onsemi 74VHCU04MX

Overview

74VHCU04MX from ON Semiconductor is a hex inverter IC fabricated in advanced high-speed CMOS silicon-gate technology, delivering 3.5ns typical propagation delay at 5V, 2µA max quiescent current at 25°C, and input voltage tolerance up to 7V - enabling robust 5V-to-3V level translation and crystal oscillator use.

For engineers reviewing the 74VHCU04MX datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this device is selected for low-noise digital inversion in mixed-voltage systems, battery-backed interfaces, and timing circuits where single-stage inverter linearity and power-down input protection are critical.

Technical Context

The 74VHCU04MX implements six independent single-stage CMOS inverters with no internal logic hierarchy - enabling analog use in Pierce oscillators and eliminating propagation skew between channels. Its input protection circuit allows safe operation with VIN = 0–7V regardless of VCC (2.0–5.5V), supporting hot-swap and dual-supply interface scenarios.

All inputs feature power-down protection and 28% VCC minimum noise immunity (VIH/VIL thresholds defined as 0.8×VCC and 0.2×VCC). Output drive capability is ±8mA at 4.5V, with VOLP ≤ 0.8V and VOLV ≥ –0.8V under 50pF dynamic load, ensuring signal integrity in high-speed routing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

74VHCU04MX is supplied in a 14-lead TSSOP package (JEDEC MO-153, 4.4mm wide), lead-free per J-STD-020B. Pinout follows standard 74-series configuration with six inverter pairs and dual supply pins.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74LVC04APW and MC74VHC04DT, the 74VHCU04MX uniquely combines 7V input tolerance, sub-4ns speed, and <2µA quiescent current - making it the only option for mixed-supply oscillators and zero-VCC hot-swap interfaces.

Availability

74VHCU04MX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control logic, crystal oscillator circuits, battery backup systems, and level translation interfaces requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for 74VHCU04MX 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, analog, sensor, and logic solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud computing, and consumer applications.

The 74VHCU04MX belongs to ON Semiconductor's legacy VHCU logic family - designed specifically for high-speed, low-power, mixed-voltage digital interfacing and analog timing applications where input overvoltage resilience and single-stage linearity are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for the 74VHCU04MX?

The 74VHCU04MX supports DC input voltages from –0.5V to +7.0V, independent of VCC level. This overvoltage tolerance allows safe connection to 3.3V, 5V, or 7V signal sources even when VCC is unpowered or at a lower voltage - a key enabler for battery backup and hot-swap applications. The 74VHCU04MX input protection circuit prevents latch-up or damage under these conditions.

Can the 74VHCU04MX be used in a crystal oscillator circuit?

Yes, the 74VHCU04MX is explicitly designed for crystal oscillator use due to its single-stage inverter architecture, which provides clean 180° phase inversion and sufficient gain. Its input protection and rail-to-rail output swing ensure reliable startup and sustained oscillation across –40°C to +85°C. The 74VHCU04MX requires no external bias resistors in standard Pierce configurations.

Is the 74VHCU04MX pin-compatible with the 74HCU04?

Yes, the 74VHCU04MX is pin and function compatible with the 74HCU04, as confirmed in the Fairchild datasheet Rev. 1.4.0. Both devices share identical 14-pin TSSOP/SOIC pinouts, truth table behavior, and functional logic - allowing direct substitution in existing 74HCU04 designs while delivering improved speed (3.5ns vs. ~6ns) and lower ICC (<2µA vs. ~5µA).

What is the recommended operating voltage range for the 74VHCU04MX?

The 74VHCU04MX is specified to operate across VCC = 2.0V to +5.5V. Within this range, VIH and VIL thresholds scale proportionally (0.8×VCC and 0.2×VCC), ensuring consistent noise immunity. Performance parameters such as tPD and output drive are characterized at 3.3V and 5.0V, with full functionality maintained down to 2.0V - supporting ultra-low-voltage portable designs.

Does the 74VHCU04MX require external pull-up or pull-down resistors on unused inputs?

Yes, unused inputs on the 74VHCU04MX must be externally held HIGH or LOW - they must never be left floating. This requirement is explicitly stated in the Recommended Operating Conditions table (Note 1) to prevent increased ICC, erratic switching, or localized heating. The 74VHCU04MX does not include internal weak pull-ups or pull-downs, so discrete resistors (e.g., 10kΩ to VCC or GND) are necessary for unconnected inputs.