Backplane transceivers gunning for higher speed operation

-- EDN, 2/17/2000

Using the Gunning Logic-Plus devices from Texas Instruments, you can increase backplane data throughput as much as three times that of traditional logic processes (Picture). Available in a variety of configurations and in 50- and 100-mA-sinking versions, these ICs target multislot backplanes of routers, switches, and base stations, for example. The 3.3V, 5V-tolerant ICs let you configure a backplane operating at 100 MHz and support the live insertion that many of today's applications need.

To minimize errors and maximize speed, the transmitters use an output swing of less than 1V and output edge control on the rising and falling edges, and the receivers use tight threshold levels to reduce line reflections and EMI. The three-state ICs are available in 8-, 16-, 18-, 32-, and 36-bit transceiver models as well as multifanout drivers and 2-bit/three-wire transceivers with prices beginning at $3.75 (1000). Representative model numbers in the family of 12 devices include SN74GTLPH306, SN74GTLP1394, and SN74GTLPH1645.

Texas Instruments, www.ti.com.

-by Bill Schweber