Texas Instruments SN74V273-15PZA

Overview

SN74V273-15PZA from Texas Instruments is a 16384 × 18 / 32768 × 9, 3.3-V CMOS first-in, first-out (FIFO) memory with independent read/write clocks, user-selectable ×9/×18 bus sizing, and FWFT/standard timing modes. It delivers 6-ns read/write cycle time at 166 MHz and supports zero-latency retransmit for real-time data replay in telecom and video buffering applications.

For engineers reviewing the SN74V273-15PZA datasheet, SN74V273-15PZA pinout, SN74V273-15PZA application, or SN74V273-15PZA equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual-width port configuration, programmable almost-empty/almost-full flags with eight default offsets, big/little-endian byte ordering, and 80-pin TQFP (PZA) package compatibility with TI C6x DSP interfaces.

Technical Context

This FIFO implements asynchronous dual-clock architecture with fully independent RCLK and WCLK domains operating up to 166 MHz, enabling simultaneous read/write without clock domain synchronization logic. Its RAM array is sized at 16384 × 18 bits (or 32768 × 9 bits), with fixed low first-word latency and zero-latency retransmit capability when RM is low during master reset.

Bus-matching is controlled via IW and OW pins during MRS, selecting among four configurations: ×18/×18, ×18/×9, ×9/×18, or ×9/×9. Flag behavior is mode-dependent: EF/OR and FF/IR swap functions between standard and FWFT timing, while HF, PAE, and PAF remain active in both modes with synchronous or asynchronous timing selectable via PFM.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SN74V273-15PZA is housed in an 80-pin Thin Quad Flat Pack (TQFP) package designated PZA, with 0.5-mm pitch and exposed thermal pad. Pin assignments are validated per TI SCAS669D datasheet Figure 1 and Table 1.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar FIFO memory applications.

Compared with IDT72V2105L15PF and NB3N502MNR2G, SN74V273-15PZA provides superior throughput (166 MHz vs ≤133 MHz), deeper buffering (16K×18), and unique FWFT/zero-latency retransmit capabilities essential for DSP and telecom timing-critical use cases.

Availability

SN74V273-15PZA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telecom line card buffering, video frame synchronization, and DSP-based radar signal processing requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial lifecycle support.

Supply support for SN74V273-15PZA 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 digital signal technologies, with decades of experience in high-speed interface solutions.

The SN74V273-15PZA belongs to TI's high-speed FIFO memory product line, engineered specifically for jitter-tolerant data buffering in network infrastructure, video processing, and DSP-centric systems demanding deterministic latency and flexible bus matching.

FAQ

What memory organization does SN74V273-15PZA support?

SN74V273-15PZA supports two memory organizations: 16384 × 18 bits or 32768 × 9 bits. The selected configuration is determined by the states of the IW (input width) and OW (output width) pins during master reset, enabling flexible adaptation to system-level bus width mismatches without hardware changes.

Does SN74V273-15PZA support 5-V logic interfaces?

Yes, SN74V273-15PZA features 5-V-tolerant control inputs including WEN, REN, MRS, PRS, RT, and all configuration pins (IW, OW, BE, etc.). This allows direct connection to 5-V microcontrollers or FPGAs without external level-shifting circuitry, reducing design complexity and board area.

How does the first-word fall-through (FWFT) mode operate in SN74V273-15PZA?

In FWFT mode, the first word written to an empty SN74V273-15PZA appears on Q0–Q17 after exactly three rising edges of RCLK - even if REN remains high. Subsequent words require REN assertion. This mode is selected by holding FWFT/SI high during master reset and eliminates startup latency in burst-oriented systems.

Can SN74V273-15PZA be used with TI C6x DSPs without glue logic?

Yes, SN74V273-15PZA is explicitly designed for glueless interface with TI C6x DSPs via their External Memory Interface (EMIF). Its timing parameters, 5-V-tolerant inputs, and FWFT mode align with C6x EMIF requirements, enabling direct connection to address/data/control buses without additional logic components.

What is the function of the RM pin in SN74V273-15PZA?

The RM (retransmit latency mode) pin in SN74V273-15PZA selects zero-latency or normal-latency retransmit behavior during master reset. When RM is low at MRS, the first retransmitted word appears on Qn synchronized to the same RCLK edge that samples RT low - enabling deterministic replay for protocol recovery and test scenarios.

How are programmable almost-empty (PAE) and almost-full (PAF) flags configured in SN74V273-15PZA?

PAE and PAF thresholds in SN74V273-15PZA are set either by default offset values selected via FSEL0/FSEL1/LD during master reset (eight options), or loaded dynamically via serial (using SEN + FWFT/SI) or parallel (using WEN + Dn) methods. Both flags support synchronous or asynchronous timing modes selected by the PFM pin.