onsemi 74VHC541SJX

Overview

74VHC541SJX from ON Semiconductor is an octal non-inverting buffer/line driver with 3-STATE outputs, designed for memory and address bus driving, clock distribution, and microprocessor I/O port interfacing. It operates from 2.0 V to 5.5 V, delivers 3.5 ns typical propagation delay at 5 V, supports ±25 mA output drive, and features flow-through pinout (inputs on one side, outputs on the other) for optimized PCB layout density.

For engineers reviewing the 74VHC541SJX datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include 3-STATE enable control timing (tPZL/tPLZ), input voltage tolerance up to 7 V independent of VCC, low ICC (4 µA max), and compatibility with both 3 V and 5 V logic systems in mixed-supply environments.

Technical Context

The 74VHC541SJX implements dual 3-STATE enable inputs (OE1, OE2) controlling eight independent non-inverting buffers - enabling full-bus or half-bus gating. Its silicon gate CMOS process achieves TTL-compatible speed with CMOS power efficiency, and its input protection circuit allows safe 0 V–7 V input voltage regardless of VCC level.

This device uses a flow-through architecture: inputs I0–I7 are on pins 1–8 and 19–20, while outputs O0–O7 occupy pins 11–18 - eliminating layer crossover in high-density layouts. It is functionally identical to 74HC541 but with enhanced noise immunity (28% VCC min) and wider supply range (2.0–5.5 V).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Pb-Free 20-Lead Small Outline Package (SOP), EIAJ TYPE II, 5.3 mm wide (Package Number M20D). Pin pitch: 0.65 mm. Body width: 5.3 mm. Standard JEDEC-compliant footprint.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar octal buffer/line driver applications.

Compared with 74VHC541SJX, 74VHC244SJX offers identical electrical performance and drop-in compatibility, whereas SN74LVC541APWR trades input voltage robustness for lower voltage operation and marginally lower static power - making the former ideal for design continuity and the latter suitable only in strictly 3.3 V ecosystems.

Availability

74VHC541SJX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for memory address buffering, microprocessor I/O expansion, industrial bus interfacing, and legacy voltage translation requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for 74VHC541SJX 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

ON Semiconductor is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in energy-efficient power management, analog, logic, and discrete devices for automotive, industrial, cloud computing, and IoT applications.

The 74VHC541SJX belongs to the advanced VHC (Very High Speed CMOS) logic family, engineered for high-speed digital interfacing in mixed-voltage systems where low power, noise immunity, and robust input tolerance are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for the 74VHC541SJX, and does it depend on VCC?

The 74VHC541SJX supports DC input voltages from 0 V to 7.0 V on all input pins, independent of the VCC supply level. This is enabled by an integrated input protection circuit that prevents damage or latch-up even when inputs exceed VCC - a key feature for interfacing 5 V peripherals with 3.3 V microcontrollers. This specification is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range (−40 °C to +85 °C) and is explicitly defined in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table of the Fairchild/ON Semiconductor datasheet DS011639.

Does the 74VHC541SJX support true bidirectional data flow?

No, the 74VHC541SJX is a unidirectional octal non-inverting buffer with 3-STATE outputs - it does not support automatic direction control or internal feedback paths. Data flows only from inputs I0–I7 to outputs O0–O7. Bidirectional operation requires external control logic (e.g., separate transmit/receive enable signals) and complementary devices like transceivers. The 74VHC541SJX is intended for address, clock, or control line buffering where direction is fixed or managed externally.

What is the recommended PCB footprint for the 74VHC541SJX, and is it compatible with standard SOP-20 reflow profiles?

The 74VHC541SJX uses the Pb-Free 20-Lead Small Outline Package (SOP), EIAJ TYPE II, 5.3 mm wide (Package Number M20D), with 0.65 mm pin pitch. Its footprint matches JEDEC MS-013A and IPC-7351B standards for SOIC-20W. It is fully compatible with standard lead-free reflow profiles (peak temperature ≤ 260 °C for 10 seconds), as confirmed in the "Physical Dimensions" section and packaging notes of DS011639. Thermal pad is not required.

How does the dual 3-STATE enable (OE1 and OE2) function in the 74VHC541SJX?

In the 74VHC541SJX, OE1 (pin 10) controls outputs O0–O3, and OE2 (pin 19) controls outputs O4–O7. Both are active-low: when either is HIGH, its associated outputs enter high-impedance state. This allows independent gating of upper and lower nibbles - for example, enabling O0–O3 during address phase and O4–O7 during data phase in time-multiplexed buses. The truth table in DS011639 confirms this split-enable behavior under all input combinations.

Is the 74VHC541SJX pin-compatible with the older 74HC541 series?

Yes, the 74VHC541SJX is pin- and function-compatible with the 74HC541, including identical pin assignments, logic behavior, and AC/DC specifications. The VHC family improves upon HC with faster propagation delay (3.5 ns vs ~8 ns typical), tighter skew, and enhanced noise immunity - but retains full mechanical and electrical interoperability. This compatibility is explicitly stated in the "Features" section of DS011639 and validated across all package variants (SOIC, SOP, TSSOP, PDIP).