Texas Instruments CD74HC4050M96

Overview

CD74HC4050M96 from Texas Instruments is a non-inverting hex buffer IC designed for high-to-low voltage level translation, supporting input voltages up to 16 V while operating from a 2–6 V supply. It delivers 6 ns typical propagation delay at 5 V/15 pF, operates across –55°C to 125°C, and drives up to 15 LSTTL loads. It enables interfacing legacy 15 V logic with modern 3.3 V or 5 V microcontrollers in industrial control I/O modules.

For engineers reviewing the CD74HC4050M96 datasheet, CD74HC4050M96 pinout, CD74HC4050M96 application, or CD74HC4050M96 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 16 V tolerant inputs, SOIC-16 package thermal performance (θ_JA = 73°C/W), guaranteed operation over full military temperature range, and compatibility with HC-series logic families without external biasing.

Technical Context

The CD74HC4050M96 implements six independent non-inverting buffer channels using silicon-gate CMOS technology with modified input protection circuitry. This structure allows direct connection of high-voltage (up to 16 V) signals to inputs while powered only from a low-voltage rail (e.g., 5 V), enabling true unidirectional level down-conversion without pull-up resistors or external translators.

Each channel features balanced rise/fall times and matched propagation delays across temperature. Its design eliminates shoot-through current during transitions and maintains high noise immunity (NIL/NIL = 30% of V_CC at 5 V), making it suitable for noisy industrial environments where signal integrity must be preserved across mixed-voltage subsystems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

CD74HC4050M96 is housed in a 16-pin SOIC (D) package with standard 1.27 mm pitch, 10.3 mm body width, and 73°C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance. The package is RoHS-compliant, lead-finished with NiPdAu, and rated MSL Level-1 (unlimited floor life).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74LVTH162244DGGR and TXB0106PWR, CD74HC4050M96 uniquely supports unidirectional 16 V-to-5 V translation in a simple, low-cost, fixed-function package-making it irreplaceable for legacy system integration where high-voltage signal integrity and wide temperature operation are mandatory.

Availability

CD74HC4050M96 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC I/O expansion, automotive body control modules, and military data acquisition systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for CD74HC4050M96 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 specializing in analog, embedded processing, and logic solutions, with leadership in industrial, automotive, and aerospace markets.

The CD74HC4050M96 belongs to TI's High-Speed CMOS Logic family, engineered for robust mixed-voltage interfacing in harsh-environment applications where reliability, wide temperature operation, and input overvoltage tolerance are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for CD74HC4050M96?

The CD74HC4050M96 supports DC input voltages up to 16 V, independent of the V_CC supply voltage (2–6 V). This rating is specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table and validated across the full –55°C to +125°C operating range. Exceeding 16 V may cause permanent damage due to input diode breakdown, so external clamping is required for transient overvoltage events beyond this limit. The CD74HC4050M96 achieves this via modified input protection circuitry distinct from standard CMOS buffers.

Can CD74HC4050M96 translate signals from 5 V to 3.3 V logic levels?

No - the CD74HC4050M96 is a non-inverting buffer optimized for high-to-low level translation (e.g., 12 V → 5 V or 15 V → 3.3 V), but it does not regulate or scale output voltage. Its outputs swing rail-to-rail between GND and V_CC; therefore, when powered from 3.3 V, it outputs 0–3.3 V, but inputs must still remain within –0.5 V to 16 V. For 5 V-to-3.3 V translation with output limiting, a dedicated level shifter like TXB0106 is required. The CD74HC4050M96 functions correctly only when V_CC matches the target logic domain.

Is CD74HC4050M96 pin-compatible with CD74HC4049M96?

Yes - CD74HC4050M96 and CD74HC4049M96 share identical SOIC-16 packaging, pinout, and terminal assignments. The only functional difference is inversion: CD74HC4049M96 provides six inverting buffers, while CD74HC4050M96 provides six non-inverting buffers. Both support identical voltage ranges, timing, and temperature specifications. This allows direct substitution in layouts where signal polarity can be accommodated or corrected in firmware, preserving PCB design reuse.

What is the thermal resistance (θ_JA) of CD74HC4050M96 in its SOIC package?

The CD74HC4050M96 in the SOIC (D) package has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (θ_JA) 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, 2 oz Cu). Actual thermal performance improves with enhanced PCB copper area or thermal vias. The CD74HC4050M96's low quiescent current (<40 µA max) minimizes self-heating, making it suitable for thermally constrained applications without active cooling.

Does CD74HC4050M96 require external pull-up or pull-down resistors on inputs?

No - the CD74HC4050M96 features internally biased CMOS inputs with defined thresholds (VIH ≥ 3.15 V, VIL ≤ 1.35 V at V_CC = 4.5 V) and low leakage (<1 µA). External resistors are unnecessary for proper logic interpretation. However, if inputs are left floating in-system, they may drift unpredictably; best practice is to tie unused inputs to V_CC or GND. The CD74HC4050M96's modified input structure also provides inherent ESD protection, reducing susceptibility to latch-up from static discharge.