Renesas CS82C59AZ96

Overview

CS82C59AZ96 from Intersil is a CMOS Priority Interrupt Controller designed to offload interrupt management from 8080/85, 8086/88, and 80C286-based microcomputer systems. It handles up to eight vectored priority interrupt sources, supports cascading to 64 levels, operates at 12.5MHz max, features fully static CMOS design, and uses a single +5V supply with <10µA standby current.

For engineers reviewing the CS82C59AZ96 datasheet, CS82C59AZ96 pinout, CS82C59AZ96 application, or CS82C59AZ96 equivalent, this device serves as a drop-in replacement for legacy NMOS 8259A in industrial control, retro-computing, and embedded real-time systems requiring deterministic, low-power interrupt arbitration with full TTL compatibility and programmable priority modes.

Technical Context

The CS82C59AZ96 implements dual-mode operation-fully compatible with both 8080/85 (3-interrupt-acknowledge cycle, CALL opcode output) and 80C86/88/286 (2-cycle, vector-only response) microprocessor buses. Its internal architecture includes separate Interrupt Request (IRR), In-Service (ISR), and Mask (IMR) registers, priority resolver logic, and cascade buffer/comparator for master/slave configuration via CAS0–CAS2 lines.

It supports edge-triggered and level-triggered interrupt inputs (IR0–IR7), programmable initialization command words (ICW1–ICW4), and operation command words (OCW1–OCW3) for dynamic mode selection-including fully nested, rotating priority, special mask, and polled modes-all controlled via 8-bit bidirectional data bus (D0–D7), address line A0, and standard RD/WR/CS timing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

CS82C59AZ96 is housed in a 28-lead Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC) package, Pb-free compliant per RoHS, supplied in tape-and-reel format (96 units per reel). The package is lead-free annealed with 100% matte tin termination, rated for MSL3 reflow compatibility.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar priority interrupt controller applications.

Compared with CS82C59A-12Z96, CS82C59AZ96 offers updated manufacturing traceability and full RoHS documentation; versus IS82C59AZX96, it trades extended temperature capability for lower unit cost and broader commercial supply chain alignment-making it the preferred choice for fixed-temperature embedded platforms.

Availability

CS82C59AZ96 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC backplanes, retro computing motherboards, and embedded motion controllers requiring stable component supply, long-term obsolescence mitigation, and verified legacy interface compatibility.

Supply support for CS82C59AZ96 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Intersil Corporation (now part of Renesas Electronics) is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog and mixed-signal ICs for industrial, computing, and communications markets.

The 82C59A family was developed to deliver CMOS power efficiency and speed parity with legacy NMOS interrupt controllers-targeting retro-computing restoration, industrial control upgrades, and embedded systems needing deterministic, software-configurable interrupt arbitration.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the CS82C59AZ96?

The CS82C59AZ96 supports a maximum clock frequency of 12.5 MHz, enabling no-wait-state operation with 12.5 MHz 80C286 and 8 MHz 80C86/88 microprocessors. This rating is validated across the full 0°C to +70°C commercial temperature range and reflects guaranteed timing margins for setup/hold and propagation delays in both 8080/85 and 80C86/88/286 bus modes.

Is the CS82C59AZ96 pin-compatible with the original NMOS 8259A?

Yes, the CS82C59AZ96 is fully pin-compatible with the NMOS 8259A, sharing identical pin assignments, electrical signaling levels (TTL-compatible), and register mapping. This allows direct replacement in legacy designs without PCB layout changes, provided the +5V supply and decoupling meet CMOS drive requirements.

Does the CS82C59AZ96 support both edge-triggered and level-triggered interrupt inputs?

Yes, the CS82C59AZ96 supports both edge-triggered (default after reset) and level-triggered interrupt modes via the LTIM bit in ICW1. When LTIM = 1, internal edge-detect circuitry is disabled, allowing sustained high-level assertions on IR0–IR7 to maintain interrupt request until acknowledged-critical for slow or noisy peripheral interfaces.

How does cascading work with multiple CS82C59AZ96 devices?

Cascading up to 64 interrupt levels is achieved using the CAS0–CAS2 lines: one CS82C59AZ96 acts as master (SP/EN = 1), others as slaves (SP/EN = 0). The master asserts slave ID bits on CAS0–CAS2 during INTA; the matching slave responds with its programmed vector. No external logic is needed-only proper ICW3/ICW4 configuration distinguishes master vs. slave roles.

What package type and environmental compliance does the CS82C59AZ96 have?

The CS82C59AZ96 is supplied in a 28-lead Pb-free PLCC package (RoHS compliant), delivered in tape-and-reel format (96 units per reel). It uses 100% matte tin termination and is qualified for MSL3 reflow per IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020, making it suitable for modern automated SMT assembly without lead-free process compromises.