PCA82C251T - 24V CAN Transceiver, 1MBd, SOIC-8 | NXP
MPN: PCA82C251T ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.85 | $1.85 |
| 10 | $1.62 | $16.20 |
| 100 | $1.28 | $128.00 |
| 500 | $1.05 | $525.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.88 | $880.00 |
| 2,500 | $0.74 | $1,850.00 |
PCA82C251T Overview
A CAN transceiver is a physical-layer (PHY) device that converts the single-ended digital transmit (TXD) and receive (RXD) signals from a CAN protocol controller into the differential dominant/recessive signaling required by the CAN bus. It sits between the protocol controller (an MCU with a CAN module) and the twisted-pair bus, providing the drive strength, common-mode rejection, and bus-fault protection needed for robust communication. The PCA82C251 belongs to the broader family of CAN transceivers and is part of the NXP (formerly Philips Semiconductors) automotive connectivity portfolio.
Key features of the PCA82C251T include a maximum data rate of 1 MBd, wide supply voltage range of 4.5V to 5.5V (typical 5V), bus terminals tolerant to -27V to +40V transients, low current consumption in standby and recessive states, thermal shutdown protection, and current limiting on the bus outputs. The device operates over the -40C to +125C automotive temperature range, making it suitable for under-hood applications and other harsh industrial environments. It is supplied in the industry-standard 8-pin SOIC (SO-8) package for reflow-soldered surface-mount assembly.
The PCA82C251T uses a bipolar CMOS process with on-chip bus-driver protection and slope-control circuitry to limit RFI emissions. Its high-impedance bus input during supply loss prevents the device from loading the bus when unpowered, supporting multi-node hot-swap scenarios. Compared to lower-voltage CAN transceivers, the 24V-tolerant bus pins make this part specifically suited for trucks, buses, agricultural machinery, and industrial CAN networks powered from 24V rails where common-mode transients exceed the range of 12V-only parts.
Typical applications include 24V truck and bus CAN networks, agricultural and construction equipment CAN buses, industrial automation CANopen networks, forklift and material-handling vehicle communication, and CAN-based battery management in 24V lead-acid battery stacks. The ISO 11898-24V conformance also makes it a candidate for heavy-duty on-road and off-road vehicle communication backbones.
When designing with the PCA82C251T, note that it is a legacy part and the modern TJA1051T, TJA1042T, or TJA1057T from NXP offer lower quiescent current, faster loop times, and improved EMC behavior for new designs. Engineers should select a 24V-rated replacement only when pin-compatibility or bus-fault tolerance is critical; the standard 12V TJA1050T is NOT a drop-in because its bus common-mode range is narrower and will not survive 24V-system transients.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, verified drop-in alternatives (same-brand and cross-brand in SOIC-8), practical design notes, and a parameter comparison table not bundled together on the manufacturer's product page.
Drop-in alternatives for PCA82C251T — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with PCA82C251T (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Function, Operating Temperature, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PCA82C251T/YM,118
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PCA82C251
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TJA1051T/3/1
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.4102 / Unit
View Datasheet →TJA1042T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SN65HVD1050DR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PCA82C251T Specifications
| Function | CAN Transceiver |
| Protocol | CAN 2.0A/B |
| Number of Drivers/Receivers | 1/1 |
| Data Rate (max) | 1 MBd |
| Supply Voltage (Vcc) | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Bus Common-Mode Range | -27 V to +40 V (24V-system rated) |
| Conformance Standard | ISO 11898-24V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C |
| Package | SOIC-8 (SO-8) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Bus Fault Protection | Thermal shutdown, current limiting |
| Standby / Recessive Current | Low (see datasheet) |
| Automotive Grade | Yes (legacy 24V automotive) |
| Manufacturer Status | Legacy / last time buy (per NXP product page) |
PCA82C251T Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | TXD — Transmit data input from CAN controller |
| Pin 2 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 3 | Vcc — 5V supply (4.5V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 4 | RXD — Receive data output to CAN controller |
| Pin 5 | Vref — Reference voltage output (nominally Vcc/2) |
| Pin 6 | CANL — CAN bus low-side line |
| Pin 7 | CANH — CAN bus high-side line |
| Pin 8 | Rs — Slope control / standby mode select |
Typical Applications
PCA82C251T is suitable for 7 applications: 24V Truck and Bus CAN Networks, Industrial CANopen Networks, Agricultural and Construction Equipment, Forklift and Material-Handling CAN Buses, 24V Battery Management (BMS) Communication, Heavy-Duty Industrial CAN Gateways, Marine and Rail Vehicle CAN Networks.
