Texas Instruments SN55LBC174J
- Part No.:
- SN55LBC174J
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers
- Package:
- 16-CDIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
SN55LBC174J.pdf
- Description:
- IC TRANSCEIVER 4/0 16CDIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,641
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Product details
Overview
SN55LBC174J from Texas Instruments is a military-grade quadruple RS-485 differential line driver IC in 16-pin CDIP package, featuring 3-state outputs, ±60 mA output drive, −7 V to 12 V common-mode output range, and operation from −55°C to 125°C. It supports data rates exceeding 10 Mbps on long, noisy multipoint bus lines and pairs with SN55LBC173 receivers for robust industrial communication systems.
For engineers reviewing the SN55LBC174J datasheet, SN55LBC174J pinout, SN55LBC174J application, or SN55LBC174J equivalent, this device is selected for high-reliability RS-485 transceiver designs requiring thermal shutdown, current limiting, ultra-low standby current (1.5 mA), and EIA-485 compliance across extreme temperature ranges.
Technical Context
The SN55LBC174J implements four independent LinBiCMOS drivers with enable-controlled 3-state outputs, each supporting true differential signaling per EIA-485. Its architecture includes internal positive/negative current limiting and thermal shutdown circuitry to survive bus fault conditions including short-to-rail events.
Each driver delivers ≥1.1 V differential output voltage into 54 Ω load at 5 V supply, with propagation delay ≤40 ns and transition time ≤40 ns over full temperature range. The device operates with 4.75–5.25 V supply and maintains valid logic thresholds (VIH ≥2 V, VIL ≤0.8 V) while drawing only 7 mA active supply current.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Data Rate | Exceeds 10 Mbps - enables high-speed industrial fieldbus and real-time control loop communication |
| Differential Output Voltage | 1.1–1.8 V (min–typ, RL = 54 Ω) - meets EIA-485 minimum signal amplitude for noise margin |
| Common-Mode Range | −7 V to +12 V - supports operation under severe ground potential differences across long cables |
| Output Current | ±60 mA - drives standard 54 Ω RS-485 loads with margin for cable loss and termination variation |
| Supply Current (Disabled) | 1.5 mA max - minimizes system power during bus idle or sleep states |
| Operating Temperature | −55°C to +125°C - qualified for military, aerospace, and harsh-environment embedded systems |
| Propagation Delay | ≤40 ns (−55°C to 125°C) - ensures timing predictability in deterministic real-time networks |
Pinout & Package
SN55LBC174J is housed in a hermetically sealed 16-pin Ceramic Dual In-line Package (CDIP-J), rated for military temperature operation and suitable for high-reliability PCB assembly with through-hole mounting.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A | Driver input | Logic-level inputs controlling respective Y/Z differential outputs; TTL-compatible thresholds |
| 1Y/1Z, 2Y/2Z, 3Y/3Z, 4Y/4Z | Differential outputs | Complementary RS-485 bus terminals; support ±60 mA drive and −7 V to +12 V common-mode swing |
| 1,2EN, 3,4EN | Enable control | Active-high enables two-driver groups; places associated Y/Z outputs in high-impedance state when low |
| VCC | Power supply | 4.75–5.25 V nominal supply; powers all four drivers and internal protection circuitry |
| GND | Ground reference | Signal and power return path; critical for common-mode noise rejection in balanced transmission |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| RS-485 Compliance | Fully meets EIA-485 electrical specifications including differential voltage, common-mode range, and bus fault tolerance |
| Thermal Shutdown Protection | Automatically disables driver output on junction overtemperature - prevents latch-up and permanent damage during overload |
| Current Limiting | Positive and negative output current limiting (±250 mA short-circuit) protects against bus shorts and miswiring |
| 3-State Outputs | Independent group enable (1,2EN / 3,4EN) allows dynamic bus arbitration and multi-drop topology management |
| LinBiCMOS Process | Enables 1.5 mA quiescent current and high noise immunity while maintaining fast 40 ns switching performance |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Backplane | Railway Signaling Network |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Multipoint data exchange between CPU, I/O modules, and remote terminal units in modular PLC chassis. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Quadruple line driver transmitting synchronized command/status packets across backplane bus at >5 Mbps. Use Value: −55°C to 125°C rating ensures uninterrupted operation inside sealed enclosures exposed to ambient extremes; current limiting prevents cascade failure during module hot-swap. |
Use Scenario: Distributed train control messaging between onboard subsystems (braking, door control, PIS) over 500+ meter twisted-pair runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RS-485 bus driver enabling deterministic, EMI-resistant communication in high-vibration, high-noise rail environments. Use Value: −7 V to +12 V common-mode range accommodates large ground potential shifts between carriages; thermal shutdown survives sustained bus faults during coupling/uncoupling. |
| Military Vehicle Data Bus | Downhole Oilfield Telemetry |
Use Scenario: Inter-chassis communication in armored vehicle C4I systems where EMI hardening and shock survivability are mandatory. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability driver for MIL-STD-1553 auxiliary bus or custom RS-485 overlay network handling sensor fusion data. Use Value: Hermetic CDIP package resists moisture, dust, and chemical exposure; LinBiCMOS process provides inherent radiation tolerance for tactical deployment. |
Use Scenario: Real-time pressure/temperature telemetry from sensors located 3 km down oil/gas wellbores using single twisted-pair cable. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Long-line driver compensating for 100+ dB attenuation and induced noise in high-temperature (>125°C ambient) borehole environments. Use Value: 10 Mbps capability enables high-resolution waveform capture; wide common-mode range rejects common-mode interference from motor drives and downhole pumps. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RS-485 line driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SN75LBC174 | Commercial-grade version (0°C to 70°C); identical pinout, electrical specs, and LinBiCMOS architecture | Lacks military temperature qualification and hermetic CDIP packaging; not rated for −55°C or 125°C operation | Select SN75LBC174 only for cost-sensitive commercial systems operating within standard temperature limits. |
| THVD1550 | Modern 3.3 V/5 V dual-supply RS-485 driver; ±70 V bus fault protection; 500 kbps to 50 Mbps data rate | Includes integrated IEC 61000-4-2/4-4/4-5 ESD/transient protection; no thermal shutdown or current limiting at same level | Choose THVD1550 for new designs requiring enhanced surge immunity and lower voltage compatibility; SN55LBC174J remains preferred for legacy military/aerospace replacements. |
Compared with SN75LBC174 and THVD1550, the SN55LBC174J uniquely combines military temperature range, hermetic CDIP packaging, and analog-level current/thermal protection-making it irreplaceable in certified high-assurance platforms where qualification traceability and extreme environmental resilience are non-negotiable.
