The 3-state outputs let multiple transceivers share the same bus without contention — a standard feature for backplane or memory-interface buffering. The output drive is rated 32 mA source and 64 mA sink per channel — enough to drive a heavily loaded parallel bus or a bank of LED indicators without external buffers.
Package reality: 56-pin SSOP, no field swap
This is not a part you swap on site with a screwdriver — it needs a reflow station or hot-air rework.