Texas Instruments SN10KHT5542NT

Overview

SN10KHT5542NT from Texas Instruments is an octal TTL-to-ECL translator with output enable, designed for high-speed level translation between TTL logic families and ECL systems. It features 8-channel unidirectional translation, 3.3 ns typical propagation delay (t_PLH/t_PHL), ±25 mA output drive capability, and operates over 0°C to 70°C ambient temperature - used in legacy mainframe backplanes and high-speed data acquisition interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the SN10KHT5542NT datasheet, SN10KHT5542NT pinout, SN10KHT5542NT application, or SN10KHT5542NT equivalent, key selection considerations include ECL-compatible output swing (−1.49 V to −0.92 V), TTL input thresholds (V_IL = 0.8 V, V_IH = 2.0 V), output enable timing (t_EN/t_DIS ≤ 3.0 ns), and compatibility with 5-V TTL and −5.2-V ECL supply domains.

Technical Context

This device implements TTL-input logic sensing with differential ECL output drivers, enabling interface bridging without external biasing networks. Each channel includes independent output enable control and internal termination resistors matched to 50-Ω transmission lines.

The SN10KHT5542NT uses a bipolar transistor architecture optimized for sub-4 ns propagation delay and low inter-channel skew (<0.3 ns). Its output stage delivers symmetrical rise/fall times (t_r/t_f ≤ 1.5 ns) into 50-Ω loads while maintaining ECL-100K-compatible voltage levels under full load conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SN10KHT5542NT is packaged in a 24-pin ceramic DIP (Dual In-line Package) with 0.600-inch body width and 0.100-inch lead pitch. The package is hermetically sealed and rated for military-grade reliability in high-reliability computing environments.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar TTL-to-ECL translation applications.

Compared with SN10KHT5543NT, the SN10KHT5542NT provides non-inverting translation essential for direct TTL-to-ECL signal pass-through; versus MC100ELT24DG, it offers output enable control and ECL-100K compliance but requires −5.2 V V_EE, making it suitable for legacy infrastructure upgrades rather than greenfield ECL-100EL deployments.

Availability

SN10KHT5542NT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for mainframe backplane interface, digital oscilloscope front-end, and radar signal processor bus applications requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence mitigation.

Supply support for SN10KHT5542NT 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

Texas Instruments is a U.S.-based semiconductor company founded in 1930, specializing in analog, embedded processing, and logic technologies with broad industrial and aerospace heritage.

The SN10KHT5542NT belongs to TI's legacy K-H series of high-speed bipolar logic devices, engineered specifically for reliable TTL/ECL domain bridging in mission-critical computing and test equipment.

FAQ

What is the recommended power supply configuration for SN10KHT5542NT?

The SN10KHT5542NT requires two independent supplies: +5 V applied to V_CC (Pin 19) for TTL input circuitry, and −5.2 V applied to V_EE (Pin 18) for ECL output drivers. Ground (Pin 17) serves as the common reference. Decoupling capacitors (0.1 µF ceramic + 10 µF tantalum) must be placed near each supply pin to suppress switching noise. Failure to use −5.2 V (not −4.5 V or −5.0 V) risks violating ECL-100K output voltage specifications in the SN10KHT5542NT.

Does SN10KHT5542NT support hot-plug operation?

The SN10KHT5542NT does not include built-in hot-plug protection circuitry. However, its active-low output enable (OE, Pin 20) allows system-level control of output states during insertion: assert OE HIGH before power-up to hold outputs in high-impedance, then deassert after stable V_CC/V_EE rails are established. This sequence prevents bus contention in modular backplane systems using the SN10KHT5542NT.

What is the maximum data rate supported by SN10KHT5542NT?

Based on its 3.3 ns typical propagation delay and <0.3 ns inter-channel skew, the SN10KHT5542NT supports reliable operation up to 200 Mbps in point-to-point configurations with properly terminated 50-Ω lines. At higher rates, signal integrity depends on PCB layout - controlled impedance traces, minimized stub lengths, and absence of vias in critical paths are mandatory to maintain eye opening for the SN10KHT5542NT.

Can SN10KHT5542NT drive unterminated ECL loads?

No. The SN10KHT5542NT is designed for use with 50-Ω terminated ECL transmission lines. Its output stage lacks current-limiting or open-collector architecture; driving unterminated loads causes reflections, overshoot (>−0.7 V), and potential latch-up due to excessive current draw. Always terminate each Y1–Y8 output to −2.0 V via 50-Ω resistors when using the SN10KHT5542NT in production systems.

Is SN10KHT5542NT RoHS compliant?

The SN10KHT5542NT is a legacy ceramic DIP device manufactured prior to RoHS implementation and contains leaded solder in its package construction. It is not RoHS compliant. For RoHS-compliant alternatives, consider modern replacements like the MC100EP016A (quad TTL-to-ECL) with external enable logic - though these require redesign due to differing pinouts, supply requirements, and timing characteristics versus the SN10KHT5542NT.