NXP Semiconductors 74HCU04PW,112

Overview

74HCU04PW,112 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 74HCU04PW,112 datasheet, 74HCU04PW,112 pinout, 74HCU04PW,112 application, or 74HCU04PW,112 equivalent, key selection criteria include supply voltage range, input clamping capability, propagation delay vs. load capacitance, output drive strength at 5.2 mA, and thermal performance in TSSOP14 packaging for space-constrained industrial control and sensor interface designs.

Technical Context

This device implements six identical unbuffered inverter stages using high-threshold CMOS technology, enabling rail-to-rail input tolerance via integrated clamp diodes and supporting direct interface to signals exceeding VCC when used with current-limiting resistors. Its unbuffered architecture yields symmetrical rise/fall times and low input capacitance (3.5 pF), critical for stable crystal oscillation and analog linear-mode operation.

Dynamic behavior is characterized by propagation delays tightly specified across temperature (6–18 ns at VCC = 6.0 V/CL = 50 pF) and supply voltage (7 ns typical at 4.5 V), with transition times matched to within 1 ns. Power dissipation is minimized via ultra-low ICC (2 μA typical at 6.0 V, no load) and CPD of 10 pF per gate, enabling efficient high-frequency switching in battery-powered systems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP14 (SOT402-1) package: plastic thin shrink small outline, 14-lead, 4.4 mm body width, 0.65 mm lead pitch, 1.05 mm height - optimized for automated assembly and thermal performance in dense PCB layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 74HC04PW,118 and SN74LVC04APW, the 74HCU04PW,112 uniquely combines wide-voltage operation, input clamping, and unbuffered symmetry - making it the only choice for crystal oscillators and analog amplifier use cases requiring rail-tolerant inputs and minimal phase distortion.

Availability

74HCU04PW,112 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control panels, automotive body electronics, and sensor interface modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for 74HCU04PW,112 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, reliable discrete, logic, and MOSFET devices with leadership in efficiency, miniaturization, and robustness for industrial and automotive markets.

The 74HCU04 belongs to Nexperia's HCU logic family - engineered specifically for unbuffered, low-capacitance, high-noise-immunity applications including oscillator circuits, analog biasing, and precision timing where signal fidelity and voltage flexibility are critical.

FAQ

Can the 74HCU04PW,112 be used as a linear amplifier?

Yes - by biasing a single inverter with feedback resistors (R1 ≥ 3 kΩ, R2 ≤ 1 MΩ), it operates in its linear region with typical open-loop gain of 20 and unity-gain bandwidth of 5 MHz. The unbuffered architecture and low input capacitance (3.5 pF) ensure stable amplification of low-frequency sensor signals without oscillation.

What is the maximum frequency for a crystal oscillator using this device?

Based on typical transfer characteristics and application data, the 74HCU04PW,112 reliably sustains Pierce oscillator operation up to 1 MHz with standard AT-cut crystals. Performance beyond 1 MHz depends on crystal ESR, load capacitance matching, and PCB layout - design validation is required for frequencies above 500 kHz.

Does the TSSOP14 package require special thermal considerations?

Yes - the SOT402-1 package derates total power dissipation linearly at 7.3 mW/K above +81 °C. At 125 °C ambient, usable power drops to ~175 mW. For continuous high-load operation, use thermal vias under the exposed pad (if present) and maintain copper area ≥ 100 mm² for heatsinking.

How does input clamping affect interfacing with 12 V sensors?

Clamp diodes allow safe interface to 12 V signals when paired with a series current-limiting resistor: for VI = 12 V and VCC = 5 V, a 330 Ω resistor limits IIK to ~21 mA, staying within the ±20 mA absolute max rating. Exceeding this risks permanent damage - always verify resistor value using worst-case VI and VCC tolerances.