Holt Integrated Circuits, a world leader in data bus IC's for the avionics and military industries, today introduced the world's first ARINC 429 line driver powered by a single +3.3V supply. The HI-8596 automatically generates all ARINC 429 voltage levels on-chip, eliminating the need for negative voltage supplies or inverters typically found in ARINC 429 bus driver designs.

The HI-8596 operates from a single +3.3V supply using four external capacitors, resulting in lower power dissipation and significant space saving. The device also features high-impedance outputs (tri-state) when both data inputs are taken high, enabling multiple line drivers to be connected to a common bus. Different outputs are available for easy implementation of external lightning protection, allowing the requirements of DO-160F, Level 3, waveforms 3, 4, 5A and 5B to be satisfied.

A complete ARINC 429 application solution at 3.3V is now possible by pairing the HI-8596 with Holt's DO-254 certifiable HI-3586 protocol IC. This solution has numerous advantages over an FPGA solution for customers requiring DO-254 certification in safety critical applications.

"The HI-8596 eliminates the need for external negative supplies or inverters, providing a more compact, reliable solution to drive the ARINC 429 bus," said Anthony Murray, Director of Business Development at Holt. "This part is the latest edition to a line of DO-254 certifiable COTS components, illustrating Holt's continued commitment to the avionics community".

The HI-8596 is available in compact 16-pin SOIC and QFN packages. Samples and a demonstration kit are available upon request.