Nexperia USA Inc. 74VHC244PW,118

Overview

74VHC244PW,118 from Nexperia is an octal non-inverting 3-state buffer/line driver in TSSOP20 package, operating from 2.0 V to 5.5 V with CMOS input levels, 5.5 ns typical propagation delay at 5 V/15 pF, and -40 °C to +125 °C temperature range-used for bidirectional bus interfacing in industrial control backplanes.

For engineers reviewing the 74VHC244PW,118 datasheet, 74VHC244PW,118 pinout, 74VHC244PW,118 application, or 74VHC244PW,118 equivalent, key selection criteria include supply voltage compatibility (2.0–5.5 V), 3-state enable timing (t_en ≤ 9.5 ns max at 5 V/50 pF), output drive strength (±8 mA), Schmitt-trigger input noise immunity, and thermal performance in TSSOP20 (10.0 mW/K derating above 100 °C).

Technical Context

This device implements two independent 4-bit non-inverting buffer groups (1A0–1A3 → 1Y0–1Y3 and 2A0–2A3 → 2Y0–2Y3), each controlled by a dedicated active-low 3-state enable input (1OE, 2OE). All inputs feature Schmitt-trigger action for noise rejection on slow or noisy signals.

It operates with true CMOS input thresholds (VIH = 3.85 V min at VCC = 5.5 V; VIL = 1.65 V max), supports input voltages up to 7.0 V independent of VCC, and maintains rail-to-rail output swing (VOH ≥ 3.70 V at IO = −8 mA, VCC = 4.5 V; VOL ≤ 0.55 V at IO = 8 mA).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP20 plastic thin shrink small outline package (SOT360-1), 20-lead, 4.4 mm body width, 0.65 mm pitch, exposed pad not electrically connected.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar octal 3-state buffer applications.

Compared with 74VHC244PW,118, the 74VHCT244PW,118 trades CMOS input compatibility for TTL interoperability, while SN74LVC244APWR offers faster speed at the cost of voltage flexibility and overvoltage resilience-making the 74VHC244PW,118 the only option supporting both 2.0–5.5 V operation and 7.0 V input tolerance.

Availability

74VHC244PW,118 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation backplanes, microcontroller GPIO expansion, legacy bus translation, and test equipment signal conditioning requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.

Supply support for 74VHC244PW,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, analog, and MOSFET solutions optimized for efficiency, reliability, and miniaturization in industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

The 74VHC244 series belongs to Nexperia's high-speed CMOS logic portfolio, designed specifically for robust, low-power bus interfacing in harsh-environment systems requiring wide supply range, noise immunity, and extended temperature operation.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 74VHC244PW,118 in a data bus application?

The 74VHC244PW,118 does not operate on a clock; it is a combinatorial buffer. Its usable data rate depends on propagation delay and load. With t_pd ≤ 7.0 ns (max at 5 V/50 pF) and clean edges, it reliably supports asynchronous parallel bus frequencies up to 25 MHz in well-terminated 50 pF systems, assuming ≥2 ns setup/hold margins.

Can the 74VHC244PW,118 safely interface a 5 V microcontroller to a 3.3 V FPGA without external level shifters?

Yes - its inputs tolerate up to 7.0 V regardless of VCC, so 5 V logic HIGH drives the buffer safely at VCC = 3.3 V. Outputs swing rail-to-rail (VOH ≥ 3.2 V at 3.3 V VCC), meeting 3.3 V FPGA VIH requirements. No level shifter is needed for this unidirectional case.

Is the exposed thermal pad on the TSSOP20 package electrically connected or required to be soldered?

No - the exposed pad in SOT360-1 (TSSOP20) is not electrically connected and has no functional pin assignment. Nexperia specifies it may remain floating or be connected to GND if soldered, but soldering is optional and provides only marginal thermal improvement (derating remains 10.0 mW/K above 100 °C regardless).

How does the Schmitt-trigger input action improve system reliability in industrial settings?

Schmitt-trigger inputs provide ≈0.5 V hysteresis, rejecting noise spikes and slow-rising signals common in factory environments (e.g., relay bounce, motor EMI, long cable ringing). This prevents false triggering on marginal input transitions, ensuring deterministic enable/disable behavior of the 3-state outputs during critical bus arbitration sequences.