onsemi NL17SZ07 Buffer

The onsemi NL17SZ07 buffer is a high-performance, single non-inverting buffer with an open-drain output designed for low-voltage digital signal conditioning and level interfacing. It operates across a wide 1.65 V to 5.5 V VCC range and supports input and output overvoltage tolerance up to 5.5 V, enabling safe interfacing between mixed-voltage domains. With a typical propagation delay of 2.1 ns at 5 V, the device is suitable for high-speed control and logic applications.

The buffer incorporates IOFF circuitry to prevent back-powering during partial power-down conditions and can sink up to 24 mA at 3 V, making it effective for driving LEDs or pull-up-based loads. The buffer is offered in multiple compact packages, including SC-88A, SOT-553, and UDFN6, supporting space-constrained designs. The automotive-grade variants meet AEC-Q100 and PPAP requirements, with a maximum junction temperature of +150 °C for demanding environments.

Features of the onsemi NL17SZ07 Buffer

The NL17SZ07 buffer is designed for low-voltage digital interfacing, fast switching, and safe operation across mixed-signal environments. Let’s go through the features in detail:

Wide Operating Voltage and Signal Compatibility

The NL17SZ07 buffer is a single non-inverting, open-drain buffer designed to operate over a 1.65 V to 5.5 V VCC range. Both the input and output are tolerant to voltages up to 5.5 V, allowing direct interfacing between mixed-voltage logic domains without additional protection circuitry. This voltage flexibility supports use in embedded, industrial, automotive, and LED control systems where logic levels may vary across subsystems.

High-Speed Performance and Output Drive

The device provides a typical propagation delay of 2.1 ns at 5 V, enabling fast signal buffering in timing-sensitive digital paths. The open-drain output structure allows the buffer to sink up to 24 mA at 3 V, making it suitable for driving pull-up-based loads such as LEDs, wired-OR logic, or external control lines while maintaining controlled current handling.

Power Management and Thermal Capability

IOFF circuitry is implemented to support partial power-down protection, preventing back-powering through the I/O pins when VCC is removed or at a lower potential. The internal design maintains low chip complexity, below 100 FETs, and supports a maximum junction temperature of +150 °C, enabling stable operation in thermally demanding environments.

Packaging, Qualification, and Compliance

The NL17SZ07 buffer is offered in multiple compact packages, including SC-88A, SC-74A, SOT-553, SOT-953, and UDFN6, with options as small as 1.0 mm × 1.0 mm × 0.5 mm for space-constrained layouts. The variants with Q-suffixes meet automotive AEC-Q100 qualification and are PPAP capable. All versions are Pb-free, halogen-free, BFR-free, and RoHS-compliant.

Applications

The NL17SZ07 buffer is used in embedded systems for logic level shifting, signal isolation, and fan-out of control lines operating across 1.65 V to 5.5 V domains. In automotive electronics, it supports open-drain signal conditioning, ECU interfacing, and status line control in AEC-Q100–compliant designs. Industrial systems use this device to buffer PLC I/O signals, interface microcontrollers with higher-voltage logic, and protect against partial power-down conditions. In LED lighting applications, the buffer’s high sink capability enables direct LED driving or control of external drivers, supporting dimming, status indication, and low-voltage control signaling.