STMicroelectronics ST26C31BTR
- Part No.:
- ST26C31BTR
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers
- Package:
- 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
ST26C31BTR.pdf
- Description:
- IC TRANSCEIVER 4/0 16TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:15,262
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Product details
Overview
ST26C31BTR from STMicroelectronics is a quad 3-state differential line driver IC compliant with EIA RS-422, operating from a single 5 V supply with TTL-compatible inputs, 6 ns typical propagation delay, 0.5 ns typical output skew, and low quiescent current (200–500 µA). It drives balanced transmission lines in industrial serial communication systems.
For engineers reviewing the ST26C31BTR datasheet, ST26C31BTR pinout, ST26C31BTR application, or ST26C31BTR equivalent, key selection criteria include RS-422 compliance, 3-state bus interface capability, power-off high-impedance behavior (VCC = 0 V), and TSSOP-16 thermal and layout constraints.
Technical Context
The ST26C31BTR implements four independent differential drivers sharing common enable logic and electrostatic discharge protection diodes to VCC and GND. Each channel accepts TTL/CMOS-level inputs and delivers RS-422-compliant differential outputs with 2–3.1 V differential voltage (VT) across 100 Ω loads.
Its 3-state control enables multi-drop bus architectures: ENABLE pins (pins 4 and 12) independently gate channels A/B and C/D, while output disable times (tPHZ/tPLZ) range from 5–11 ns. Power-off leakage remains ≤100 µA when VCC = 0 V and VOUT = ±0.25 V.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply voltage | 4.5–5.5 V - ensures compatibility with standard 5 V logic rails and noise margin tolerance |
| Differential output voltage (VT) | 2–3.1 V - meets RS-422 minimum swing for reliable long-distance (>100 m) data transmission |
| Propagation delay | 2–11 ns (typ. 6 ns) - supports data rates up to ~100 Mbps in point-to-point links |
| Output skew | 0.5–2 ns (typ. 0.5 ns) - minimizes inter-channel timing mismatch critical for parallel bus integrity |
| Quiescent supply current | 200–500 µA - enables low-power operation in always-on industrial controllers |
| 3-state enable/disable time | tPZH/tPZL: 11–21 ns; tPHZ/tPLZ: 5–11 ns - allows fast bus arbitration without signal contention |
| Power-off output leakage | ±100 µA at VCC = 0 V - prevents unintended loading of powered-down buses during hot-swap or partial system reset |
Pinout & Package
ST26C31BTR is housed in a 16-pin TSSOP package (4.9 × 6.4 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch), optimized for high-density PCB layouts and reflow soldering. Pin numbering follows standard JEDEC TSSOP orientation with pin 1 marked by a dot or beveled corner.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 7, 9, 15 | AIN, BIN, CIN, DIN | TTL/CMOS-compatible digital inputs driving respective differential channels |
| 2–3, 5–6, 10–11, 13–14 | AOUT±, BOUT±, COUT±, DOUT± | Differential output pairs - each pair provides complementary RS-422 signals (Y/Z) |
| 4, 12 | EN | Active-high 3-state enable per channel pair (A/B and C/D); tied together or controlled separately |
| 8 | GND | Analog/digital ground reference for all drivers and input logic |
| 16 | VCC | Single 5 V supply powering internal CMOS logic and output stages |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| TTL input compatibility | Accepts 0.8 V VIL / 2 V VIH thresholds - eliminates need for level-shifting circuitry in mixed-voltage systems |
| RS-422 compliance | Meets EIA-422 electrical requirements including differential output voltage ≥2 V and common-mode range 1.8–3 V |
| Zero-VCC output isolation | Outputs enter high-Z state with ≤100 µA leakage when VCC = 0 V - enables safe hot-plug and partial power-down |
| ESD protection | Integrated diodes to VCC and GND on all I/O pins - withstands ±2 kV HBM without external components |
| Low dynamic power | 50 pF power dissipation capacitance (CPD) - limits switching current to <1 mA at 10 MHz clock rate |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Backplane | Point-of-Sale Terminal Serial Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-noise factory floor with multiple distributed I/O modules connected via twisted-pair backplane cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Differential driver for RS-422 UART links between CPU and remote I/O cards, providing noise-immune data transmission over 30+ meter runs. Use Value: 3.1 V differential swing and 0.5 ns skew ensure bit-error-free operation at 1 Mbps under 2 kV/m EMI exposure. | Use Scenario: Compact retail terminal with embedded printer, barcode scanner, and cash drawer sharing a single RS-422 bus. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Quad driver enabling simultaneous full-duplex communication with up to four peripherals using shared 5 V rail and space-constrained TSSOP layout. Use Value: TSSOP-16 footprint and 200 µA quiescent current reduce board area and standby power by 40% vs. SOIC-16 alternatives. |
| Medical Diagnostic Equipment | Building Automation Controller |
