Buffers, Drivers, Receivers, and Transceivers are interface integrated circuit devices that provide access to signal (logic) between the circuit for proper functionality. These devices are widely employed in various applications with specific applications in various electronic circuits. The logic receivers and transceivers isolate communications between data buses, whereas the line drivers and buffers are designed to isolate the input circuit out of the output circuit. Buffers also enhance the propagation delay and pass input signals to either inverted or unchanged output.
Buffers
Buffers are commonly found in PCB clock trees in high-speed logic signals and low-noise environments. These integrated circuits are standard in the system’s I/O and bus applications to drive a load. They also offer robust isolation and device protection.
Drivers
Line driver, a special buffer type, has the potential to drive relatively long transmission lines or cables by using the input logic format to the standard specific line driving. eSATA Redriver, for example, extends the SATA supported distance on their input by buffering the current mode logic signals (differential) and retransmitting them as precise and compensated signal output.
Receivers
Differential line receivers, sometimes combined with differential voltage drivers to make transceivers, are ICs designed to interpret differential voltage waveforms into standard logic signals.
Transceivers
Line transceivers are ICs designed to send electrical signals across the electrical lines from transmitters using channel interconnects. These signals from the interconnect are then transmitted to the receivers on the alternate line end. These devices are widely used in various modern electronics.
Applications Areas of Buffers, Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers
The devices in interface ICs are widely used in several applications, depending on the IC types, including:
- Signal Processing
- Digital Effects Processors
- LED Displays
- Telecom Infrastructure
- Dynamic Range Processors
- Network Switches
