are modern IC minimum specs accurate/precise ?

Question

i was re-checking the specs on the A618SEP replacement for my SN75518N .... advertised as drop in replacement

and i noticed that the minimum clock for A6818 is 10 MHz @ 5v and the SN75518 has a 1-5 MHz range @ 5v which is quite a ways out of spec from the replacement's specs

do you suppose the A6818 will work in the 1-5 MHz range ?

what is the experience with these sorts of operational minimums ? i guess they would not state a minimum if there was no real minimum ?

if it turns out that the a6818 does not function due to spec differences what would (is there something) one could do to get this replacement to work ?

i have not tried yet but imagined this may be a problem and did not wnat to start etching my adapter if there is some solution/control chip i will need to add to my adapter

thanks for any advice, rob

Don Bowey · Accepted Answer

The A6818SEP spec sheet has a strange way of expressing the clock frequency limits.

Look at the far left (Characteristics) clock column - It says they are going to express the MAXIMUM frequency. Then in the Limits column for 5V they give a Minimum of 10 MHz and a Typical of 33 MHz.

What that means is, the maximum frequency is at least 10 MHz, but most devices will work to 33 MHz. You may use a frequency of 1-5 MHz and be assured it will work.

I'd call their expression a negative positive

They didn't.

robb · Answer

"robb"waysbut mostMHz and bethank you,i was getting all psych'd about etching this board and then thespecs were not looking good.thanks Don for the big sigh of relief,rob

are modern IC minimum specs accurate/precise ?

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