely between low-voltage nodes such as 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V and 5.0V, providing a highly flexible interface solution for mixed-voltage systems.
2. Automatic direction sensing, no direction control signal required
The NTS0104GU12 incorporates an automatic direction sensing circuit, enabling it to automatically identify the data transmission direction and perform level conversion without the need for an external DIR pin. This feature significantly simplifies PCB design and reduces system complexity, making it particularly suitable for communication interfaces such as I²C, SMBus and UART, which do not require a fixed signal direction.
3. Data rates up to 50 Mbps, supporting open-drain and push-pull outputs
The NTS0104GU12 supports a maximum data rate of 50 Mbps in push-pull mode and is compatible with both open-drain and push-pull output architectures. Open-drain output is suitable for scenarios such as I²C where multiple hosts share a bus; push-pull output is suitable for interfaces such as UART and GPIO that require stronger drive capability.
4. IOFF partial power-down protection to prevent reverse current
The IOFF circuit automatically disables the output stage when the device is powered down, preventing destructive reverse current from flowing from the powered side back to the de-energised side. This feature is particularly important for multi-module hybrid systems employing different power management strategies, helping to enhance overall system reliability.
5. Excellent ESD Protection Performance
The NTS0104GU12 provides over 8000 V of HBM (Human Body Model) ESD protection and over 8000 V of IEC 61000-4-2 contact discharge protection on Port B, whilst Port A offers over 2500 V of HBM ESD protection. It also offers multiple ESD protection mechanisms, including MM (Machine Model) and CDM (Charged Device Model), ensuring long-term reliability in industrial environments.
6. Miniature XQFN12 Package, Suitable for High-Density Integration
The XQFN12 package measures just 2.0 mm × 1.7 mm with a 0.5 mm pin pitch, making it a typical miniature leadless package. This ultra-compact size is particularly well-suited for space-constrained portable and embedded applications such as smartphones, wearable devices and sensor nodes.
7. Wide operating temperature range (-40°C to +125°C)
The NTS0104GU12 supports environments ranging from sub-zero temperatures of -40°C to high-temperature industrial scenarios of +125°C, covering the requirements of the vast majority of industrial and automotive-grade applications.

Typical Applications of the NTS0104GU12
With its flexible dual-voltage support and high-speed bidirectional communication capabilities, the NTS0104GU12 offers extensive application prospects in the following areas:
I²C/SMBus bus level conversion
UART serial communication
GPIO signal level matching
Industrial control systems and sensor interfaces
Consumer electronics and IoT devices
5G communication equipment and base stations

Mingjiada Electronics – NTS0104GU12 in Stock
Mingjiada Electronics maintains a stock of NTS0104GU12, supporting both small-batch sample requests and large-volume orders. The company also supplies a wide range of other electronic components on a long-term basis, including but not limited to: level shifters, transceivers, MCUs, FPGAs, RF chips, memory chips, automotive-grade chips and 5G communication chips, covering leading global brands such as NXP, TI, ADI, ST, Microchip, Intel, NVIDIA and Xilinx.

For further information regarding the NXP NTS0104GU12 – a 4-bit dual-power-conversion transceiver – or to enquire about sample pricing, please visit the Mingjiada Electronics website (https://www.integrated-ic.com/) for more supply details.