8:1 I²C bus mux — the bus-fan-out decision
The MAX7357ETG+ is an 8:1 multiplexer/demultiplexer from Analog Devices, purpose-built for I²C bus expansion — it lets a single upstream I²C master talk to any one of eight downstream slave buses without address conflicts or bus capacitance overload. The 24Ohm max on-state resistance means the switch adds negligible voltage drop at the I²C logic levels — the bus pull-up resistors still set the rise time, not the mux channel resistance. Bi-directional feature means the mux passes data in both directions across the channel — the master writes and reads through the same switch path without an external direction control.
Package and footprint — what the board sees
The 24-WFQFN exposed pad package is the same mechanical footprint — the supplier device package (24-TQFN) is the ordering variant name, not a different land pattern. Supplied in tube — not tape-and-reel, so pick-and-place feeders need a tube magazine or a bulk tray conversion.
Lifecycle and compliance — procurement baseline
ROHS3 compliant — full exemption-free compliance for EU markets; no REACH SVHC disclosure required beyond the standard declaration.