24V Truck and Bus CAN Networks
The PCA82C251T is the original NXP/Philips 24V CAN transceiver optimized for heavy-vehicle networks where the bus operates from 24V batteries with large load-dump and jump-start transients. Its ISO 11898-24V conformance and -27V to +40V bus common-mode tolerance let it survive the 24V-system transient envelope without external protection. Used in cab-chassis CAN busses for engine, transmission, ABS, and body control modules. The 1 MBd rate is sufficient for powertrain and body CAN 2.0 traffic but engineers should migrate to TJA1051T for new designs that need lower quiescent current.
Recommended
Industrial CANopen Networks
CANopen, the higher-layer protocol widely used in industrial automation, runs on ISO 11898-24V-compatible physical layer at 125 kBd to 1 MBd. The PCA82C251T provides the differential drive and receive functions required for CANopen masters and slaves, with -27V to +40V bus tolerance to survive motor-drive common-mode noise. Placed between a microcontroller with CAN module and the bus twisted pair with a 5V regulator feeding Vcc. Suitable for sensors, motor controllers, and I/O nodes on factory CANopen lines, especially where the same node may also be installed in 24V battery-powered mobile equipment.
Recommended
Agricultural and Construction Equipment
Tractors, harvesters, excavators, and other off-highway machines rely on 24V CAN buses per ISO 11783 (agricultural) and similar construction-equipment standards, which mandate 24V-system tolerant transceivers. The PCA82C251T's -27V to +40V bus tolerance and -40C to +125C operating range make it a proven fit for these environments with high vibration, temperature swings, and load-dump transients. It connects implements (planter, baler, sprayer) to the tractor's ISOBUS backbone for implement-control messaging.
Recommended
Forklift and Material-Handling CAN Buses
Electric and IC-engine forklifts often run 24V or 36V48V battery systems, exposing the CAN bus to high common-mode transients during motor switching and battery regen pulses. The PCA82C251T's 24V-tolerant bus pins and current-limiting bus drivers let the CAN network survive these harsh transients without additional TVS protection in many designs. Used for vehicle control unit (VCU), battery monitor, and traction-controller communication on Class I-III lift trucks. Engineers should still verify transient performance against the specific forklift's load-dump profile.
Recommended
24V Battery Management (BMS) Communication
Battery management systems for 24V lead-acid battery stacks in trucks, buses, and backup-power systems use CAN to report cell voltages, temperatures, and state-of-charge to a master controller. The PCA82C251T provides the bus physical layer between a microcontroller CAN controller and the BMS CAN network, where bus-pin overvoltage from inductive kickback on long battery cables is a real concern. The -27V to +40V common-mode range and thermal shutdown protect the transceiver during BMS cable faults. Modern alternative is the TJA1051T for new BMS designs with lower standby current.
Recommended
Heavy-Duty Industrial CAN Gateways
CAN-to-Ethernet, CAN-to-USB, and CAN-to-LIN gateways in industrial control cabinets often need to interface to 24V truck, bus, and off-road vehicle buses. The PCA82C251T's 24V-system bus tolerance and -40C to +125C industrial temperature range make it well suited for gateway hardware that must bridge between office 12V systems and field 24V systems. Placed on the field-side bus connector of the gateway, paired with an isolated DC-DC and digital isolators on the controller side. Modern gateways should evaluate TJA1051T or TJA1057T for lower quiescent current and improved EMC.
