Texas Instruments 74ACT11257NG4
- Part No.:
- 74ACT11257NG4
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Signal Switches, Multiplexers, Decoders
- Package:
- 20-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
74ACT11257NG4.pdf
- Description:
- IC MULTIPLEXER 4 X 2:1 20DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,648
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Product details
Overview
74ACT11257NG4 from Texas Instruments is a quadruple 2-line-to-1-line data selector/multiplexer with 3-state outputs, designed for bus-organized systems. It features TTL-voltage-compatible inputs, 5-V supply operation (4.5–5.5 V), ±24-mA output drive, and propagation delays as low as 1.5 ns (tPLH/tPHL). It enables signal routing from four dual-source data paths to four independent outputs in high-performance digital backplanes.
For engineers reviewing the 74ACT11257NG4 datasheet, 74ACT11257NG4 pinout, 74ACT11257NG4 application, or 74ACT11257NG4 equivalent, key selection criteria include 3-state bus interface capability, flow-through pinout for PCB layout optimization, -40°C to 85°C industrial temperature range, and EPIC CMOS process for latch-up immunity.
Technical Context
The 74ACT11257NG4 implements four independent 2:1 multiplexers sharing a common select line (A/B) and output-enable (OE) control. Each channel selects between two inputs (e.g., 1A/1B → 1Y) and drives a 3-state output that presents high impedance when OE is high. Its logic is fully compatible with TTL input thresholds (VIH = 2 V, VIL = 0.8 V) while operating at CMOS power efficiency.
Designed using Texas Instruments' EPIC 1-μm CMOS process, the device achieves fast switching (tPLH/tPHL ≤ 6.9 ns at 5.5 V) with low noise-enabled by center-pin VCC/GND placement and flow-through architecture. It supports direct system-bus interfacing without external pull-ups or level shifters due to its 3-state outputs and TTL-compatible inputs.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V - ensures compatibility with standard 5-V TTL/CMOS systems and stable operation across industrial voltage tolerances. |
| Output Drive | ±24 mA - provides sufficient current to drive multiple TTL loads or terminate short stubs on shared buses without buffering. |
| Propagation Delay | 1.5 ns (min), 6.9 ns (max) - enables use in high-speed address/data multiplexing up to ~100 MHz clock domains. |
| Operating Temperature | –40°C to +85°C - qualified for industrial-grade embedded control, instrumentation, and telecom infrastructure applications. |
| Input Compatibility | TTL-level (VIH = 2 V, VIL = 0.8 V) - allows direct connection to legacy TTL logic without level-shifting circuitry. |
| Latch-Up Immunity | 500 mA typical at 125°C - meets stringent reliability requirements for systems subject to transient overvoltage or ESD events. |
| Power Dissipation | 1.3 W (N package, TA = 55°C) - supports continuous operation in compact DIP-based designs with natural convection cooling. |
Pinout & Package
74ACT11257NG4 is supplied in a 20-pin plastic DIP (N) package with 300-mil width, featuring center-aligned VCC (pins 15, 16) and GND (pins 4, 5, 6, 7) for minimized switching noise. Pin numbering follows standard dual-in-line convention with top-view orientation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 2, 3, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20 | Data Inputs (1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, A/B, OE) | Accept source signals and control logic; A/B selects active input per channel; OE globally disables all outputs to high-Z state. |
| 8, 9, 3, 2 | Outputs (1Y, 2Y, 3Y, 4Y) | 3-state buffered outputs capable of driving bus lines; present valid logic levels only when OE is low. |
| 4, 5, 6, 7 | GND | Four dedicated ground pins reduce ground bounce and improve signal integrity during simultaneous switching. |
| 15, 16 | VCC | Two centrally located power pins minimize supply inductance and decoupling path length for high-frequency stability. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Flow-through architecture | Input and output pins are arranged to allow straight PCB trace routing-reducing crosstalk and layer count in dense backplane layouts. |
| Center-pin VCC/GND | Dual VCC and quad GND pins placed centrally suppress simultaneous switching noise and improve power delivery integrity at >20 MHz switching rates. |
| TTL-voltage-compatible inputs | Accepts standard TTL logic thresholds directly-eliminates need for external level translators when interfacing with legacy 74LS or 74F families. |
| EPIC CMOS process | 1-μm implanted CMOS technology delivers speed/power balance with 500-mA latch-up immunity-critical for robustness in unregulated industrial environments. |
| 3-state bus interface | Outputs enter high-impedance state when OE is high-enables safe connection to shared data/address buses without contention or bus-hold circuits. |
Applications
| Industrial Backplane Multiplexing | Legacy System Bus Expansion |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Routing multiple sensor or I/O module data streams onto a single shared 4-bit data bus in programmable logic controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Quad 2:1 multiplexer selecting between redundant or alternate data sources per channel under microcontroller control. Use Value: Enables flexible I/O mapping without FPGA reconfiguration; 3-state outputs prevent bus contention during hot-swap or fault isolation. | Use Scenario: Adding peripheral interfaces (e.g., UART, ADC, EEPROM) to an existing 8051 or Z80-based design with limited address/data pins. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Data selector providing time-multiplexed access to multiple peripherals via shared data lines and address decoding. Use Value: Extends system functionality without modifying CPU socket or requiring additional glue logic-TTL-compatible inputs simplify integration. |
| High-Speed Test Equipment Signal Switching | Automated Test Fixture Channel Selection |
Use Scenario: Selecting calibration reference signals or DUT outputs in automated test equipment with sub-10 ns timing resolution requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-skew multiplexer routing precision analog or digital test stimuli with minimal propagation delay variation across channels. Use Value: Achieves <6.9 ns max tPLH/tPHL and <0.7 ns channel-to-channel skew-supports accurate timing margin analysis at 100+ MHz. | Use Scenario: Configuring multi-DUT test fixtures where each unit requires unique stimulus/response routing through a common test controller. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Channel selector enabling one test head to sequentially service up to four devices using shared signal resources. Use Value: Reduces fixture complexity and cost by eliminating four separate switch ICs; flow-through pinout simplifies high-density PCB routing. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar data selector/multiplexer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SN74ACT157N | Quad 2:1 mux with single-bit select (no A/B pin); identical 20-pin DIP package and 3-state outputs. | Requires external logic to generate select signal per channel; lacks independent A/B control per pair. | Choose SN74ACT157N when global select suffices and board space allows discrete select generation. |
| 74ACT257N | Same function and pinout as 74ACT11257NG4 but lacks EPIC process enhancements; lower latch-up immunity (250 mA vs. 500 mA). | Suitable for non-critical commercial environments; not recommended for industrial systems with high ESD exposure. | Choose 74ACT257N only if cost sensitivity outweighs reliability requirements in benign operating conditions. |
Compared with SN74ACT157N and 74ACT257N, the 74ACT11257NG4 offers superior noise immunity via center-pin power/ground and higher latch-up tolerance-making it preferred for industrial bus interfaces where signal integrity and robustness are critical.
