PCA9452 - Automotive PMIC for i.MX 93, 6 Buck + 5 LDO | NXP
MPN: PCA9452 β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
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| 1 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 10 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 100 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 500 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 1,000 | $0 | $0.00 |
PCA9452 Overview
A power management IC (PMIC) is a highly integrated power-management device that combines multiple voltage regulators, switches, and supervision functions into a single die, forming the core of the power tree in processor-based systems. Within the power management IC hierarchy, the PCA9452 sits above discrete DC-DC converters and LDOs, replacing a multi-chip regulator solution with one I2C-controllable device, reducing board area, BOM count, and sequencing complexity.
Key features include six synchronous buck converters optimized for high efficiency at the core and memory rails of the i.MX 93, five low-dropout regulators for analog, I/O, and PLL supplies, and a 400 mA integrated load switch for peripherals. Control is provided over an I2C-bus interface supporting Standard-mode (100 kbit/s), Fast-mode (400 kbit/s), and Fast-mode plus (1 Mbit/s) data transfers, per NXP UM10204.
Architecturally, the PCA9452 integrates the complete power tree required by the i.MX 93x: processor core, GPU/NPU, DDR memory, and peripheral rails, with programmable sequencing and I2C-adjustable output voltage levels. The integrated 2-bit auto-direction-sensing level translator and 32.768 kHz oscillator driver remove two additional external components from typical automotive designs.
Typical applications include Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS), occupant monitoring systems, cost-optimized automotive gateways, and automotive infotainment with audio and speech recognition, all operating over the -40C to +105C automotive ambient range.
Design consideration: because the six bucks set the i.MX 93 core and DDR voltages, follow the NXP-recommended default I2C register sequence and power-up ordering precisely; incorrect sequencing can prevent processor boot.
This page synthesizes verified manufacturer data, distributor listings, pricing tiers, and drop-in variant guidance not consolidated in the NXP datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PCA9452 β same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PCA9452AHN
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PCA9452AHNE
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$4.48 / Unit
View Datasheet βPCA9452AHNK
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PCA9452 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | Automotive PMIC for i.MX 93x processors |
| Qualification | AEC-Q100 Grade 2 |
| Buck Regulators | 6 (high-efficiency step-down) |
| LDO Regulators | 5 |
| Total Regulated Outputs | 11 |
| Load Switch | 1 x 400 mA integrated |
| Level Translator | 2-channel, dual-supply, auto direction sensing |
| Crystal Oscillator Driver | 32.768 kHz |
| Input Supply Voltage | 5 V |
| Control Interface | I2C, 100 kbit/s / 400 kbit/s / 1 Mbit/s |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +105C (ambient) |
| Target Processor | NXP i.MX 93x family |
| Package | HVQFN |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Application Domain | Automotive |
PCA9452 hvqfn Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PCA9452 (hvqfn package). This power device features gate, drain, and source terminals. For non-polarized packages, refer to the manufacturer datasheet for exact pin 1 orientation and footprint details. Common applications include power supply design, motor driving, and load switching.
No detailed pinout data available for PCA9452.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PCA9452 is suitable for 6 applications: Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS), Occupant Monitoring Systems, Cost-Optimized Automotive Gateway, Automotive Infotainment with Speech Recognition, ADAS Front-Camera Companion Modules, Industrial Human-Machine Interfaces on i.MX 93.
Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS)
The PCA9452 fits Driver Monitoring Systems because it supplies the complete i.MX 93x power tree - six high-efficiency bucks for the processor core and DDR, five LDOs for analog and camera rails - in a single AEC-Q100 grade 2 device rated -40C to +105C. DMS designs are always-on and thermally constrained, so the integrated buck efficiency directly reduces heat inside the steering-column or mirror module. The 400 mA load switch gates camera sensor power for privacy shutdown, while the 32.768 kHz oscillator driver keeps the RTC domain alive in low-power states. I2C control at up to 1 Mbit/s lets the i.MX 93 adjust core voltage for DVFS, trading 60 fps vision processing against milliwatts in standby, with NXP-validated sequencing ensuring reliable wake from sleep within the DMS latency budget.
Recommended
Occupant Monitoring Systems
Occupant monitoring systems (in-cabin sensing for child presence, seatbelt reminders) benefit from the PCA9452's integration level: eleven regulated outputs from one IC serving the i.MX 93x vision processor reduce PCB area in the headliner module, where space and thermal budget are minimal. The AEC-Q100 grade 2 rating (-40C to +105C ambient) covers cabin temperature extremes from winter parking to direct sunlight. The 2-channel auto-direction level translator interfaces the 1.8 V processor I/O domain with 3.3 V sensors without external parts, and the 400 mA load switch isolates radar or ToF sensor loads between drive cycles. I2C register control enables the deep-sleep rail sequencing required for always-on occupancy detection at microamp-level quiescent targets between trips.
Recommended
Cost-Optimized Automotive Gateway
In cost-optimized automotive gateways, the PCA9452 replaces a discrete power tree of bucks, LDOs, a load switch, a level translator, and an oscillator driver with one HVQFN PMIC, cutting BOM line items and assembly cost. Its six high-efficiency bucks deliver the i.MX 93x core, DDR, and I/O rails with the efficiency needed for gateway modules that remain powered in low-power mode, while five LDOs supply Ethernet PHY, CAN transceiver, and security-element analog rails cleanly. The I2C interface (100 kbit/s to 1 Mbit/s, per UM10204) allows the gateway firmware to supervise rails and log faults for functional-safety diagnostics. AEC-Q100 grade 2 qualification and NXP-validated i.MX 93 sequencing shorten the safety documentation effort for the gateway platform.
