These octal edge-triggered D-type flip-flops feature 3-state outputs designed specifically for driving highly capacitive or relatively low-impedance loads. The devices are particularly suitable for implementing buffer registers, I/O ports, bidirectional bus drivers, and working registers.

On the positive transition of the clock (CLK) input, the Q\ outputs are set to the complements of the logic levels set up at the data (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 need for interface or pullup components.

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

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.