The A68064 is available in a 20-pin DIP (Dual Inline Package) and a 20-pin SOIC (Surface Mount) package. Understanding the pinout is the first step in reading the a68064 datasheet.

| Pin Number | Pin Name | Description | |------------|------------|-------------| | 1 | VDD | Logic supply voltage (5V typical) | | 2 | Data In (D) | Serial data input (CMOS level) | | 3 | Clock (CLK) | Shift register clock (rising edge triggered) | | 4 | Strobe (STR) | Latch enable; data transfers from shift register to outputs on high level | | 5 | Output Enable (OE) | Active low; when low, outputs follow latched data; when high, outputs are off (high impedance) | | 6 | Ground (GND) | Logic ground | | 7-14 | Out 1 – Out 8 | High-side Darlington outputs (open-collector) | | 15 | COM (Common Cathode) | Connection for internal clamp diodes to VBB (load supply) | | 16 | VBB (Load Supply) | Power supply for output stages (up to 50V) | | 17 | Output Enable (OE) | Duplicate pin for layout convenience | | 18 | Strobe (STR) | Duplicate pin | | 19 | Clock (CLK) | Duplicate pin | | 20 | Data Out (Q7’) | Serial data output for cascading |

Note: Some datasheets show pins 17, 18, and 19 as duplicates to simplify PCB routing. In practice, connect them together.

Before diving into pinouts and timing diagrams, let’s highlight the core features that make the A68064 a go-to component for interface applications:

These features make the A68064 ideal for driving multiple loads with minimal microcontroller pins.

The A68064 datasheet is sometimes confused with similar models:

| Part Number | Output Type | Channels | Voltage | Current | Special Feature | |-------------|-------------|----------|---------|---------|------------------| | A6801 | Sink driver | 8 | 50V | 350 mA | Non-latched | | A6802 | Source driver | 8 | 50V | 500 mA | Latched, no serial | | A68064 | Source driver | 8 | 50V | 500 mA | Serial input, latched | | A6833 | Sink driver | 16 | 50V | 200 mA | Two 8-bit registers |

Choose the A68064 when you need I/O expansion with a 3-wire serial interface.

Ignoring maximum ratings can lead to immediate component failure. Here are the critical values:

Design Tip: Always derate output current when multiple channels are active. At 85°C ambient, reduce total power by 50%.

The 50V rating and 500 mA capability suit most small industrial relays. Note: Place additional freewheeling diodes close to the relay coil to minimize EMI. The internal COM clamp diode works but external Schottky diodes improve switching speed.