Recommended
Automotive Infotainment with Speech Recognition
For entry-level automotive infotainment running audio and speech recognition on the i.MX 93x, the PCA9452 supplies the low-noise analog rails its five LDOs provide, which matter for microphone-bias and audio-codec supply quality where switching ripple would couple into the voice path. The six bucks efficiently power the NPU and DDR domains during always-listening keyword spotting, and DVFS via the I2C interface (up to 1 Mbit/s Fast-mode plus) balances inference performance against heat in a dash-mounted, passively cooled enclosure. The integrated 32.768 kHz oscillator driver maintains the RTC for scheduled updates, and the 400 mA load switch powers down the amplifier stage in standby. AEC-Q100 grade 2 -40C to +105C operation matches cockpit environmental requirements.
Recommended
ADAS Front-Camera Companion Modules
Cost-sensitive ADAS camera modules built on the i.MX 93x use the PCA9452 as the single-chip power solution. The six bucks supply the image-signal-processing core and LPDDR memory with high efficiency, minimizing thermal rise behind the windshield where solar load already stresses the module; the five LDOs deliver the clean rails required by the CMOS image sensor analog domain, where PSRR-sensitive supplies reduce fixed-pattern noise. The 2-channel level translator bridges the sensor's I/O domain to the processor bank voltages, and the 400 mA load switch enables lens-heater or IR-LED gating. Operating from a 5 V automotive-derived input at -40C to +105C, and qualified to AEC-Q100 grade 2, it aligns with front-camera module qualification requirements.
Recommended
Industrial Human-Machine Interfaces on i.MX 93
Beyond automotive, the same power architecture serves extended-industrial HMI panels using the i.MX 93x, an area NXP explicitly calls out for the PCA9452 family. The 5 V input matches standard industrial auxiliary supplies, and the eleven regulated outputs power the display, touch-controller, and memory domains from one PMIC. The I2C interface at up to 1 Mbit/s allows firmware-controlled power modes for Energy- related standby targets, while the 400 mA load switch gates the backlight or wireless module. The auto-direction level translator connects 1.8 V processor I/O to 3.3 V peripheral buses without direction-control GPIOs. The -40C to +105C operating range, inherited from AEC-Q100 grade 2 qualification, exceeds typical industrial requirements, giving margin for sealed-enclosure designs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PCA9452 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PCA9452AHN | PCA9452AHNE | PCA9452AHNK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | HVQFN | HVQFN - same | HVQFN - same | HVQFN - same |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Buck Regulators | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| LDO Regulators | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Load Switch | 1 x 400 mA | 1 x 400 mA | 1 x 400 mA | 1 x 400 mA |
| Level Translator | 2-channel, auto direction | 2-channel, auto direction | 2-channel, auto direction | 2-channel, auto direction |
| AEC-Q100 Qualification | Grade 2 (-40C to +105C) | Grade 2 | Grade 2 | Grade 2 |
| Target Processor | i.MX 93x | i.MX 93x | i.MX 93x | i.MX 93x |
Key Differentiators
- Purpose-built i.MX 93x power tree on one die (vs Discrete buck + LDO solution)
- Integrated 400 mA load switch (vs PCA9450-family PMICs for other i.MX generations)
- Automotive qualification with extended-industrial applicability (vs Generic consumer PMICs)
Design Notes
The PCA9452 was co-designed with the i.MX 93x power tree; use the NXP default register configuration and power-up sequencing from the datasheet rather than inventing a custom sequence. The six bucks feed the processor core and DDR rails whose boot voltages are specified per i.MX 93 speed grade. Deviating from the NXP-recommended sequence can cause the boot ROM to fail silently. Verify that the 5 V input source can handle the combined inrush of all six bucks during soft-start, and confirm the 400 mA load-switch rating covers your camera or peripheral load before enabling it in firmware.
Follow the NXP reference layout for the buck converters: keep the input capacitor, high-side switch node, and catch element loops as small as possible for each of the six bucks, and place LDO output capacitors close to the pins. The integrated 32.768 kHz oscillator driver needs its crystal routed as a quiet, guarded pair away from buck switch nodes to avoid jitter coupling into the RTC domain. Use solid ground planes beneath the PMIC and stitch thermal vias to the ground plane to dissipate the combined converter losses in the HVQFN package.
Two frequent mistakes: (1) treating the PCA9452 as a generic PMIC and skipping the I2C register review - the i.MX 93 expects specific voltages on specific rails at specific times, and the PCA9452 defaults must match the processor's power specification; consult the NXP i.MX 93 hardware development guide alongside the PMIC datasheet. (2) Overloading the level translator - the 2-channel translator has defined drive capability and auto-direction sensing that can oscillate if both sides are push-pull driven simultaneously. Check the datasheet's translator section for pull-up sizing and allowed data rates.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 grade 2 automotive qualification is explicitly stated on the NXP product page. RoHS/REACH/lead-free status not stated in retrieved data - verify on the NXP product page for the specific orderable variant.
