The SN54SC3T97-SEP belongs to TI's SCxT family of logic devices with integrated voltage level translation. This family of devices was designed with reduced input voltage thresholds to support up-translation, and inputs tolerant of signals with up to 5.5 V levels to support down-translation. The output voltage will always be referenced to the supply voltage (V_CC), as described in the Electrical Characteristics table. For proper functionality, input signals must remain at or below the specified V_IH(MIN) level for a HIGH input state, and at or below the specified V_IL(MAX) for a LOW input state. Figure 7-2 shows the typical V_IH and V_IL levels for the SCxT family of devices, as well as the voltage levels for standard CMOS devices for comparison.

The inputs are high impedance and are typically modeled as a resistor in parallel with the input capacitance given in the Electrical Characteristics. The worst case resistance is calculated with the maximum input voltage, given in the Absolute Maximum Ratings, and the maximum input leakage current, given in the Electrical Characteristics, using Ohm's law (R = V ÷ I).

The inputs require the input signals to transition between valid logic states quickly, as defined by the input transition time or rate in the Recommended Operating Conditions table. Failing to meet this specification will result in excessive power consumption and can cause oscillations. More details can be found in the Implications of Slow or Floating CMOS Inputs application report.

Do not leave inputs floating at any time during operation. Unused inputs must be terminated at V_CC or GND. If a system will not be actively driving an input at all times, a pull-up or pull-down resistor can be added to provide a valid input voltage during these times. The resistor value will depend on multiple factors; however, a 10-kΩ resistor is recommended and will typically meet all requirements.

Figure 7-2 SCxT Input Voltage Levels