onsemi 74AC241SC

Overview

74AC241SC from Fairchild Semiconductor is an octal non-inverting buffer/line driver with dual 3-STATE outputs, designed for memory address driving and bus-oriented transmission in 2.0–6.0V systems. It delivers ±24mA output drive, 5.0V propagation delay ≤7.0ns (tPLH/tPHL), and ICC ≤40µA at VCC = 5.5V, enabling high-density PC board implementation in industrial control backplanes.

For engineers reviewing the 74AC241SC datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include 3-STATE enable timing (tPZH ≤9.0ns), AC-family input thresholds (VIH = 2.1V @ 3.0V), low dynamic leakage (IOZ ≤±2.5µA), and SOIC-20 JEDEC MS-013 package compatibility.

Technical Context

The 74AC241SC implements two independent 4-bit non-inverting buffers, each controlled by a dedicated active-HIGH 3-STATE enable (OE1/OE2). Its AC logic family uses advanced CMOS process to achieve TTL-compatible speed with CMOS power efficiency.

It operates across 2.0–6.0V supply range with guaranteed VIH/VIL thresholds at 3.0V, 4.5V, and 5.5V; supports CL = 50pF loads; and features symmetrical output drive (24mA sink/source) with rail-to-rail VOH/VOL performance (VOH ≥4.4V @ 4.5V, VOL ≤0.44V @ 24mA).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

74AC241SC is housed in a 20-lead Small Outline Integrated Circuit (SOIC) package per JEDEC MS-013, 0.300" wide (Package Number M20B), with 1.27mm pitch and gull-wing leads suitable for reflow soldering.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar octal buffer applications.

Compared with 74ACT241SC and SN74LVC244APWR, the 74AC241SC uniquely balances 2.0–6.0V flexibility, dual-OE segmentation, and sub-10ns enable timing-making it optimal for mixed-voltage industrial backplanes requiring partial bus isolation.

Availability

74AC241SC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for memory address buffering, microcontroller bus interfacing, and industrial backplane driver applications requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long-lifecycle programs.

Supply support for 74AC241SC includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Fairchild Semiconductor was a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in analog and mixed-signal ICs, acquired by ON Semiconductor in 2016; its legacy logic portfolio remains widely deployed in industrial and automotive systems.

The 74AC241SC belongs to Fairchild's AC-series advanced CMOS logic family, engineered for high-speed, low-power bus interface and memory address driving in space-constrained industrial control and instrumentation platforms.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating supply voltage for the 74AC241SC?

The 74AC241SC supports a maximum supply voltage of +6.0V, with absolute maximum rating up to +7.0V. Operation above 6.0V is outside recommended conditions and may compromise reliability or timing performance. The device is fully specified from 2.0V to 6.0V, making it suitable for both 3.3V and 5V system rails without level translation. Always observe the 0.5V derating margin below the absolute maximum to ensure long-term stability in the 74AC241SC.

Does the 74AC241SC support independent control of its two 4-bit output groups?

Yes, the 74AC241SC provides fully independent 3-STATE control via two dedicated active-HIGH enable inputs: OE1 controls outputs O4–O7, and OE2 controls outputs O0–O3. This architecture allows selective bus segmentation-for example, holding upper address bits active while tri-stating lower bits during DMA cycles. Pin assignments are fixed per JEDEC MS-013 SOIC layout, and no internal logic ties OE1/OE2 together in the 74AC241SC.

What is the typical propagation delay of the 74AC241SC at 5V operation?

At VCC = 5.0V and CL = 50pF, the 74AC241SC exhibits typical propagation delays of tPLH = 5.0ns and tPHL = 4.5ns, with guaranteed maximums of 7.0ns for both parameters over –40°C to +85°C. These values reflect worst-case data-to-output timing under load and are measured with defined input edge rates (≥125mV/ns). The 74AC241SC achieves this performance while maintaining CMOS-level quiescent current, distinguishing it from older bipolar buffer families.

Is the 74AC241SC pin-compatible with the 74ACT241SC?

Yes, the 74AC241SC and 74ACT241SC share identical pinout, package (M20B SOIC-20), and functional block diagram. The only electrical difference lies in input threshold compatibility: 74ACT241SC has TTL-compatible inputs (VIH = 2.0V, VIL = 0.8V), while 74AC241SC uses CMOS thresholds (VIH = 2.1V @ 3.0V). No PCB changes are needed when substituting the 74AC241SC for 74ACT241SC in existing layouts, provided input signal levels meet AC-family specifications.

What is the 3-STATE output leakage current specification for the 74AC241SC?

The 74AC241SC specifies a maximum 3-STATE output leakage current (IOZ) of ±2.5µA over the full operating temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) at VCC = 5.5V, with inputs held at VIL or VIH and outputs at VCC or GND. This low leakage ensures minimal bus loading during high-impedance states, preserving signal integrity on shared lines. Measured per Fairchild Rev. 1.5 datasheet Section 3, this value is critical for systems relying on passive pull-ups or multi-drop bus topologies using the 74AC241SC.