NXP Semiconductors 74AHC241BQ,115

Overview

74AHC241BQ,115 from Nexperia is an 8-bit CMOS buffer/line driver with dual 3-state outputs and overvoltage-tolerant inputs. It functions as two independent 4-bit buffers (Group 1: A0–A3 → Y0–Y3; Group 2: A0–A3 → Y0–Y3), operates from 2.0 V to 5.5 V, supports −40 °C to +125 °C ambient, and enables voltage translation in mixed-supply systems. It is used in bus interface isolation and data path control in industrial microcontroller peripherals.

For engineers reviewing the 74AHC241BQ,115 datasheet, 74AHC241BQ,115 pinout, 74AHC241BQ,115 application, or 74AHC241BQ,115 equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual active-Low/active-High output enable architecture, 3.2 ns typical propagation delay at 5 V/15 pF, Schmitt-trigger input hysteresis, and DHVQFN20 thermal-enhanced package for high-density PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The 74AHC241BQ,115 implements two independent 4-bit non-inverting buffer sections, each controlled by a dedicated output enable: 1OE (active LOW) for outputs Y0–Y3 and 2OE (active HIGH) for outputs Y0–Y3. Its CMOS input threshold logic (VIH = 3.85 V min at VCC = 5.5 V) ensures compatibility with standard CMOS logic families.

Input pins tolerate voltages up to 7.0 V regardless of VCC, enabling safe interfacing between 3.3 V and 5 V domains without level shifters. The device features balanced tPLH/tPHL propagation delays and exhibits ≤ 0.1 V VOL at 4 mA sink current across its full temperature range.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DHVQFN20 package: plastic dual in-line compatible thermal enhanced very thin quad flat package; no leads; 20 terminals; body size 2.5 × 4.5 × 0.85 mm (SOT764-1). Exposed die pad is electrically connected to GND for thermal performance and must not be used as a signal or supply terminal.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 74AHC241PW,118, the 74AHC241BQ,115 delivers superior thermal management in constrained spaces; versus SN74LVC241APWR, it provides essential overvoltage safety and CMOS-compatible thresholds for heterogeneous voltage domain bridging - making it the sole choice for robust industrial bus isolation.

Availability

74AHC241BQ,115 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial bus isolation, microcontroller peripheral expansion, automotive diagnostic interface, and test equipment signal routing requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and mixed-voltage environments.

Supply support for 74AHC241BQ,115 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

Nexperia is a global leader in discrete, logic, and PowerMOS semiconductors, serving automotive, industrial, computing, consumer, and wearable markets with high-volume, high-reliability components.

The 74AHC241BQ,115 belongs to Nexperia's AHC logic family, engineered for low-power, high-speed CMOS buffering in thermally demanding and voltage-mixed applications - emphasizing robustness, precision timing, and seamless integration into dense PCB layouts.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage the 74AHC241BQ,115 can safely accept?

The 74AHC241BQ,115 accepts input voltages from −0.5 V to +7.0 V, independent of VCC level. This overvoltage tolerance allows direct interfacing with 5 V signals even when powered from 3.3 V, eliminating external clamping diodes in mixed-voltage designs. Absolute maximum ratings must not be exceeded - sustained operation above +7.0 V risks permanent damage to the 74AHC241BQ,115.

How does the dual output enable (1OE and 2OE) function in the 74AHC241BQ,115?

In the 74AHC241BQ,115, 1OE is active LOW and controls outputs Y0–Y3, while 2OE is active HIGH and controls outputs Y0–Y3. When 1OE is LOW, Group 1 outputs follow their respective A inputs; when HIGH, they enter high-impedance. Similarly, 2OE LOW disables Group 2, and HIGH enables it. This asymmetry enables flexible bus arbitration schemes not possible with single-enable buffers like the 74AHC241BQ,115.

Is the exposed thermal pad on the DHVQFN20 package of the 74AHC241BQ,115 electrically connected?

Yes - the exposed thermal pad on the 74AHC241BQ,115's DHVQFN20 (SOT764-1) package is internally connected to GND via conductive die attach material. It must be soldered to a PCB GND plane for optimal thermal performance and EMI reduction. The pad is not usable as a signal or supply terminal; connecting it to any voltage other than GND may damage the 74AHC241BQ,115.

What is the typical propagation delay of the 74AHC241BQ,115 at 5 V supply and 15 pF load?

The 74AHC241BQ,115 exhibits a typical propagation delay (tpd) of 3.2 ns under conditions of VCC = 4.5 V to 5.5 V and CL = 15 pF, as specified in Table 7 of the datasheet. This value applies to both tPLH and tPHL transitions and is measured at 25 °C. At −40 °C to +125 °C, the maximum delay increases to 7.8 ns, ensuring timing predictability across the full operating range of the 74AHC241BQ,115.

Does the 74AHC241BQ,115 support Schmitt-trigger inputs, and why does that matter?

Yes - all inputs of the 74AHC241BQ,115 feature Schmitt-trigger action with hysteresis ≥ 0.3 V at VCC = 3.3 V. This prevents metastability and false triggering on slow or noisy signals, such as those from mechanical switches, long PCB traces, or unfiltered sensors. In real-world use, this means the 74AHC241BQ,115 reliably gates control signals without external RC filtering, simplifying layout and improving system immunity.