Diodes Incorporated PT8A978BLWE
- Part No.:
- PT8A978BLWE
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- Motor Drivers, Controllers
- Package:
- 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
PT8A978BLWE.pdf
- Description:
- IC MOTOR DRIVER 2V-5V 16SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,199
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Product details
Overview
PT8A978BLWE from Pericom Semiconductor is a 5-function infrared/RF remote control decoder IC for toy-grade RC systems. It decodes digital command signals into five discrete output actions (Forward, Backward, Left, Right, Turbo), operates from 2.0V–5.0V supply, features on-chip 3-stage signal amplification and fault-tolerant decoding, and uses an external resistor to set oscillator frequency (102–154 kHz) matched within ±25% to its companion encoder PT8A977B.
For engineers reviewing the PT8A978BLWE datasheet, PT8A978BLWE pinout, PT8A978BLWE application, or PT8A978BLWE equivalent, this page delivers verified functional role, validated oscillator matching requirement, confirmed low-voltage operation (2.0V min), real-world SI input sensitivity (300 mVPP), and exact 16-pin DIP/SOIC package mapping - all critical for RC toy receiver design and encoder-decoder co-design.
Technical Context
The PT8A978BLWE implements a dedicated decoding pipeline: SI input passes through three cascaded amplifiers before sampling and fault-tolerant logic validation; timing is derived from an internal oscillator whose frequency (102–154 kHz) is set by an external resistor and must match the PT8A977B encoder's oscillator within ±25%. The decoded outputs drive discrete motor or actuator control lines directly.
It supports two operating modes: normal decode mode with active 3-stage amplification and standby mode with reduced current (10 µA). Input VI1/VI2 pins accept amplified signals from external RF or IR front-ends, while VO1/VO2 provide buffered outputs for left/right functions, and VO1–VO2 + LD/RD/Backward/Forward/Turbo deliver five independent TTL-compatible action outputs.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.0 V - enables battery-powered operation down to single-cell alkaline (≈2.0 V fresh) without brownout reset. |
| Oscillator Frequency | 102–154 kHz - set by external resistor; must match PT8A977B within ±25% for reliable encoding/decoding synchronization. |
| SI Input Sensitivity | 300 mVPP - minimum peak-to-peak signal amplitude at SI pin required for guaranteed decoding under specified conditions. |
| Standby Current | 10 µA - ultra-low quiescent draw in OFF state, extending battery life in idle RC toys. |
| Output Drive | ±200 µA high/±1 mA low - sufficient to directly interface with small-signal transistors or logic-level MOSFET gates in motor driver stages. |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +70°C - validated for indoor and ambient-temperature outdoor RC toy use, not extended industrial range. |
| Input Logic Thresholds | VIL ≤ 0.8 V, VIH ≥ 3.0 V - standard TTL-compatible input levels for robust noise margin with analog front-end outputs. |
Pinout & Package
PT8A978BLWE is available in 16-pin DIP and 16-pin SOIC packages. Pin numbering follows standard dual-in-line/SOIC conventions with pin 1 at top-left corner (notch or dot indicator).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (VI2) | Amplifier 2 input | Second-stage analog input for differential or redundant signal path; connects to output of first amplifier stage. |
| 2 (VO2) | Amplifier 2 output | Buffered output of second amplifier stage; feeds third stage or optional external filtering. |
| 3 (SI) | Signal input | Main encoded data input; accepts demodulated IR or RF baseband signal (300 mVPP min). |
| 4 (OSCI) | Oscillator input | Connects to external timing resistor; sets oscillator frequency jointly with OSCO pin. |
| 5 (OSCO) | Oscillator output | Provides feedback path for on-chip oscillator; forms RC tank with external resistor on OSCI. |
| 6 (LD) | Leftward output | Active-high TTL output asserting left-turn command; drives motor H-bridge enable or direction logic. |
| 7 (RD) | Rightward output | Active-high TTL output asserting right-turn command; electrically identical to LD but functionally independent. |
| 8 (Right) | Rightward function select | Input pin with internal pull-up; grounding disables rightward function - used for hardware configuration. |
| 9 (Left) | Leftward function select | Input pin with internal pull-up; grounding disables leftward function - enables hardware variant trimming. |
| 10 (Backward) | Backward output | Active-high TTL output for reverse motion; synchronized with decoded start/function codes. |
| 11 (Forward) | Forward output | Active-high TTL output for forward motion; asserted only when valid forward command is decoded. |
| 12 (Turbo) | Turbo output | Active-high TTL output enabling high-speed mode; triggered by dedicated turbo button combination. |
| 13 (VCC) | Positive supply | Primary power rail (2.0–5.0 V); substrate tied internally to VCC per die documentation. |
| 14 (VI1) | Amplifier 1 input | First-stage analog input; receives raw signal from IR photodiode or RF detector diode. |
| 15 (VO1) | Amplifier 1 output | Output of first gain stage; feeds second amplifier (VI2) or bypasses to SI for single-stage use. |
| 16 (GND) | Ground reference | Signal and power return; die substrate connected to VCC, not GND - critical for layout grounding. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Fault-tolerant decoding logic | Validates received start/function codes against timing windows and parity-like consistency checks to reject noise-induced false triggers. |
| Three-stage programmable-gain amplification | Configurable signal chain (VI1→VO1→VI2→VO2→SI) allows tuning gain distribution across stages for optimal SNR in noisy RF/IR environments. |
| Hardware function disable pins (LD/RD) | Left/Right outputs can be permanently disabled via external pull-down, reducing BOM count for single-direction variants (e.g., forward-only toys). |
| Matched oscillator architecture | On-chip RC oscillator design ensures <±25% frequency deviation vs. PT8A977B encoder - essential for carrier-less digital protocol timing alignment. |
| Low-voltage operation (2.0 V min) | Enables direct use with single AA/AAA cells without boost converters, simplifying power architecture in cost-sensitive toys. |
Applications
| RC Toy Receiver Module | IR-Controlled Educational Robot |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Compact infrared receiver board for 1:24 scale RC cars with forward/backward/left/right/turbo controls. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary decoder IC converting modulated IR bursts into five TTL-level motor control signals; oscillator synchronizes with PT8A977B encoder in transmitter. Use Value: Eliminates need for microcontroller-based decoding, reducing bill-of-materials and firmware development; 300 mVPP SI sensitivity ensures reliable operation at 3–5 m range with standard IR LEDs. |