Recommended
Marine and Rail Vehicle CAN Networks
Marine vessels and rail vehicles often use 24V DC battery systems with substantial load-dump and jump-start transients that exceed the range of 12V-only CAN transceivers. The PCA82C251T, with its ISO 11898-24V rating and -27V to +40V bus tolerance, has historically been used for engine control, navigation, and on-board diagnostics CAN networks in these segments. Provides a robust bus interface where 12V-only parts like the TJA1050T would fail. New marine and rail designs should consider the TJA1051T for better quiescent current and EMC compliance with IEC 62228-3 / EN 50155 railway EMC standards.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PCA82C251T — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PCA82C251T/YM,118 | PCA82C251 | TJA1051T | TJA1042T | SN65HVD1050DR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | Texas Instruments |
| Package | SOIC-8 (SO-8) | SOIC-8 - same | SOIC-8 - same | SOIC-8 - same | SOIC-8 - same | SOIC-8 - same |
| Function | CAN Transceiver | CAN Transceiver | CAN Transceiver | CAN Transceiver | CAN Transceiver (with standby) | CAN Transceiver |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5V to 5.5V | 4.5V to 5.5V | 4.5V to 5.5V | 4.5V to 5.5V | 4.5V to 5.5V | 4.5V to 5.5V |
| Bus Common-Mode Range | -27V to +40V (24V system) | -27V to +40V | -27V to +40V | -27V to +40V | -27V to +40V | -27V to +40V |
| Max Data Rate | 1 MBd | 1 MBd | 1 MBd | 1 MBd (CAN 2.0; not CAN FD) | 1 MBd | 1 MBd |
| ISO 11898-24V Compliance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C |
| Standby / Low-Power Mode | Via Rs pin slope control | Via Rs pin | Via Rs pin | Standby pin | Dedicated STBY pin | Slope control via Rs |
| Lifecycle Status | Legacy / last time buy | Legacy | Legacy | Active | Active | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Original ISO 11898-24V reference design with 24V bus tolerance (vs TJA1050T (12V only))
- Proven automotive legacy with widespread design support (vs TJA1051T (modern NXP))
- Wide cross-brand second-source availability (vs SN65HVD1050DR (TI))
Design Notes
Power the PCA82C251T Vcc pin from a regulated 5V rail (4.5V to 5.5V). Add a 100nF ceramic decoupling capacitor close to the Vcc pin and a bulk 10uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the same rail to absorb bus-driver switching transients. The bus pins CANH and CANL draw peak currents during dominant-bit transmission, and a weak Vcc rail can couple noise into the 5V MCU supply and cause CAN controller errors. Use a ferrite bead between the transceiver Vcc and the MCU Vcc if they share a rail.
Keep the CANH and CANL traces as a tightly coupled differential pair with 120-ohm characteristic impedance (or per ISO 11898-2 nominal bus impedance) from the transceiver pins to the bus connector or termination resistor. Route the pair over a continuous ground plane and avoid crossing splits. Place the 120-ohm termination resistor at each end of the bus, not at the transceiver output, to suppress reflections. Place the Rs slope-control capacitor close to pin 8 to set the bus-edge slew rate per the application requirements.
Do NOT substitute the PCA82C251T with the TJA1050T in a 24V truck or bus design - the TJA1050T is a 12V-only part with a narrower bus common-mode range and will fail under 24V-system transients. Also verify that the chosen standby-mode wiring (Rs pin) matches the new part's logic; modern NXP TJA1051T uses a dedicated standby pin rather than the PCA82C251's slope-control resistor. Always re-validate EMC and bus-fault performance after a transceiver change, even with pin-compatible parts.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 automotive qualification implied by NXP's classification as a 24V automotive CAN transceiver and the -40C to +125C operating range. RoHS / REACH / lead-free / halogen-free status not stated in the verified web data; mark as unknown and verify against the NXP product page or distributor declaration before committing to a regulated program.
