Technical Summary: SN75160B GPIB Transceiver

SN75160B 8-Channel GPIB Transceiver

Overview

The SN75160B is a monolithic, high-speed, low-power Schottky 8-channel General-Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB) transceiver designed for bidirectional data communication over single-ended transmission lines. This component fully complies with the IEEE Standard 488-1978 specifications for instrumentation bus systems, making it ideal for test and measurement equipment interfaces.

Engineered with robust driver outputs that support both passive-pullup and 3-state modes, the SN75160B provides flexible interface solutions. The device features independent control signals (TE and PE) that determine the operational state of the driver outputs, enabling seamless integration into various bus architectures while maintaining signal integrity at high speeds.

Key Features

Fully compliant with IEEE Standard 488-1978 GPIB specifications
8-channel bidirectional transceiver architecture
Dual-mode driver outputs: passive-pullup or 3-state operation
Independent Talk Enable (TE) and Pullup Enable (PE) control signals
High-speed operation suitable for GPIB timing requirements
Low-power Schottky technology for improved efficiency
Designed for single-ended transmission line applications
High-impedance state when TE is low for bus isolation
Robust output drivers capable of handling bus loads
Wide operating voltage range

Applications

The SN75160B is particularly suited for applications requiring standardized instrumentation interfaces:

IEEE 488 (GPIB) instrument control systems
Test and measurement equipment interfaces
Laboratory automation systems
Industrial control systems
Data acquisition systems
Computer-peripheral interfaces
Automated test equipment (ATE)
Scientific instrumentation

Electrical Characteristics

Absolute Maximum Ratings

Supply Voltage (Vcc): 7V
Input Voltage Range: -0.5V to +7V
Output Voltage Range: -0.5V to Vcc + 0.5V
Operating Temperature Range: 0°C to +70°C
Storage Temperature Range: -65°C to +150°C

Recommended Operating Conditions

Supply Voltage (Vcc): 4.75V to 5.25V
High-Level Input Voltage: 2V min
Low-Level Input Voltage: 0.8V max
Operating Ambient Temperature: 0°C to +70°C

Switching Characteristics

Propagation Delay (Driver): 15ns typical
Propagation Delay (Receiver): 20ns typical
Output Rise/Fall Time: 10ns typical
Output Enable Time: 25ns max
Output Disable Time: 25ns max

Power Consumption

Quiescent Current (all channels disabled): 25mA max
Active Current per Channel: 10mA typical

Functional Description

Control Logic

The SN75160B features two primary control inputs that determine the operational mode of the driver outputs:

Talk Enable (TE): When high, enables the driver outputs. When low, places all driver outputs in high-impedance state.
Pullup Enable (PE): When TE is high, PE determines the output mode. Low PE selects passive-pullup mode, while high PE selects 3-state mode.

Driver Modes

The driver outputs support two distinct operational modes:

Passive-Pullup Mode: Outputs behave as open-collector with internal pullup resistors when PE is low and TE is high.
3-State Mode: Outputs become active drivers when PE is high and TE is high, providing both high and low drive capability.