STMicroelectronics 74VHC594MTR

Overview

74VHC594MTR from STMicroelectronics is a high-speed CMOS 8-bit serial-in, parallel-out shift register with separate storage register and dual asynchronous clears. It features tPD = 4.2 ns (typ. at VCC = 5 V), 2 V to 5.5 V operating range, 8 mA output drive, 2 kV ESD immunity, and pin/function compatibility with standard 74-series 594. Used in LED matrix drivers and digital control interfaces where cascaded data latching is required.

For engineers reviewing the 74VHC594MTR datasheet, 74VHC594MTR pinout, 74VHC594MTR application, or 74VHC594MTR equivalent, key selection criteria include propagation delay symmetry (tPLH ≅ tPHL), independent shift/storage clocks (SCK/RCK), power-down input protection (0–7 V tolerant), and guaranteed 8 mA output sink/source capability across temperature.

Technical Context

The 74VHC594 integrates two synchronized but independently clocked registers: an 8-bit shift register accepting serial data (SI) on SCK rising edges, and an 8-bit D-type storage register loaded on RCK rising edges. Both registers support asynchronous active-low clears (SCLR, RCLR), enabling precise state reset without clock dependency.

Its QH' serial output enables daisy-chaining multiple devices, while symmetrical output impedance (|IOH| = IOL = 8 mA min) ensures consistent rise/fall times and noise margin. Input voltage tolerance up to 7 V-exceeding VCC-allows safe 5 V-to-3 V level translation without external circuitry.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

74VHC594MTR is supplied in SO-16 (Small Outline Integrated Circuit, 150 mil width) package per JEDEC MS-012, with gull-wing leads and 1.27 mm pitch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 8-bit serial-in/parallel-out shift register with storage applications.

Compared with SN74HC595DR and 74LV595PW, the 74VHC594MTR uniquely supports independent register control, 7 V input tolerance, and extended temperature operation-making it the only choice for robust, pipelined, mixed-voltage industrial and automotive applications.

Availability

74VHC594MTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED display drivers, industrial PLC I/O expansion, automotive dashboard clusters, and test equipment pattern generation requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for 74VHC594MTR 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

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing analog, digital, and mixed-signal ICs for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The 74VHC594 belongs to ST's high-speed CMOS logic family, engineered for low-power, high-noise-immunity digital interfacing in harsh environments-especially where signal integrity, voltage translation, and thermal reliability are critical.

FAQ

Can 74VHC594MTR operate reliably at 3.3 V with 5 V-tolerant inputs?

Yes. The device operates across 2 V to 5.5 V and accepts input voltages up to 7 V regardless of VCC. At 3.3 V supply, VIH is guaranteed at 0.7 × VCC (≥2.31 V), and inputs tolerate 5 V logic levels safely-enabling direct connection to 5 V microcontrollers without level shifters.

What is the functional difference between SCK and RCK?

SCK clocks data into the 8-bit shift register on each rising edge, shifting existing bits left and loading SI into the first stage. RCK transfers the entire 8-bit shift register content to the storage register on its rising edge, updating QA–QH outputs. This separation enables pipelined operation-new data shifts in while prior data remains latched on outputs.

Does 74VHC594MTR support daisy-chaining for more than 8 output bits?

Yes. The QH' (inverted QH) output provides a serial path to feed SI of the next 74VHC594 in chain. With proper synchronization of SCK and RCK across all stages, arbitrary-length shift-register chains can be built-commonly used in large LED displays and programmable logic controllers.

Is the 74VHC594MTR pin-compatible with older 74LS594 or 74HC594?

It is functionally and pin-compatible with 74HC594, sharing identical pinout, logic behavior, and truth table. However, it is not compatible with 74LS594 due to different electrical characteristics (TTL vs. CMOS input thresholds, drive strength, and supply range). Always verify VIL/VIH and fan-out requirements in mixed-logic designs.