Nexperia USA Inc. 74AHCU04BQ,115

Overview

74AHCU04BQ,115 from Nexperia is a high-speed Si-gate CMOS hex unbuffered inverter with six independent single-stage inverters, pin-compatible with LSTTL, operating from -40 °C to +125 °C, rated for VCC = 2.0–5.5 V, and featuring balanced propagation delays (typ. 2.4 ns at 5 V/15 pF) and input overvoltage tolerance up to 7.0 V - used in crystal oscillator circuits and linear amplifier biasing.

For engineers reviewing the 74AHCU04BQ,115 datasheet, 74AHCU04BQ,115 pinout, 74AHCU04BQ,115 application, or 74AHCU04BQ,115 equivalent, key selection criteria include its unbuffered inverter architecture, DHVQFN14 thermal-enhanced package, ±25 mA output drive, ESD robustness (HBM >2000 V), and operation across automotive-grade temperature range without external buffering.

Technical Context

The 74AHCU04BQ implements six identical unbuffered CMOS inverters - each consisting of a single complementary transistor pair - enabling direct use in feedback-based analog functions like crystal oscillation and linear amplification. Its input stage accepts voltages up to 7.0 V regardless of VCC, supporting mixed-voltage interfacing.

No internal level-shifting or Schmitt-trigger hysteresis is present; logic thresholds scale linearly with VCC (VIH ≈ 0.7×VCC, VIL ≈ 0.3×VCC). Propagation delay symmetry (tPLH ≈ tPHL) and low input capacitance (CI = 10 pF max) ensure predictable timing in ring oscillators and clock distribution networks.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DHVQFN14 (SOT762-1) package: 2.5 × 3.0 × 0.85 mm body, no leads, exposed thermal pad (non-soldered by default), 14 terminals in quad arrangement with terminal 1 index area marked.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar unbuffered inverter applications.

Compared with SN74LVC04APWR and 74AHC04BQ, the 74AHCU04BQ,115 uniquely combines input overvoltage tolerance, unbuffered analog usability, and extended thermal range - making it the sole option for crystal oscillator and linear amplifier roles in harsh environments.

Availability

74AHCU04BQ,115 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for crystal oscillator design, industrial signal inversion, level translation, and linear amplifier biasing requiring stable component supply across automotive and extended-temperature applications.

Supply support for 74AHCU04BQ,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 semiconductor expert delivering high-performance logic, discrete, and MOSFET solutions optimized for efficiency, reliability, and miniaturization in industrial, automotive, and consumer systems.

The 74AHCU04 belongs to Nexperia's Advanced High-Speed CMOS (AHC) logic family, designed specifically for applications demanding unbuffered gain, wide supply range, and robust operation in thermally demanding environments.

FAQ

Can the 74AHCU04BQ,115 be used as a linear amplifier?

Yes - its unbuffered CMOS structure allows stable DC biasing into the linear region. With R1 ≥ 3 kΩ and R2 ≤ 1 MΩ, it achieves open-loop gain ~12 and unity-gain bandwidth ~5 MHz. Output swing is limited to VCC − 1.5 V peak-to-peak, centered at 0.5×VCC, as verified in Figure 11 of the datasheet.

What is the function of the exposed thermal pad on the DHVQFN14 package?

The center thermal pad in SOT762-1 has no electrical function and requires no solder connection. If soldered, it must remain electrically floating or be tied to GND to prevent mechanical stress or thermal mismatch. Its primary role is enhancing heat dissipation - improving θJA by ~15% compared to leaded packages.

Does the 74AHCU04BQ,115 support mixed-voltage interfacing?

Yes - inputs accept voltages from -0.5 V to +7.0 V regardless of VCC setting, enabling safe connection to 5 V buses while operating at 3.3 V or 2.5 V. This is confirmed in Table 4 (Limiting Values) and Table 5 (Recommended Operating Conditions) of the datasheet.

How does propagation delay vary with temperature and load capacitance?

At VCC = 5.0 V and CL = 15 pF, tpd is 2.4 ns (typ.), 5.5 ns (max) at 25 °C, and 7.0 ns (max) across -40 °C to +125 °C. With CL = 50 pF, delay increases to 3.5 ns (typ.) and 9.0 ns (max) over full temperature range - data sourced from Table 7, Dynamic Characteristics.