Diodes Incorporated PI74ALVTC16241A

Overview

PI74ALVTC16241A from Pericom Semiconductor is a 16-bit 3-state buffer/driver IC designed for memory address, clock, and bus interface applications in low-voltage systems. It operates from 1.8V to 3.6V, delivers ±64mA output drive at 3.3V, supports I/O tolerance up to 3.6V, includes Bus Hold functionality, and features dual active-low/active-high output-enable inputs (nOE/nOE) for flexible control in high-density PCB layouts.

For engineers reviewing the PI74ALVTC16241A datasheet, PI74ALVTC16241A pinout, PI74ALVTC16241A application, or PI74ALVTC16241A equivalent, key selection criteria include 3-state bus driving capability, mixed-voltage I/O tolerance, Bus Hold input retention, industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), and compatibility with TSSOP-48 packaging for space-constrained designs.

Technical Context

This device implements a dual-rail logic architecture enabling operation across 1.8V–3.6V VDD while maintaining 3.6V-tolerant I/Os-critical for interfacing between legacy 3.3V subsystems and newer low-voltage cores. Its patented noise reduction circuitry suppresses simultaneous switching noise during high-speed transitions.

The PI74ALVTC16241A integrates complementary OE inputs (nOE active-low, nOE active-high) to simplify system-level enable logic, and its power-off high-impedance behavior ensures safe bus isolation during hot-swap or power sequencing events without external pull-up resistors on OE lines.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PI74ALVTC16241A is packaged in a 48-pin plastic TSSOP (240 mil wide), pin-compatible with industry-standard 48-TSSOP footprints and optimized for automated SMT assembly.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 16-bit 3-state buffer applications.

Compared with SN74ALVTH16241DGGR and 74LVC16244APAG, the PI74ALVTC16241A uniquely combines 3.6V I/O tolerance, integrated Bus Hold, and ±64mA drive in a single 1.8V–3.6V supply device-making it optimal for industrial bus interface and mixed-voltage FPGA expansion where reliability and layout simplicity are critical.

Availability

PI74ALVTC16241A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for memory address buffering, high-speed clock distribution, and industrial backplane interface applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.

Supply support for PI74ALVTC16241A 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

Pericom Semiconductor was a fabless provider of high-performance interface, timing, and signal integrity solutions, acquired by Diodes Incorporated in 2016; its logic portfolio remains widely deployed in industrial and communications infrastructure.

The PI74ALVTC series targets low-voltage, high-density bus interface applications-specifically addressing the need for robust 3-state drivers that operate reliably across mixed 1.8V/3.3V system architectures without external biasing or level-shifting components.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the dual OE inputs (nOE and nOE) on PI74ALVTC16241A?

The nOE (active-low) and nOE (active-high) inputs provide complementary enable logic, allowing direct connection to either polarity of system control signals-such as processor GPIOs, CPLD outputs, or dedicated bus controllers-without external inverters. This simplifies board layout and improves timing predictability in multi-chip enable schemes.

Does PI74ALVTC16241A require external pull-up resistors on the OE pins?

No-external pull-ups are not required for functional operation, but tying nOE to VDD through a pull-up resistor (value determined by driver sink capability) ensures defined high-impedance state during power-up/power-down transients. The device's internal power-on reset circuitry does not guarantee OE state before VDD stabilization.

How does Bus Hold functionality work, and what load does it drive?

Bus Hold retains the last valid logic state on any input when the source goes high-impedance, using ±5.7µA feedback current to maintain voltage levels. It actively holds inputs against leakage and noise up to ±10µA, eliminating need for external 10kΩ pull-up/down resistors in most industrial environments with moderate EMI exposure.

Can PI74ALVTC16241A be used in a 1.8V-only system with 1.8V peripherals?

Yes-the device operates fully within 1.8V–3.6V VDD range and maintains specified DC/AC performance down to 1.8V, including 1.2ns propagation delay and ±6mA output drive. All 3.6V-tolerant I/Os remain compatible with 1.8V signaling, making it ideal for pure 1.8V FPGA or ASIC I/O expansion without level translation.