Texas Instruments SN74V273-6PZA

Overview

SN74V273-6PZA from Texas Instruments is a 16384 × 18 / 32768 × 9 high-speed asynchronous FIFO memory IC with independent 3.3-V CMOS read/write clocks, 6-ns cycle time, and user-selectable ×9/×18 bus sizing - deployed in network buffering, DSP interfacing, and video data stream alignment.

For engineers reviewing the SN74V273-6PZA datasheet, SN74V273-6PZA pinout, SN74V273-6PZA application, or SN74V273-6PZA equivalent, key selection criteria include FWFT vs. standard timing mode configuration, programmable almost-empty/full flag offsets, retransmit latency mode (zero- or normal-latency), big/little-endian byte ordering, and 5-V-tolerant input compatibility with legacy logic interfaces.

Technical Context

This FIFO implements dual-clock architecture with fully independent RCLK and WCLK domains (0–166 MHz), enabling simultaneous read/write without arbitration. It supports four bus-matching configurations (×9/×9, ×9/×18, ×18/×9, ×18/×18) via IW/OW pins during master reset.

Flag logic includes five dedicated outputs (EF/OR, FF/IR, HF, PAE, PAF), with PAE/PAF programmable via serial or parallel loading and configurable as synchronous or asynchronous using PFM. Retransmit operation resets the read pointer to address zero with zero-latency option enabled by RM pin state at master reset.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SN74V273-6PZA is housed in an 80-pin Thin Quad Flat Pack (TQFP) package with exposed thermal pad (PZA suffix). Pin functions are defined during master reset and remain stable across operational modes.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with IDT72V273, SN74V273-6PZA offers 5-V-tolerant inputs and FWFT timing for lower system-level latency; compared with SN74V293-6PZA, it provides identical functionality at reduced cost and power for applications not requiring >16K-word depth.

Availability

SN74V273-6PZA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for network infrastructure, DSP co-processing, and video streaming applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for SN74V273-6PZA 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 logic solutions with broad industrial and communications portfolio coverage.

The SN74V273 belongs to TI's high-speed FIFO memory product line, engineered specifically for glueless interfacing with TI C6x DSPs and demanding real-time data buffering in telecom, video, and networking equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the SN74V273-6PZA?

The SN74V273-6PZA supports up to 166 MHz on both read and write clocks, delivering a 6-ns read/write cycle time. This performance is guaranteed across commercial temperature range (0°C to 70°C) and 3.3-V ±0.3-V supply, making SN74V273-6PZA suitable for high-throughput streaming applications where deterministic timing is essential.

Does the SN74V273-6PZA support 5-V logic inputs?

Yes, the SN74V273-6PZA features 5-V-tolerant inputs - all control and data pins (except Q0–Q17 outputs) accept 0–5.5-V signals while operating from a 3.3-V supply. This eliminates need for external level shifters when interfacing with legacy 5-V microcontrollers or FPGAs, preserving signal integrity and reducing BOM count in mixed-voltage systems containing SN74V273-6PZA.

How does the First-Word Fall-Through (FWFT) mode work in the SN74V273-6PZA?

In FWFT mode, enabled by asserting FWFT/SI high during master reset, the first word written to an empty SN74V273-6PZA appears on Q0–Q17 outputs after exactly three RCLK rising edges - without requiring REN assertion. Subsequent words still require REN activation. This reduces initial pipeline latency and simplifies handshake logic in real-time systems relying on SN74V273-6PZA for data staging.

Can the SN74V273-6PZA be used to expand buffer depth beyond its native capacity?

Yes, SN74V273-6PZA supports depth expansion via FWFT-mode chaining: connect Q0–Q17 outputs of one device to D0–D17 inputs of the next. No external logic is required because FWFT ensures seamless handoff - the second FIFO begins accepting data as soon as the first asserts IR (input ready). This technique scales total buffering to multiples of 16384 × 18 using identical SN74V273-6PZA devices.

What is the function of the RM pin on the SN74V273-6PZA?

The RM (Retransmit Latency Mode) pin selects zero-latency or normal-latency retransmit behavior during master reset. When RM is low at MRS assertion, SN74V273-6PZA enables zero-latency retransmit: the first retransmitted word appears on Q0–Q17 outputs on the same RCLK edge that samples RT low. This capability is critical for protocols requiring immediate data replay without added clock-cycle overhead in SN74V273-6PZA-based designs.