Diodes Incorporated PI74ALVTC16244A

Overview

PI74ALVTC16244A from Pericom Semiconductor is a 16-bit 3-state buffer/driver IC designed for memory address, clock, and bus interface applications. It operates across 1.8V–3.6V supply, delivers ±64mA drive strength at 3.3V, supports I/O tolerance up to 3.6V, includes Bus Hold functionality, and is rated for industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C).

For engineers reviewing the PI74ALVTC16244A datasheet, PI74ALVTC16244A pinout, PI74ALVTC16244A application, or PI74ALVTC16244A equivalent, key selection criteria include 3-state output enable timing, VDD-dependent DC drive capability, I/O voltage tolerance in mixed-supply systems, and Bus Hold behavior for floating-input mitigation.

Technical Context

This device implements four independent 4-bit non-inverting buffers with active-low 3-state outputs, each controlled by dedicated OE inputs (1OE–4OE). Its patented noise reduction circuitry minimizes switching noise during high-speed transitions, critical for clean signal integrity in dense PCB layouts.

The PI74ALVTC16244A features power-off high-impedance inputs/outputs and supports live insertion-enabling hot-swap capability without damaging connected circuitry. Its Bus Hold circuit retains the last valid logic state on un-driven inputs, eliminating external pull resistors in point-to-point or stubbed bus topologies.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PI74ALVTC16244A is available in two RoHS-compliant surface-mount packages: 48-pin TVSOP (173 mil width, suffix K) and 48-pin TSSOP (240 mil width, suffix A). Both packages support standard reflow profiles and automated assembly.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74ALVTH16244DGGR and 74LVC16244APAG, PI74ALVTC16244A uniquely combines 3.6V I/O tolerance, integrated Bus Hold, and ±64mA drive-making it the only option qualified for mixed-supply hot-swap interfaces without external components.

Availability

PI74ALVTC16244A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for memory subsystem buffering, clock distribution networks, and hot-swappable module interfaces requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature and mixed-voltage operating conditions.

Supply support for PI74ALVTC16244A 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 (now part of Diodes Incorporated) specializes in high-performance interface, timing, and signal-integrity solutions for communications, computing, and industrial markets.

The PI74ALVTC family targets low-voltage, high-density bus interface applications-designed specifically to replace older ALVT and LVT families with enhanced noise immunity, mixed-voltage interoperability, and reduced external component count.

FAQ

What is the minimum recommended pullup resistor value for OE pins?

The OE pins must be pulled to VDD through a resistor to ensure high-impedance state during power-up. Minimum resistance is determined by the driver's current-sinking capability: for VDD = 3.3V, OE sink current is 100μA max, so R ≤ 3.3V / 100μA = 33kΩ. A 10kΩ resistor is commonly used for margin and noise immunity.

Does PI74ALVTC16244A support 1.8V-only operation with 3.3V-tolerant inputs?

Yes. When VDD = 1.8V, the device accepts input voltages up to 3.6V on all I/O pins-verified per Absolute Maximum Ratings and DC Characteristics tables. This allows direct connection to 3.3V sources without level shifters, provided VOH/VOL specs at 1.8V are met for downstream receivers.

How does Bus Hold behave when an input is driven to mid-rail (e.g., 1.5V at VDD = 1.8V)?

Bus Hold activates only when the input is near VIL or VIH thresholds-not at mid-rail. At VDD = 1.8V, VIH = 0.65×VDD ≈ 1.17V and VIL = 0.35×VDD ≈ 0.63V. A 1.5V input exceeds VIH, so the input registers as HIGH and Bus Hold does not engage; the pin follows the driven signal.

Can PI74ALVTC16244A be used as a level translator between 1.8V and 3.3V logic without external components?

It functions as a unidirectional level shifter from higher to lower voltage (e.g., 3.3V input → 1.8V output), but not bidirectionally. Outputs swing from 0V to VDD, so 1.8V outputs cannot drive 3.3V inputs to VIH. For true bidirectional translation, external MOSFET-based circuits or dedicated translators are required.