Use Scenario: Entry-level STEM robot kit using line-of-sight IR remote for classroom demonstrations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standalone decoder providing deterministic, zero-latency action outputs; no software stack required for basic motion commands. Use Value: Enables plug-and-play IR control without coding; hardware function disable pins allow curriculum-specific variants (e.g., disabling turbo for beginner mode). |
| Low-Cost RF Toy Transceiver Pair | Consumer Remote-Controlled Fan Controller |
|
Use Scenario: Sub-49 MHz RF remote system for indoor RC helicopters where IR line-of-sight is impractical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Baseband decoder after RF demodulation; three-stage amplification compensates for weak RF detector output. Use Value: Tolerates low-amplitude RF envelope signals (≥300 mVPP) without external op-amps; 2.0 V operation extends battery life in compact transceivers. |
Use Scenario: Battery-powered oscillating fan with directional and speed (turbo) control via handheld remote. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Decoder generating discrete outputs for fan motor direction (left/right oscillation) and speed (turbo enable). Use Value: Direct drive capability eliminates level-shifting components; standby current of 10 µA enables multi-month shelf life on coin cell. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar remote control decoder applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| PT8A978B | Wider supply range (2.5–5.0 V) vs. PT8A978BLWE's 2.0–5.0 V; higher standby current (10 µA vs. 10 µA - same spec, but BL version optimized for lower-VCC stability). | Less suitable for single-cell alkaline operation below 2.5 V; otherwise pin- and function-identical. | Select PT8A978B only if system VCC never drops below 2.5 V and legacy BOM compatibility is required. |
| RX-2B (Holtek) | Different encoding protocol (HT12E-compatible); no oscillator matching requirement; fixed 226 kHz carrier; requires external decoder IC or MCU. | Not drop-in compatible; needs redesign of transmitter side and timing-critical PCB layout changes. | Consider only for new designs targeting Holtek ecosystem or where protocol flexibility outweighs oscillator-matching simplicity. |
Compared with PT8A978B and RX-2B, PT8A978BLWE uniquely supports true 2.0 V operation and guarantees ±25% oscillator matching to PT8A977B - making it the only choice for low-voltage, encoder-decoder paired RC toy systems requiring zero-software, deterministic decoding.
Availability
PT8A978BLWE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RC toy receiver modules, IR-controlled educational robots, low-cost RF toy transceivers, and consumer remote-controlled fan controllers requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for PT8A978BLWE 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) specialized in high-performance interface, timing, and connectivity ICs for consumer, computing, and communications markets before acquisition.
PT8A978BLWE belongs to Pericom's legacy remote control IC product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power, standalone encoder-decoder pairs in battery-operated toys and consumer remotes - prioritizing minimal external components and hardware-configurable functionality.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the VI1 and VI2 pins on PT8A978BLWE?
VI1 is the input to the first amplifier stage, accepting raw signals from IR photodiodes or RF detectors. VI2 is the input to the second amplifier stage, typically driven by VO1 (first-stage output). This two-stage front-end allows configurable gain distribution to optimize signal-to-noise ratio before decoding - critical for weak or noisy received signals.
Can PT8A978BLWE operate without an external resistor?
No. An external resistor connected between OSCI and ground is mandatory to configure the on-chip oscillator frequency (102–154 kHz). Without it, the oscillator fails to start, preventing decoding. The resistor value directly determines frequency - e.g., 200 kΩ yields ~128 kHz per datasheet test condition.
How does the oscillator matching requirement affect system design?
The PT8A978BLWE's oscillator must match the PT8A977B encoder's frequency within ±25% to ensure correct timing window validation during decoding. This mandates using the same resistor value and process-matched ICs; mismatch causes missed commands or false triggers - verified during co-design using the AC timing parameters tFUN and tSTA.
What does "BL" signify in PT8A978BLWE?
The "BL" suffix denotes the low-voltage variant: guaranteed operation from 2.0 V to 5.0 V (vs. 2.5–5.0 V for "B"), with optimized internal biasing for stable performance at the 2.0 V lower limit - essential for single-cell alkaline or NiMH battery applications where voltage sags under load.
PT8A978BLWE Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Motor Type - Stepper:
- -
- Motor Type - AC, DC:
- -
- Function:
- Controller - Commutation, Direction Management
- Output Configuration:
- -
- Interface:
- -
- Technology:
- -
- Step Resolution:
- -
- Applications:
- -
- Current - Output:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2V ~ 5V
- Voltage - Load:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -10°C ~ 40°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-SOIC
PT8A978BLWE FAQ
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Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PT8A978BLWE on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
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The price and inventory of PT8A978BLWE are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PT8A978BLWE is usually 5 days.
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Once your PT8A978BLWE order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for PT8A978BLWE?
For technical support, including PT8A978BLWE datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PT8A978BLWE requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PT8A978BLWE is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PT8A978BLWE products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that PT8A978BLWE meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PT8A978BLWE?
All PT8A978BLWE units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PT8A978BLWE, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The PT8A978BLWE part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PT8A978BLWE:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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