Texas Instruments CD74AC541SM96

Overview

CD74AC541SM96 from Texas Instruments is a non-inverting octal buffer/line driver with 3-state outputs and dual active-low output enables, fabricated in advanced CMOS technology. It operates from 1.5 V to 5.5 V, delivers ±24 mA output drive per pin, supports 50-Ω transmission-line driving, and is rated for −55°C to +125°C operation in SSOP-20 package - used in industrial bus interface and memory address/data buffering.

For engineers reviewing the CD74AC541SM96 datasheet, CD74AC541SM96 pinout, CD74AC541SM96 application, or CD74AC541SM96 equivalent, key selection criteria include supply voltage range (1.5–5.5 V), 3-state enable timing (tPZL/tPLZ ≤ 15 ns at 5 V), output drive strength (±24 mA), thermal performance (RθJA = 101.2°C/W), and SSOP-20 footprint compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The CD74AC541SM96 implements eight independent non-inverting buffers, each with output controlled by two active-low enable inputs (OE1 and OE2) requiring both low to activate. Its RCA Advanced CMOS process ensures SCR-latchup resistance and balanced propagation delays (tPLH/tPHL ≤ 7.8 ns at 5 V, CL = 50 pF).

It features 10 pF input capacitance and 15 pF 3-state output capacitance, supports simultaneous switching noise suppression via VOHV (≥4 V) and VOLP (≤1 V) specifications, and maintains stable logic thresholds across supply (VIH = 3.85 V min, VIL = 1.65 V max at VCC = 5.5 V).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

CD74AC541SM96 is housed in a 20-pin SSOP (Shrink Small Outline Package) with body size 7.2 mm × 5.3 mm and overall package size 7.2 mm × 7.8 mm. Pin 1 is located in Quadrant Q1 per tape-and-reel orientation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar octal non-inverting buffer applications.

Compared with SN74AC541DBR and 74LVC541APW,118, the CD74AC541SM96 uniquely supports full 1.5–5.5 V operation and −55°C to +125°C temperature range in SSOP-20, making it the sole option for legacy-compatible, wide-voltage, extended-temperature industrial bus buffering where pin-level consistency with older TI AC-series designs is required.

Availability

CD74AC541SM96 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial bus interface, memory address/data buffering, test equipment signal conditioning, and digital I/O expansion modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and mixed-voltage system integration.

Supply support for CD74AC541SM96 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 company delivering analog and embedded processing solutions, with leadership in precision analog, power management, and high-reliability logic families.

The CD74AC541SM96 belongs to TI's legacy Advanced CMOS (AC) logic series, designed specifically for high-speed, low-power, wide-supply-voltage buffering and bus-driving applications in industrial, aerospace, and defense systems where robustness and long-term availability are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating supply voltage for CD74AC541SM96?

The CD74AC541SM96 supports a maximum supply voltage of 5.5 V, as specified in its Absolute Maximum Ratings table. Operation above this voltage risks permanent damage. The device is fully characterized from 1.5 V to 5.5 V, enabling reliable use in 1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.3 V, and 5 V logic domains without derating. This 5.5 V ceiling applies across the full −55°C to +125°C temperature range and is validated per JEDEC JESD78 reliability testing.

Does CD74AC541SM96 support true 3-state operation with independent output control?

No - CD74AC541SM96 provides group 3-state control via two active-low output enables (OE1 and OE2). Both must be low to enable outputs; if either is high, all eight outputs enter high-impedance state. There is no per-output enable or individual pin control. This architecture prevents bus contention in shared-data-path applications but requires coordinated enable signaling across the entire octal bank. The !MR pin offers a global override to force all outputs into high-Z regardless of OE states.

What is the thermal resistance (RθJA) of CD74AC541SM96 in its SSOP-20 package?

The CD74AC541SM96 in SSOP-20 (DB package) has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 101.2°C/W, as documented in Section 4.4 of the datasheet. This value assumes standard JEDEC JESD51-2 PCB mounting conditions (single-layer copper, 1 in² pad). For thermally constrained designs, derating curves in the datasheet show allowable power dissipation decreases linearly above +85°C ambient, and actual board layout (copper area, airflow) will impact real-world junction temperature rise.

Can CD74AC541SM96 drive a 50 Ω transmission line directly?

Yes - CD74AC541SM96 is explicitly characterized to drive 50 Ω transmission lines, verified per Section 4.5 test condition (−24 mA load at VCC = 4.5 V, TA = +85°C). Its ±24 mA output drive ensures adequate signal integrity for short-to-medium length traces (≤30 cm) without external line drivers. At +125°C, the specification relaxes to 75 Ω drive capability. Layout best practices (controlled impedance routing, proper termination, local bypassing) remain essential to maintain signal fidelity.

Is CD74AC541SM96 pin-compatible with CD74ACT541SM96?

Yes - CD74AC541SM96 and CD74ACT541SM96 share identical SSOP-20 pinout, pin functions, and package dimensions. However, they differ electrically: CD74AC541SM96 operates from 1.5–5.5 V with TTL-compatible thresholds, while CD74ACT541SM96 is 5 V-only (4.5–5.5 V) with ACT-series faster timing (tPD ≤ 8.2 ns) and stricter input thresholds (VIH = 2.0 V min). Substitution requires verifying supply voltage and timing margins in the target application.