The TB5T1 device is a dual differential driver/receiver circuit that transmits and receives digital data over balanced transmission lines. The dual drivers translate input TTL logic levels to differential pseudo-ECL output levels. The dual receivers convert differential-input logic levels to TTL output levels. Each driver or receiver pair has its own common enable control allowing serial data and a control clock to be transmitted and received on a single integrated circuit. The TB5T1 requires the customer to supply termination resistors on the circuit board.

The power-down loading characteristics of the receiver input circuit are approximately 8 k relative to the power supplies; hence, it does not load the transmission line when the circuit is powered down.