Renesas 74HC241FPVEL-E

Overview

74HC241FPVEL-E from Renesas Electronics is an octal noninverting buffer/line driver with dual 3-state enable controls (1G active-low, 2G active-high), operating from 2 V to 6 V supply, delivering ±7.8 mA output drive at VCC = 4.5 V, and featuring 11 ns typical propagation delay (CL = 50 pF). It serves as a bidirectional bus interface or data isolation element in industrial control backplanes and digital I/O expansion modules.

For engineers reviewing the 74HC241FPVEL-E datasheet, 74HC241FPVEL-E pinout, 74HC241FPVEL-E application, or 74HC241FPVEL-E equivalent, key selection criteria include independent 4-bit group enable logic, high fanout (15 LSTTL loads), low static ICC (4 µA max), and SOP-20 JEITA package compatibility with legacy HC-series board layouts.

Technical Context

The 74HC241FPVEL-E implements two independent 4-bit buffer groups, each controlled by its own enable signal: 1G (active-low) governs outputs Y1–Y4, while 2G (active-high) governs outputs Y1–Y4 - enabling selective tri-state control of either half of the octal output bank. No Schmitt-trigger inputs are included, requiring clean CMOS-level input transitions.

Its logic behavior follows standard HC-series voltage thresholds: VIH ≥ 3.15 V (VCC = 4.5 V), VIL ≤ 1.35 V (VCC = 4.5 V), with guaranteed VOL ≤ 0.26 V and VOH ≥ 4.18 V under 6 mA load. Output disable timing (tHZ, tLZ) is specified up to 38 ns over –40°C to +85°C, supporting reliable bus arbitration in synchronous digital systems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOP-20 package (JEITA PRSP0020DD-B, Renesas code FP-20DAV), 12.6 mm × 7.5 mm body, 1.27 mm pitch, gull-wing leads, Ni/Pd/Au plating.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74HC241N and 74HCT241PW, the 74HC241FPVEL-E offers superior thermal performance in surface-mount layouts and optimal noise immunity for modern 3.3 V/5 V hybrid systems - making it the preferred choice for volume industrial PCB assembly where reliability and density matter.

Availability

74HC241FPVEL-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial I/O expansion, microcontroller bus interfacing, and automated test fixture control requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and JEDEC-compliant SOP-20 sourcing.

Supply support for 74HC241FPVEL-E 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

Renesas Electronics Corporation is a global semiconductor leader specializing in microcontrollers, analog, power, and timing solutions for industrial, automotive, and infrastructure markets.

The HD74HC241 product line delivers robust, pin-compatible HC-series logic buffers optimized for noise-immune industrial control, factory automation, and programmable logic interface applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency supported by the 74HC241FPVEL-E?

The 74HC241FPVEL-E does not specify a maximum clock frequency, but its 12 ns typical propagation delay (VCC = 4.5 V, CL = 50 pF) supports reliable operation in digital paths up to approximately 25 MHz for single-edge data transfer. System-level timing must account for enable-to-output delays (tZH, tLZ ≤ 38 ns) and output rise/fall times (tTLH/tTHL ≤ 13 ns).

Does the 74HC241FPVEL-E support mixed-voltage operation between 3.3 V and 5 V domains?

Yes, the 74HC241FPVEL-E operates across 2 V to 6 V, allowing direct interface between 3.3 V controllers and 5 V peripherals. Its VIH threshold (3.15 V min at VCC = 4.5 V) ensures reliable recognition of 3.3 V logic-high signals, and its output VOH (≥4.18 V at 6 mA) meets 5 V TTL/CMOS input requirements.

How are the dual enable inputs (1G and 2G) intended to be used in practice?

The 74HC241FPVEL-E uses 1G (active-low) and 2G (active-high) to provide flexible, independent control of the same Y1–Y4 outputs. For example, 1G can be tied to a system reset signal (low-active), while 2G connects to a processor-controlled GPIO - enabling hardware-safe default disable and software-selectable activation without additional logic gates.

Is the 74HC241FPVEL-E pin-compatible with other HC-series octal buffers like the 74HC244 or 74HC240?

No, the 74HC241FPVEL-E has a unique pinout optimized for dual-enable operation and shared outputs. It is not pin-compatible with 74HC244 (single-enable, noninverting) or 74HC240 (inverting, single-enable). The 74HC241FPVEL-E requires its specific SOP-20 layout - verified via Renesas' FP-20DAV mechanical drawing and pin arrangement diagram.

What is the thermal performance of the 74HC241FPVEL-E in continuous operation?

The 74HC241FPVEL-E in SOP-20 (FP-20DAV) has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (θJA) of 55°C/W. At maximum rated power dissipation (500 mW) and 25°C ambient, junction temperature reaches ~52.5°C - well within safe limits. Derating is recommended above 70°C ambient per Renesas' recommended operating conditions.