These 8-bit latches feature 3-state outputs designed specifically for driving highly capacitive or relatively low-impedance loads. They are particularly suitable for implementing buffer registers, I/O ports, bidirectional bus drivers, and working registers.

The eight latches of the ’BCT373 devices are transparent D-type latches. While the latch-enable (LE) input is high, the Q outputs follow the data (D) inputs. When the latch enable is taken low, the Q outputs are latched at the logic levels that were set up at the D inputs.

A buffered output-enable (OE)\ input can be used to place the eight outputs in either a normal logic state (high or low logic levels) or the high-impedance state. In the high-impedance state, the outputs neither load nor drive the bus lines significantly. The high-impedance state and increased drive provide the capability to drive bus lines without interface or pullup components.

To ensure the high-impedance state during power up or power down, OE\ should be tied to V_CC through a pullup resistor; the minimum value of the resistor is determined by the current-sinking capability of the driver.

OE\ does not affect the internal operations of the latches. Old data can be retained or new data can be entered while the outputs are in the high-impedance state.