Diodes Incorporated PI74VCX16240AE

Overview

PI74VCX16240AE from Pericom Semiconductor is a 16-bit inverting buffer/driver with 3-state outputs, designed for memory address buffering, clock distribution, and bus-oriented transceivers in low-voltage systems. It operates from 1.8V to 3.6V, supports 3.6V-tolerant I/O, delivers ±24mA drive strength, features patented noise reduction circuitry, and is rated for industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C).

For engineers reviewing the PI74VCX16240AE datasheet, PI74VCX16240AE pinout, PI74VCX16240AE application, or PI74VCX16240AE equivalent, this device serves as a high-density, low-noise, voltage-flexible interface solution for 16-bit data/address buses in FPGA, ASIC, and microcontroller-based embedded systems requiring precise output control and power-off high-impedance behavior.

Technical Context

This device implements four independent 4-bit inverting buffer sections, each with dedicated active-low 3-state enable (nOE), enabling flexible partitioning as one 16-bit, two 8-bit, or four 4-bit buffers. All inputs and outputs are 3.6V tolerant regardless of VDD (1.8V–3.6V), supporting mixed-voltage interconnects without level shifters.

It incorporates patented noise reduction circuitry to suppress ground bounce (VOLP < 0.6V) and output undershoot (VOHV > –0.6V) at 2.5V operation, and guarantees power-off high-impedance on both inputs and outputs - critical for live insertion and hot-swap applications in backplane and modular systems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 48-pin TSSOP (240 mil wide, package code A), Pb-free and RoHS-compliant (suffix "E").

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74LVC16240ADGGR and 74ALVC16240PW, the PI74VCX16240AE uniquely combines guaranteed power-off high-Z, sub-0.6V ground bounce, and full –40°C to +85°C qualification - making it the only choice for robust, hot-pluggable, noise-critical industrial bus interfaces.

Availability

PI74VCX16240AE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for memory address buffering, high-speed clock distribution, hot-swappable backplane interfaces, and FPGA I/O expansion requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for PI74VCX16240AE 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) is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in high-performance interface, timing, and signal-integrity solutions for communications, computing, and industrial markets.

The PI74VCX family was engineered for low-voltage, high-density bus interface applications demanding noise resilience, voltage flexibility, and robust power sequencing - targeting FPGA, ASIC, and microcontroller-based embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the minimum recommended pull-up resistor value for OE pins during power-up?

The datasheet specifies that OE should be tied to VCC through a pull-up resistor to ensure high-impedance state at power-up. The minimum value depends on the current-sinking capability of the driver - typically ≥10kΩ for standard 3.3V operation, but must be verified against actual board-level leakage and VCC ramp rate to avoid false enable during brown-out conditions.

Does PI74VCX16240AE support true bidirectional data flow?

No - it is a unidirectional inverting buffer with fixed input-to-output signal direction. Each of the 16 channels flows from A-input to Y-output only. Bidirectional operation requires external control logic and separate transmit/receive path design; this device does not integrate bus transceiver functionality.

Can PI74VCX16240AE be operated at 1.65V VDD?

No - the absolute minimum specified VDD is 1.8V. Operation below 1.8V violates recommended operating conditions and may result in undefined logic thresholds, increased propagation delay variation, or failure to meet 3.6V I/O tolerance guarantees. Always maintain VDD ≥1.8V.

How is output skew measured, and what is its practical impact?

Skew is defined as the absolute difference in propagation delay between any two outputs switching in the same direction (tOSLH or tOSHL), measured under identical load and supply conditions. With ≤5.0ns max skew, it ensures synchronized edge arrival across all 16 bits - critical for meeting setup/hold timing in parallel memory or data bus interfaces running above 50MHz.