Availability
74ACT11257NG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial backplane multiplexing, legacy system bus expansion, and high-speed test equipment signal switching requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for 74ACT11257NG4 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
Texas Instruments is a U.S.-based semiconductor company founded in 1930, specializing in analog, embedded processing, and logic solutions for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.
The 74ACT11257NG4 belongs to TI's ACT (Advanced CMOS TTL-compatible) logic family, engineered for high-speed, low-noise bus interfacing in industrial control and instrumentation systems where reliability and signal fidelity are essential.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency supported by the 74ACT11257NG4?
The 74ACT11257NG4 does not specify a maximum clock frequency in its datasheet, but its propagation delay (tPLH/tPHL ≤ 6.9 ns at 5.5 V) and transition rate limit (10 ns/V) support reliable operation in systems with data rates up to approximately 100 MHz. Actual usable frequency depends on load capacitance, PCB layout, and system timing margins-designers should verify setup/hold times against their controller's specifications when using the 74ACT11257NG4 in synchronous applications.
Does the 74ACT11257NG4 require external pull-up resistors on its 3-state outputs?
No, the 74ACT11257NG4 does not require external pull-up resistors on its 3-state outputs. Its outputs are actively driven to valid logic levels (VOH ≥ 3.94 V, VOL ≤ 0.44 V at 5 V) when enabled, and present high impedance (IOZ ≤ ±5 μA) when disabled. Pull-ups are unnecessary unless a specific bus protocol mandates weak default states-standard bus arbitration relies on controlled driver enablement, not passive termination.
Can the 74ACT11257NG4 operate with a 3.3-V supply?
No, the 74ACT11257NG4 is not rated for 3.3-V operation. Its recommended supply range is strictly 4.5 V to 5.5 V, and absolute maximum VCC is 7 V. Applying 3.3 V will result in undefined logic thresholds, degraded noise margins, and potential failure to meet VIH/VIL specifications. For 3.3-V systems, consider TI's LVC or AUC logic families instead of the 74ACT11257NG4.
How many ground pins does the 74ACT11257NG4 DIP package have, and why are they important?
The 74ACT11257NG4 in the N (DIP) package has four dedicated ground pins (pins 4, 5, 6, and 7), positioned consecutively near the center of the package. This configuration minimizes ground loop inductance and reduces simultaneous switching noise-especially critical for maintaining signal integrity during high-speed transitions across all four multiplexer channels. The layout supports stable operation in noisy industrial environments where the 74ACT11257NG4 is commonly deployed.
Is the 74ACT11257NG4 pin-compatible with the 74LS157 or 74F157?
No, the 74ACT11257NG4 is not pin-compatible with the 74LS157 or 74F157. While all three are quad 2:1 multiplexers, the 74ACT11257NG4 uses a 20-pin DIP with distinct pin assignments-including dedicated A/B select and OE pins, plus four GND and two VCC pins-whereas 74LS157/74F157 use 16-pin packages with different pinouts and no separate output-enable control. Direct replacement would require PCB redesign; functional equivalence requires careful signal mapping and timing validation for the 74ACT11257NG4.
74ACT11257NG4 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- 74ACT
- Package/Case:
- 20-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Multiplexer
- Circuit:
- 4 x 2:1
- Independent Circuits:
- 1
- Current - Output High, Low:
- 24mA, 24mA
- Voltage Supply Source:
- Single Supply
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.5V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-PDIP
74ACT11257NG4 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 74ACT11257NG4 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 74ACT11257NG4 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for 74ACT11257NG4 reliable?
The price and inventory of 74ACT11257NG4 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 74ACT11257NG4 is usually 5 days.
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Once your 74ACT11257NG4 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for 74ACT11257NG4?
For technical support, including 74ACT11257NG4 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 74ACT11257NG4 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 74ACT11257NG4 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 74ACT11257NG4 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that 74ACT11257NG4 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 74ACT11257NG4?
All 74ACT11257NG4 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 74ACT11257NG4, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The 74ACT11257NG4 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 74ACT11257NG4:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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