What makes this 8-bit shift register different from the standard 74HC595
The 74HC597FPEL-E is an 8-bit parallel-to-serial shift register with a push-pull output, meaning it reads 8 parallel inputs and shifts them out serially — the opposite data flow of the common 74HC595 which serializes data to parallel outputs. This makes it the right choice when you need to capture multiple switch or sensor states over a single data line.
Active production — no end-of-life watch needed
Renesas lists the 74HC597FPEL-E as Active in production.