Texas Instruments CD74HC4050M

Overview

CD74HC4050M from Texas Instruments is a non-inverting hex buffer IC designed for logic-level translation and signal buffering in mixed-voltage systems. It supports 2V–6V VCC operation, accepts input voltages up to 16V, delivers 6ns typical propagation delay at 5V/15pF, and operates across –55°C to +125°C - enabling use in industrial sensor interfaces and legacy 15V-to-5V signal conditioning.

For engineers reviewing the CD74HC4050M datasheet, CD74HC4050M pinout, CD74HC4050M application, or CD74HC4050M equivalent, key selection criteria include its high-to-low voltage level conversion capability, SOIC-16 package thermal performance (θJA = 73°C/W), LSTTL fanout compatibility (15 loads), and electrostatic discharge protection architecture.

Technical Context

The CD74HC4050M implements six independent non-inverting buffer channels with modified input protection circuitry that enables safe interfacing of high-voltage inputs (up to 16V) to low-voltage logic domains (e.g., 5V or 3.3V). Its silicon-gate CMOS process ensures balanced rise/fall times and low quiescent current (≤40µA over temperature).

This device belongs to the HC logic family and is not TTL-compatible in input thresholds; it requires VIH ≥ 3.15V at VCC = 4.5V and exhibits high noise immunity (NIL/NIL = 30% of VCC). It does not perform bidirectional level shifting - translation occurs only from higher input voltage to lower VCC-referenced output levels.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

CD74HC4050M is housed in a 16-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) package with standard 1.27mm pitch, JEDEC MS-012AC compliant, and moisture sensitivity level 1 (260°C peak reflow).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74LVC1G17DBVR, CD74HC4050M offers six independent high-voltage-tolerant channels and true 16V input capability - essential for industrial and automotive signal bridging. Compared with CD74HC4050M96, it shares identical electrical performance but uses tube packaging, making it preferable for prototyping or low-volume qualification builds.

Availability

CD74HC4050M is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interfaces, automotive body control modules, and legacy system voltage bridging requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for CD74HC4050M 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 specializing in analog, embedded processing, and logic solutions, with over 90 years of innovation in high-reliability components.

The CD74HC4050M belongs to TI's HC logic family, engineered for robust mixed-voltage interfacing in harsh-environment applications including industrial automation, aerospace, and automotive subsystems.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for CD74HC4050M?

The CD74HC4050M supports DC input voltages up to 16V, independent of VCC level - enabling direct connection to 12V or 15V industrial control signals without external attenuation. This rating is specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table and validated across the full –55°C to +125°C operating range. Exceeding 16V risks permanent damage to the input protection structure.

Can CD74HC4050M be used as a bidirectional level shifter?

No, CD74HC4050M is strictly unidirectional: it translates high-voltage inputs (up to 16V) to low-voltage CMOS outputs referenced to VCC (2–6V), but cannot translate in reverse. Its architecture lacks output drivers capable of sourcing/sinking current into higher-voltage domains. For bidirectional translation, discrete MOSFET-based solutions or dedicated dual-supply translators like TXB0108 are required.

Is CD74HC4050M pin-compatible with CD74HC4049M?

No - CD74HC4050M (non-inverting hex buffer) and CD74HC4049M (inverting hex buffer) share identical pinout and package (SOIC-16), but their logic functions are complementary. Swapping them without inverting downstream logic will invert signal polarity. The functional diagram and truth tables confirm this inversion difference; no electrical or mechanical incompatibility exists, but behavioral mismatch does.

What is the thermal resistance (θJA) of CD74HC4050M in SOIC package?

The CD74HC4050M in SOIC (D) package has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (θJA) of 73°C/W, as specified in the Thermal Information section of the datasheet. This value assumes standard JEDEC 2-layer board conditions (1-inch² copper pad). For high-power-density layouts or elevated ambient temperatures, derating curves in the datasheet must be applied to ensure junction temperature remains below 150°C.

Does CD74HC4050M require external pull-up or pull-down resistors on unused inputs?

Yes - unused inputs on CD74HC4050M must be terminated to VCC or GND to prevent floating nodes, which can cause increased ICC, erratic output states, or localized heating due to partial conduction in input stages. The datasheet recommends tying unused inputs directly to VCC or GND; resistor-based termination is unnecessary and adds parasitic capacitance that may degrade propagation delay.