Texas Instruments CD4050BEE4

Overview

CD4050BEE4 from Texas Instruments is a noninverting hex buffer IC designed for CMOS-to-TTL/DTL logic-level conversion and high-current sinking in single-supply systems. It operates from 3V to 18V, delivers ≥3.2 mA sink current at VCC = 5V and TA = 25°C, exhibits ≤0.05 V output low voltage, and supports −55°C to +125°C industrial temperature range - used in voltage translation interfaces for microcontroller I/O expansion and legacy bus interfacing.

For engineers reviewing the CD4050BEE4 datasheet, CD4050BEE4 pinout, CD4050BEE4 application, or CD4050BEE4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its noninverting logic function, 16-pin PDIP package with NC pins at 13 and 16, input voltage tolerance exceeding VCC (VIH up to 12.5 V at VCC = 15 V), and verified drive capability for two TTL loads without level-shifting circuitry.

Technical Context

The CD4050BEE4 implements six independent noninverting buffer stages in a single monolithic CMOS die, each with symmetrical output drive strength and rail-to-rail voltage transfer characteristics. Its input structure allows VIH > VCC (e.g., 12.5 V input with 15 V supply), enabling direct high-voltage signal conditioning into standard 5 V logic domains.

It features low quiescent current (≤0.02 µA typical at 25°C, ≤30 µA max at 125°C under VCC = 5 V), input leakage ≤1 µA over full temperature range at 18 V, and propagation delays of 70–140 ns (tPLH) and 55–110 ns (tPHL) at 5 V supply - optimized for robust noise immunity and stable operation in mixed-voltage industrial control backplanes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

CD4050BEE4 uses a 16-pin plastic dual in-line package (PDIP-N), 6.35 mm × 19.30 mm footprint, with 2.54 mm lead pitch. Pins 13 and 16 are internally unconnected (NC); VCC (pin 1) and VSS (pin 8) are dedicated power rails.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar noninverting buffer applications.

Compared with CD4050BE and MC74HC06AD, CD4050BEE4 uniquely combines RoHS compliance, 3–18 V operation, noninverting logic, and VIH > VCC capability - making it the only option for robust, mixed-voltage, production-ready level translation without redesign.

Availability

CD4050BEE4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial bus interface, microcontroller I/O expansion, legacy system integration, and high-voltage sensor conditioning requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and voltage ranges.

Supply support for CD4050BEE4 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

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader delivering analog and embedded processing solutions, with over 90 years of innovation in precision analog, power management, and logic ICs.

The CD4050BEE4 belongs to TI's legacy CMOS logic family, engineered for high-voltage interoperability, wide temperature resilience, and direct TTL/DTL load driving - targeting industrial control, automotive subsystems, and ruggedized instrumentation.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage allowed on CD4050BEE4 inputs when VCC = 5 V?

The CD4050BEE4 supports input voltages exceeding VCC. At VCC = 5 V, the minimum input high voltage (VIH) is 3.5 V, and the absolute maximum input voltage is 20 V per Absolute Maximum Ratings. However, sustained operation above VCC risks forward-biasing internal clamp diodes; for reliable long-term use, keep inputs ≤VCC + 0.3 V unless explicitly using the device for level translation per datasheet Figure 6-4. The CD4050BEE4 is rated for VIH = 11 V at VCC = 15 V, confirming its high-voltage translation capability.

Does CD4050BEE4 require external pull-up resistors on its outputs?

No, CD4050BEE4 does not require external pull-up resistors. Its CMOS totem-pole output stage provides active high and low drive: VOH ≥ 4.95 V and VOL ≤ 0.05 V at VCC = 5 V, meeting TTL and CMOS logic thresholds directly. Pull-ups are unnecessary unless driving open-drain or wired-OR buses - a configuration not supported by the CD4050BEE4's push-pull architecture. The CD4050BEE4 is designed for direct fanout to standard logic inputs.

Can CD4050BEE4 drive two TTL loads simultaneously on a single output?

Yes, CD4050BEE4 is explicitly characterized to drive two standard TTL loads per output. At VCC = 5 V and TA = 25°C, its output sink current (IOL) is ≥3.2 mA, exceeding the −1.6 mA per input requirement of LS-TTL (total −3.2 mA). The datasheet confirms this capability in Section 3 ("can drive directly two DTL or TTL loads") and Section 5.3 (IOL = 3.2–6.4 mA). This makes CD4050BEE4 suitable for direct TTL interfacing without additional current buffers.

What is the thermal resistance (RθJA) of CD4050BEE4 in its PDIP package?

The CD4050BEE4 in the 16-pin PDIP (N) package has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 49.5°C/W, as specified in Section 5.4 of the datasheet. This value assumes standard JEDEC test conditions (single-layer board, 1 in² copper pad). For continuous operation at maximum ratings (e.g., 18 V, 125°C ambient), power dissipation must remain below ~100 mW per device to limit junction temperature to 150°C. Derating is recommended above 70°C ambient.

Are pins 13 and 16 on CD4050BEE4 functional or should they be left unconnected?

Pins 13 and 16 on CD4050BEE4 are No Connect (NC) terminals - internally unconnected and functionally inert. The datasheet states "Pin 16 (NC) is not connected internally… connection to this terminal is of no consequence." They may be left floating, grounded, or tied to VCC without affecting CD4050BEE4 operation, reliability, or specifications. This NC designation applies identically to all CD4050B variants including CD4050BEE4.