Use Scenario: Modular imaging system where sensor heads transmit raw data to central processor over shielded cables. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Line driver for high-fidelity analog-to-digital data streams from ADCs, synchronized via isolated clock distribution. Use Value: 6 ns propagation delay and matched channel timing preserve sub-microsecond timestamp accuracy across four sensor channels. | Use Scenario: HVAC controller interfacing with temperature sensors, actuators, and display panels across 100+ meter building wiring. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust physical layer driver for proprietary RS-422-based control bus, supporting multi-drop topology with automatic node addressing. Use Value: Independent EN pins allow selective channel shutdown during maintenance, reducing bus contention and diagnostic false positives. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar differential line driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SN65LBC179DR | Lower drive strength (±60 mA vs. ±150 mA), no power-off high-Z behavior | Optimized for lower-cost, lower-speed (<10 Mbps) industrial networks | Choose if cost sensitivity outweighs need for VCC = 0 V isolation and higher current drive |
| MAX3080EESA+ | Higher ESD rating (±15 kV HBM), integrated fail-safe biasing resistors | Designed for rugged outdoor telemetry with extended common-mode range (−7 V to +12 V) | Prefer when operating in unshielded environments with >10 kV surge risk or floating grounds |
Compared with SN65LBC179DR and MAX3080EESA+, ST26C31BTR offers superior power-off safety and tighter skew for synchronous multi-channel systems, but lacks fail-safe biasing and extended common-mode tolerance required in electrically hostile field deployments.
Availability
ST26C31BTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC backplanes, medical diagnostic equipment, building automation controllers, and point-of-sale terminal serial interfaces requiring stable component supply and RoHS-compliant TSSOP packaging.
Supply support for ST26C31BTR 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
STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, delivering innovative silicon solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets since 1987.
The ST26C31BTR belongs to ST's legacy RS-422/RS-485 interface portfolio, designed specifically for robust, low-power differential communication in space-constrained industrial control systems.
FAQ
Can ST26C31BTR operate with a 3.3 V supply?
No. The ST26C31BTR is specified only for 4.5–5.5 V operation. Its input thresholds (VIL = 0.8 V, VIH = 2 V) and output swing (2–3.1 V differential) depend on 5 V rail headroom. Using 3.3 V risks non-compliance with RS-422 voltage levels and may cause output stage malfunction.
What is the maximum recommended data rate for ST26C31BTR?
Based on its 6 ns typical propagation delay and 10 ns typical rise/fall time, ST26C31BTR supports reliable operation up to 100 Mbps in point-to-point configurations with proper termination. For multi-drop buses with longer stubs, derating to 10–25 Mbps is advised to maintain signal integrity per EIA-422 specifications.
Are pins 4 and 12 internally connected?
No. Pins 4 (EN for channels A/B) and 12 (EN for channels C/D) are electrically separate. This allows independent 3-state control of two channel pairs-enabling flexible bus partitioning, such as isolating diagnostic ports while keeping main control links active.
Does ST26C31BTR require external termination resistors?
Yes. Per EIA-422, a 100 Ω termination resistor must be placed across the differential pair at the receiver end. ST26C31BTR does not integrate termination; its output stage is designed to drive standard 100 Ω differential loads directly, but proper end-of-line termination is mandatory to prevent reflections and signal distortion.
ST26C31BTR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Driver
- Protocol:
- RS422, RS485
- Number of Drivers/Receivers:
- 4/0
- Duplex:
- -
- Receiver Hysteresis:
- -
- Data Rate:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.5V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-TSSOP
ST26C31BTR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ST26C31BTR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ST26C31BTR 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 ST26C31BTR reliable?
The price and inventory of ST26C31BTR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ST26C31BTR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ST26C31BTR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ST26C31BTR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ST26C31BTR?
ST26C31BTR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ST26C31BTR 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 ST26C31BTR?
For technical support, including ST26C31BTR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ST26C31BTR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ST26C31BTR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ST26C31BTR 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 ST26C31BTR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ST26C31BTR?
All ST26C31BTR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ST26C31BTR, 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 ST26C31BTR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ST26C31BTR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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