NXP P82B96 Bus Buffer IC, SOIC-8

The NXP P82B96 is a versatile bus buffer integrated circuit designed to facilitate robust communication between different bus systems. This bipolar IC creates a non-latching, bidirectional logic interface, primarily between a standard I²C bus and a variety of other bus configurations with differing voltage and current levels. Its key function is to bridge communication gaps without imposing restrictions on the standard I²C bus protocols or clock speed, ensuring seamless data integration.

A significant advantage of this IC is its ability to interface with diverse systems. It can connect to the 350mA SMBus, 3.3V logic devices, and even 15V levels. This capability makes it ideal for driving low-impedance lines, which significantly enhances noise immunity over extended bus lengths—supporting reliable 400kHz operation over distances of at least 20 metres of wire.

The P82B96 effectively isolates bus capacitance, permitting 400pF on the Sx/Sy side and a substantial 4000pF on the Tx/Ty side. The Tx/Ty outputs are robust, featuring a 60mA sink capability suitable for driving low-impedance or highly capacitive buses. This design ensures that loadings from remote bus nodes are not transmitted back to the local I²C node, virtually eliminating traditional restrictions on the number of devices in a system or their physical separation.

Engineered for reliability, it is latch-up free due to its bipolar process, which contains no latching structures. It also boasts a low power supply current. The IC is packaged in a compact SOIC-8 case, making it suitable for space-constrained applications. It is an essential component for splitting I²C bus signals to interface with opto-electrical isolators and similar isolation devices.

Primary Applications

This bus buffer is widely used across several advanced technology sectors, including Communications Networking, Consumer Electronics, Fibre Optics, and Multimedia systems, where a a