Fairchild Semiconductor
Application Note
AN-784
June 1991
Revised February 2004
F100K ECL Dual Rail Translators
INTRODUCTION
these devices, unidirectional translation is possible in either
direction (TTL to ECL with the 100324, ECL to TTL with the
100325). As systems and data widths become larger, more
bits need to be translated. This need was satisfied with the
introduction of 8- and 9-bit translators. The 8-bit translator
(100329) also offer bidirectional translation functionality for
applications which require two way communication. In
many cases, communication over significant distances is
needed in noisy environments. In applications where high
output drive is needed after an ECL to TTL translation the
9-bit 100395 can be used. The 64 mA IOL output current
The complex electronic systems being designed today
often require mixed technologies to incorporate the most
efficient balance of performance, speed, power, and cost.
In order for one technology to communicate with the other,
an interface is needed. One of the most common mix of
technologies seen today is high speed ECL with the slower,
but very popular TTL and CMOS. To make this interface as
quick and clean as possible, level translators are used.
This applications note will discuss ECL to TTL and TTL to
ECL level translators available from Fairchild Semiconduc-
tor’s F100K ECL 300 Series product line. Focus will be on
Dual Rail Translators (translators which require both ECL
and TTL power supplies for normal operation), their differ-
entiating features and possible uses.
capability is ideal for driving long lines and achieving faster
switching times by discharging the line it is tied to faster
when in the LOW output state. These outputs are also
capable of driving higher fanouts than the lower output cur-
rent devices.
TRANSLATOR SELECTION
If the designer only has a +5V supply available (i.e., An
additional ECL supply cannot be used), single rail transla-
tors can be used. For more information on single rail trans-
lation refer to applications note AN-780 “Operating ECL
From a Single Positive Supply”.
Fairchild Semiconductor offers translators of all different
types. Table 1 shows the TTL to ECL and ECL to TTL
translators that are presently available. The first 300 Series
translators designed were the 100324 and 100325. With
TABLE 1. 300 Series Dual Rail Translators
100324 100325
Features
100329
100395
Data Bits
6
6
8
X
X
9
ECL to TTL
TTL to ECL
Latched
X
X
X
Registered
X
X
ECL Differential
ECL Drive (Ohms)
ECL Cutoff
OUT
50
IN (Note 1)
50
X
TTL Drive
I
OL/IOH (mA)
20/−2
24/−3
X
64/−15
TTL 3-STATE
X
X
ECL Control Pins
X
TTL Control Pins
X
TPD ECL to TTL (ns Max)
TPD TTL to ECL (ns Max)
4.8
7.7
3.9
6.4
3.0
−70
38
IEE (mA Max)
CC (mA Max)
−37
−199
74
−67
I
65
65
Note 1: VBB output available for 100325
MECL is a trademark of Motorola, Inc.
© 2004 Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation
AN010938
www.fairchildsemi.com