Texas Instruments CD74HC4050PWT

Overview

CD74HC4050PWT from Texas Instruments is a non-inverting hex buffer IC designed for high-to-low voltage level translation, supporting input voltages up to 15 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-enabling interface between legacy high-voltage logic and modern low-voltage microcontrollers.

For engineers reviewing the CD74HC4050PWT datasheet, CD74HC4050PWT pinout, CD74HC4050PWT application, or CD74HC4050PWT equivalent, key selection criteria include its 16-pin TSSOP package, rail-to-rail input tolerance (–0.5 V to 16 V), CMOS-compatible output swing (0 V to V_CC), and verified use in mixed-supply bus interfacing, sensor signal conditioning, and industrial I/O isolation circuits.

Technical Context

The CD74HC4050PWT implements six independent non-inverting buffer channels with modified input protection circuitry that enables robust high-voltage input handling without external clamping. Its silicon-gate CMOS architecture ensures balanced rise/fall times and low quiescent current (≤40 µA over temperature).

This device functions as a unidirectional level shifter: inputs accept –0.5 V to 16 V signals while outputs swing 0 V to V_CC, making it suitable for translating 12 V or 15 V control signals down to 3.3 V or 5 V logic domains. It does not support bidirectional translation or bus-hold functionality.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

CD74HC4050PWT is housed in a 16-lead Thin Shrink Small Outline Package (TSSOP), 4.4 mm wide, 1.2 mm height, 0.65 mm lead pitch, with exposed pad optional per TI's PW package drawing. Pin 1 is marked by a beveled corner or dot; devices are shipped in tape-and-reel (250 units/reel).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74LVC1G17DBVR and TXB0106PWR, the CD74HC4050PWT uniquely supports direct 15 V input translation into 3.3 V/5 V domains with six independent channels in one TSSOP package - a capability neither alternative provides.

Availability

CD74HC4050PWT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, automotive body electronics, and sensor interface designs requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for CD74HC4050PWT 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 headquartered in Dallas, Texas, delivering analog, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The CD74HC4050PWT belongs to TI's legacy HC logic family - engineered for high-speed, low-power CMOS operation with enhanced input protection, targeting mixed-voltage system interfacing where reliability and wide temperature performance are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for CD74HC4050PWT?

The CD74HC4050PWT supports an absolute maximum input voltage of –0.5 V to 16 V, as specified in its Absolute Maximum Ratings table. This allows direct connection of 12 V or 15 V logic signals without external clamping components. Operation above 16 V risks permanent damage, and inputs below –0.5 V require current limiting to avoid exceeding the –20 mA input diode current limit. The CD74HC4050PWT maintains this rating across its full –55°C to 125°C operating range.

Can CD74HC4050PWT be used for bidirectional level shifting?

No, CD74HC4050PWT is strictly a unidirectional non-inverting buffer and cannot perform bidirectional level shifting. Its architecture provides six independent input-to-output paths with no internal feedback or direction control. For bidirectional protocols like I²C or SMBus, a dedicated auto-sensing translator such as TXB0106 is required. Attempting to use CD74HC4050PWT in reverse (driving Y pins) may cause latch-up or damage due to lack of output protection on input pins.

What is the recommended bypass capacitor for CD74HC4050PWT?

A 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor placed as close as possible to the V_CC (Pin 8) and GND (Pin 7) pins is the standard recommendation for CD74HC4050PWT. This minimizes high-frequency supply noise and stabilizes transient current demands during output switching. For systems with heavy simultaneous switching or noisy power rails, adding a bulk 4.7 µF–10 µF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitor nearby further improves stability. The CD74HC4050PWT's low quiescent current makes it tolerant of minor supply ripple, but clean local decoupling remains essential for signal integrity.

Is CD74HC4050PWT pin-compatible with CD74HC4049PWT?

Yes, CD74HC4050PWT and CD74HC4049PWT share identical pinouts and package dimensions (16-pin TSSOP), but differ functionally: CD74HC4049PWT is an inverting hex buffer, while CD74HC4050PWT is non-inverting. Both support the same voltage ranges, timing, and temperature specs. Swapping them requires logic inversion correction in firmware or downstream circuitry. The CD74HC4050PWT pin mapping matches the functional diagram shown in TI's SCHS205I datasheet for 'HC4050 devices.

Does CD74HC4050PWT require external pull-up or pull-down resistors on unused inputs?

No, CD74HC4050PWT does not require external pull-up or pull-down resistors on unused inputs. Its CMOS inputs have high impedance and negligible leakage (≤±1 µA), so floating inputs will not draw significant current. However, to prevent noise-induced switching or undefined states in high-noise environments, TI recommends tying unused inputs to V_CC or GND. Leaving them floating is electrically safe but not advised for robust design - especially in automotive or industrial settings where EMI is present. The CD74HC4050PWT's input protection structure helps mitigate risk, but deterministic biasing remains best practice.