Nexperia USA Inc. 74LVCU04ABQ,115

Overview

74LVCU04ABQ,115 from Nexperia is a hex unbuffered inverter IC operating from 1.2 V to 3.6 V supply, with 5.5 V-tolerant inputs enabling level translation between 3.3 V and 5 V systems. It delivers 2.0 ns typical propagation delay at 3.3 V, supports −40 °C to +125 °C operation, and features 8.4 pF power dissipation capacitance for low dynamic power in clock buffering and oscillator circuits.

For engineers reviewing the 74LVCU04ABQ,115 datasheet, 74LVCU04ABQ,115 pinout, 74LVCU04ABQ,115 application, or 74LVCU04ABQ,115 equivalent, key selection criteria include input voltage tolerance (up to 5.5 V), unbuffered inverter architecture for linear amplifier use, DHVQFN14 thermal performance, and JEDEC-compliant ESD robustness (HBM >2000 V, CDM >1000 V).

Technical Context

The 74LVCU04ABQ implements six independent CMOS unbuffered inverters-each consisting of a single pair of complementary MOSFETs without internal buffering stages-enabling direct use as gain elements in crystal oscillators and astable multivibrators. Its rail-to-rail output swing and sub-1.0 ns output skew support precise timing edge generation across all six channels.

Input clamping diodes allow safe interfacing with 5 V logic while powered from 1.2–3.6 V supplies; static characteristics guarantee VIH ≥ 2.4 V and VIL ≤ 1.2 V at VCC = 3.6 V, and dynamic behavior is characterized with 30–50 pF loads and 500–1 kΩ termination per test standard IEC 60134.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DHVQFN14 package (SOT762-1): 2.5 mm × 3.0 mm × 0.85 mm body, thermally enhanced exposed pad (non-soldered by default), 14 terminals, leadless quad flat construction optimized for high-density PCB layouts and improved thermal resistance (9.6 mW/K derating above 98 °C).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74LVC1G04DBVR and 74LVC2G04DCUR, the 74LVCU04ABQ,115 uniquely integrates six 5.5 V-tolerant unbuffered inverters in a thermally enhanced 2.5×3 mm QFN, enabling compact oscillator designs and eliminating inter-package skew in multi-channel timing systems.

Availability

74LVCU04ABQ,115 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for crystal oscillator circuits, digital level translation interfaces, linear amplifier stages, and astable multivibrator timing generators requiring stable component supply across industrial, computing, and communications end markets.

Supply support for 74LVCU04ABQ,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, analog, and MOSFET solutions with focus on efficiency, reliability, and miniaturization for industrial and consumer electronics.

The 74LVCU04A belongs to Nexperia's LVC logic family, engineered specifically for low-voltage mixed-signal interfacing and unbuffered analog-digital hybrid applications such as crystal oscillators and linear amplifiers.

FAQ

Can the 74LVCU04ABQ,115 be used as a linear amplifier?

Yes. When DC-biased with external resistors (R1 ≥ 3 kΩ, R2 ≤ 1 MΩ), it operates in its linear region with typical voltage gain of 20 and unity-gain bandwidth of 5 MHz. The output swing is VCC − 1.5 V centered at 0.5×VCC, and the device maintains stability with ZL > 10 kΩ load impedance per application note Fig. 8.

What is the maximum clock frequency achievable using this device in an oscillator?

While not a clock generator IC, the 74LVCU04ABQ,115 enables crystal oscillator designs up to ~20 MHz with standard AT-cut fundamental-mode crystals. Its 2.0 ns typical propagation delay and <1.0 ns output skew ensure stable startup and low-jitter operation when paired with appropriate load capacitors (C1 = 47 pF, C2 = 22 pF) and bias resistor values.

Is the exposed thermal pad on the DHVQFN14 package required to be soldered?

No. The exposed pad (terminal 7 in SOT762-1 outline) has no electrical function and requires no solder connection. If soldered, it must remain electrically floating or be tied to GND; doing so improves thermal resistance by ~15% but is optional per datasheet note (1) in Section 5.1.

Does this part support 1.2 V operation with guaranteed timing performance?

Yes. The datasheet specifies tpd = 6.0 ns (typ) at VCC = 1.2 V across −40 °C to +85 °C, and static parameters including VIH, VIL, VOH, and VOL are fully characterized down to 1.2 V. All six inverters maintain functional integrity and skew <1.5 ns at this minimum supply.