BiCMOS technology gives the MIC5821/5822 family flexibility beyond the reach of standard logic buffers and power driver arrays. These devices each have an eight-bit CMOS shift register, CMOS control circuitry, eight CMOS data latches, and eight bipolar current-sink Darlington output drivers. The 500mA outputs are suitable for use with incandescent bulbs and other moderate to high current loads. The drivers can be operated with a split supply where the negative supply is down to -20V. Except for maximum driver output voltage ratings, the MIC5821 and MIC5822 are identical.

These devices have greatly improved data-input rates. With a 5V logic supply they will typically operate faster than 5 MHz. With a 12V supply significantly higher speeds are obtained. The CMOS inputs are compatible with standard CMOS, PMOS, and NMOS logic levels. TTL and DTL circuits may require the use of appropriate pull-up resistors. By using the serial data output, the drivers can be cascaded for interface applications requiring additional drive lines.