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TDA4VM-Q1: Pin naming convention: What is the meaning of signals with names ending in 'z'?

Part Number: TDA4VM-Q1
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: SK-TDA4VM, TDA4VM

I had originally assumed that signals with names ending in 'z' were open-drain/open-collector signals (and thus usually are active-low signals).

However, I've noticed that many signals such as MCU_PORz_OUT, PORz_OUT, RESETSTATz, and MCU_RESETSTATz are pulled low on the SK-TDA4VM. This means that they must be actively driven high, which means they aren't open-drain signals.

So, what is the significance of the "z" in the signal name?

Thanks!

  • 'z' is a common label in the industry that means active low.  It is similar to 'n' or 'b'....all typically mean signal is active low.

  • Thanks Robert. The 'n' suffix is also used to indicate active low on TDA4VM pin names, so wasn't sure if the "z" meant open-drain in addition to active low. It sounds like they just mean the same thing.

    The reason I ask is because in my review of our design, MCU_PORz is pulled low by both a CPLD and the PMIC.  That is a 1.8V signal, but the CPLD I/O voltage is 3.3V (as it is on the SK-TDA4VM). In theory this is fine as long as the CPLD is driving this as an open-drain output.