ST Debuts New 74LVC161284TTR/Z161284ATTR ICs

STMicroelectronics Inc. (ST, Geneva, Switzerland) has developed a pair of low-voltage, high-speed transceiver ICs that conform to the IEEE1284 parallel port interface standard. They are designed for use in printers, scanners and copiers. The 74LVC161284TTR is a low-voltage, high-speed, IEEE1284 transceiver. The 74LVCZ161284ATTR is a similar part, but offers an error-free power-up function as well. Each can replace the function of two 74ACT1284 devices.

Both parts support both IEEE1284-I and -II (level one and level two) bi-directional parallel communications between personal computers and peripherals. A translation capability allows outputs on the cable side to interface with a 5V signal. A pull-up resistor is integrated on each open-drain output to eliminate the need for a discrete resistor to perform the same function. The parts have TTL-compatible inputs, despite working with operating voltages of between 3V and 3.6V. The parts offer a low delay of just 9ns.

The chips are laid out with a “flow-through” pin configuration so they are easy to design into PCBs. They are available in a TSSOP at a commercial temperature grade, at prices ranging from $0.78 to $0.85 in quantities of 1,000.