NXP Semiconductors 74HC4049DB,118

Overview

74HC4049DB,118 from Nexperia is a hex inverting HIGH-to-LOW level shifter with overvoltage-tolerant inputs rated to 15 V, operating across 2.0 V–6.0 V supply, delivering 6 independent CMOS inverters for bidirectional voltage translation between higher input and lower output domains - used in legacy bus interfacing, microcontroller GPIO expansion, and mixed-voltage sensor signal conditioning.

For engineers reviewing the 74HC4049DB,118 datasheet, 74HC4049DB,118 pinout, 74HC4049DB,118 application, or 74HC4049DB,118 equivalent, key selection criteria include input overvoltage tolerance (15 V), guaranteed operation at -40 °C to +125 °C, propagation delay ≤22 ns at 6.0 V, VIH/VIL thresholds scalable with VCC, and SO16 package compatibility with standard 0.050" pitch PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The 74HC4049DB,118 implements six independent CMOS inverter stages, each with diode-clamped inputs enabling safe operation when VI exceeds VCC - critical for translating 5 V or 12 V logic signals down to 3.3 V or 2.5 V microcontroller I/O. Its input clamping structure (VIK = -0.5 V to +16 V) and low input leakage (<±5.0 μA at VI = 15 V) ensure robustness against voltage transients without external protection.

It operates under JEDEC JESD7A compliance (2.0 V–6.0 V), supports full industrial temperature range (-40 °C to +125 °C), and maintains defined VOH/VOL performance (e.g., VOH ≥ 5.2 V at IO = -5.2 mA, VCC = 6.0 V) while dissipating ≤500 mW in SO16 packaging with linear derating above 110 °C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

74HC4049DB,118 is housed in a plastic small outline package (SO16, SOT109-1) with 16 leads, 3.9 mm body width, and standard 0.050" (1.27 mm) lead pitch - compatible with automated pick-and-place and reflow soldering per IPC-7351B.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar hex inverting level shifting applications.

Compared with SN74LVX4049M and 74LVC4049PW,118, the 74HC4049DB,118 uniquely combines 15 V input tolerance, -40 °C to +125 °C qualification, and SO16 thermal performance - making it the sole choice for ruggedized mixed-voltage industrial control interfaces requiring long-term reliability without derating.

Availability

74HC4049DB,118 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial bus interface, microcontroller GPIO expansion, and legacy system integration requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and multi-decade product lifecycles.

Supply support for 74HC4049DB,118 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 specializing in high-performance, energy-efficient logic, analog, and MOSFET devices - founded in 2017 as a spin-off from NXP, now serving automotive, industrial, and computing markets with ISO/TS 16949-certified manufacturing.

The 74HC4049DB,118 belongs to Nexperia's 74HC logic family, engineered for robust voltage translation in harsh environments - designed specifically to replace obsolete 4000-series CMOS and simplify mixed-rail interconnect in industrial automation and infrastructure equipment.

FAQ

Can 74HC4049DB,118 translate signals from 3.3 V to 5 V?

No - the 74HC4049DB,118 is a HIGH-to-LOW level shifter only: inputs tolerate up to 15 V, but outputs swing only from GND to VCC. To shift 3.3 V logic up to 5 V, a dedicated bidirectional translator (e.g., TXS0108E) or discrete MOSFET circuit is required. Its architecture lacks active pull-up beyond VCC.

Is pin 13 (n.c.) required to be grounded?

No - pin 13 is internally unconnected and must remain floating or be left unpopulated; tying it to GND or VCC introduces no functional benefit and risks unintended coupling in high-frequency layouts. The datasheet explicitly defines it as "not connected" with no bonding wire attached.

What is the maximum capacitive load supported at 6.0 V supply?

The device is characterized with CL = 50 pF in dynamic testing (Table 7), and CPD = 14 pF confirms typical dynamic loading. For reliable operation, total load capacitance (including trace, probe, and input capacitance of driven devices) should not exceed 75 pF at 6.0 V to maintain tpd ≤22 ns and avoid excessive rise/fall time degradation.

Does 74HC4049DB,118 support hot-swap insertion?

Yes - its JESD78 Class II Level B latch-up immunity (>100 mA) and input clamping (VIK = -0.5 V to +16 V) allow safe insertion into live backplanes. However, VCC must be sequenced before applying input signals, and GND should make first contact per IEC 61000-4-2 guidelines to prevent transient overstress on unprotected pins.