NXP Semiconductors 74HCU04DB,118

Overview

74HCU04DB,118 from Nexperia is a hex unbuffered CMOS inverter IC operating from 2.0 V to 6.0 V, featuring six independent inverting gates with clamp diodes on all inputs for overvoltage-tolerant interfacing, balanced propagation delays (6 ns typical at 6.0 V/50 pF), and operation across –40 °C to +125 °C - used in crystal oscillator circuits, linear amplifier biasing, and astable multivibrator timing networks.

For engineers reviewing the 74HCU04DB,118 datasheet, 74HCU04DB,118 pinout, 74HCU04DB,118 application, or 74HCU04DB,118 equivalent, key selection criteria include supply voltage range (2.0–6.0 V), input clamping capability, propagation delay vs. load capacitance, thermal performance in SO14 packaging, and compatibility with unbuffered logic design requirements for analog-digital hybrid functions.

Technical Context

This device implements six independent unbuffered CMOS inverters using complementary transistor pairs without internal buffering stages, enabling direct use as analog gain elements or high-impedance oscillation nodes. Input clamp diodes allow safe interface to signals exceeding VCC when current-limited.

Its unbuffered architecture yields symmetrical rise/fall times (6–19 ns depending on VCC and CL), low static ICC (≤2 μA at 25 °C), and high noise immunity (VIH ≥ 3.6 V at VCC = 4.5 V). It complies with JEDEC JESD7A (2.0–6.0 V) and JESD8C (2.7–3.6 V) standards.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

74HCU04DB,118 is packaged in SO14 (SOT108-1): plastic small outline, 14-lead, 3.9 mm body width, with gull-wing leads and pin 1 index marker.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 74HC04D,653 and SN74LVC1G04DBVR, the 74HCU04DB,118 uniquely supports analog oscillator design and overvoltage-tolerant interfacing due to its unbuffered structure and integrated input clamps - making it irreplaceable in crystal-based timing and linear bias applications despite lower drive current.

Availability

74HCU04DB,118 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for crystal oscillator design, linear amplifier biasing, and astable multivibrator timing networks requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges.

Supply support for 74HCU04DB,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 delivering high-performance logic, discrete, and MOSFET solutions optimized for efficiency, reliability, and manufacturability in high-volume applications.

The 74HCU04 belongs to Nexperia's HC logic family designed specifically for unbuffered operation in analog-digital hybrid circuits - emphasizing oscillator stability, low quiescent power, and robustness in harsh electrical environments.

FAQ

Can the 74HCU04DB,118 be used as a linear amplifier?

Yes - its unbuffered CMOS structure allows DC biasing into the linear region using high-value feedback resistors (e.g., R1 = 1 MΩ, R2 = 10 kΩ). At VCC = 6.0 V, it delivers ~20× open-loop gain and 5 MHz unity-gain bandwidth, as confirmed in Figure 13 of the datasheet. Operation requires careful thermal management and stable decoupling.

What is the maximum frequency for crystal oscillator use?

The 74HCU04DB,118 supports crystal oscillator operation up to 600 kHz, as validated in Table 8 and Figure 14. For frequencies above 200 kHz, recommended external components include R1 = 10 MΩ, R2 = 47 kΩ, C1 = 47 pF, and C2 = 5 pF. Stability improves with tighter CL tolerance and low-ESR crystals.

Does this part have built-in ESD protection?

Yes - it meets ANSI/ESDA/JEDEC JS-001 Class 2 (HBM >2000 V) and JS-002 Class C3 (CDM >1000 V) standards. This eliminates the need for external TVS diodes in most board-level ESD scenarios, though layout best practices (short traces, ground stitching) remain essential.

Is the 74HCU04DB,118 automotive-qualified?

No - per Nexperia's legal disclaimers (Section 16), this device is explicitly labeled "non-automotive qualified" and has not undergone AEC-Q100 stress testing. It is rated for industrial use (–40 °C to +125 °C), but system-level qualification for automotive applications requires additional customer validation and risk assumption.