AM26LV32: Question about AM26LV32(non "E" version) short bus fail safe.

Hi Kazuya,

First I would not suggest the AM26LV32 - please use the AM26LV32E- its a much better part, we haven't EOL'd over half of the options (which almost of the non-E version are being EOL'd), the 32 also doesn't explicitly specify fail-safe - which would be important in case of failure. 

1. No - I think there is confusion on the other thread because they attach the AM26LV32E.

That being said - there is no spec for fail-safe and the eq. inputs do not give open fail-safe as implied. Essentially what I am saying - this device says its fail-safe but doesn't explain "how" it does that - every other fail-safe device explains how it does this. That means if there is an issue there is no specification that you could point to prove our device isn't meeting listed specs. So we list it as fail-safe but with no spec to physically measure it might as well not be a specification. 

2. That's the most recent datasheet it was updated this year so I believe the table is correct  - but once again no solid spec - so hardly a guarantee. 

Ultimately I wouldn't use non-E version:

1. Almost all variants are moving towards EOL - this isn't a great choice for new projects; 32E is the recommended upgrade. 

2. "E" version architecture guarantees open fail-safe and explains mechanism (its a pull-up/pull-down that is integrated) and there is very little on 'how' fail-safe works (which isn't something that is explained in non-E version of device. 

In short - quad devices are extremely simple - they have almost no features. The choice for designer with a need for 4 channels is: do you want a good part that integrates and simplifies design - but require multiple IC (our best / modern parts are all single channel) or do you want to use a quad channel part that has no features and anything extra must be handled externally. 

Best,

Parker Dodson