Availability
SN55LBC174J is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, defense avionics, and oilfield instrumentation requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles and obsolescence-sensitive programs.
Supply support for SN55LBC174J 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 global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and high-reliability components for industrial, automotive, and aerospace markets.
The SN55LBC174J belongs to TI's military-qualified LinBiCMOS RS-485 interface portfolio, engineered specifically for mission-critical communication in electrically hostile, thermally extreme, and long-lifecycle embedded systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum data rate supported by the SN55LBC174J?
The SN55LBC174J supports data rates up to and exceeding 10 million bits per second (10 Mbps) under recommended operating conditions. This performance is verified across the full −55°C to 125°C temperature range with RL = 54 Ω load and CL = 50 pF, making SN55LBC174J suitable for high-speed deterministic fieldbus applications such as PROFIBUS DP and custom industrial protocols.
Does the SN55LBC174J include built-in protection features?
Yes, the SN55LBC174J integrates positive- and negative-current limiting plus thermal shutdown protection on each driver channel. These features activate during bus fault conditions-including shorts to VCC, GND, or external voltages-to prevent device destruction and maintain system integrity without external circuitry. The SN55LBC174J also exhibits ±100 µA high-impedance-state leakage and ±250 mA short-circuit output current limit.
What package type is used for the SN55LBC174J?
The SN55LBC174J is supplied exclusively in the 16-pin Ceramic Dual In-line Package (CDIP-J), a hermetically sealed, through-hole mount package qualified for military temperature operation. This package provides superior moisture resistance, thermal stability, and long-term reliability compared to plastic alternatives-critical for aerospace, defense, and downhole applications where SN55LBC174J is commonly deployed.
Can the SN55LBC174J be used with 3.3 V logic interfaces?
No, the SN55LBC174J is designed for 5 V operation with recommended supply range 4.75–5.25 V and TTL-compatible input thresholds (VIH ≥2 V, VIL ≤0.8 V). While its inputs may accept 3.3 V logic HIGH signals, the device lacks 3.3 V supply support, and interfacing with 3.3 V controllers requires level-shifting circuitry to ensure reliable enable and data input operation across temperature extremes. SN55LBC174J does not support mixed-voltage operation.
How does the SN55LBC174J differ from the SN75LBC174?
The SN55LBC174J is the military-specification variant of the SN75LBC174, differing primarily in temperature rating (−55°C to 125°C vs. 0°C to 70°C), packaging (hermetic CDIP-J vs. plastic DIP), and qualification testing per MIL-PRF-38535. Electrically and functionally identical-including pinout, drive strength, and protection features-the SN55LBC174J is required for applications demanding full military-grade reliability and extended environmental validation beyond commercial-grade SN75LBC174.
SN55LBC174J Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-CDIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Driver
- Protocol:
- RS485
- Number of Drivers/Receivers:
- 4/0
- Duplex:
- -
- Receiver Hysteresis:
- -
- Data Rate:
- 10Mbps
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.75V ~ 5.25V
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 125°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-CDIP
SN55LBC174J FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SN55LBC174J through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SN55LBC174J on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for SN55LBC174J reliable?
The price and inventory of SN55LBC174J are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SN55LBC174J is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SN55LBC174J?
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4.How is shipping managed for SN55LBC174J?
SN55LBC174J orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SN55LBC174J 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 SN55LBC174J?
For technical support, including SN55LBC174J datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SN55LBC174J requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SN55LBC174J is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SN55LBC174J 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 SN55LBC174J meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SN55LBC174J?
All SN55LBC174J units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SN55LBC174J, 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 SN55LBC174J part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SN55LBC174J:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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