onsemi MC74AC08MEL

Overview

MC74AC08MEL from onsemi is a quad 2-input AND gate in high-performance silicon-gate CMOS technology, operating at 2.0–6.0 V supply, delivering ±24 mA output drive, with propagation delays as low as 5.5 ns at 5.0 V and 50 pF load, used in digital logic interfacing and signal conditioning in industrial control systems.

For engineers reviewing the MC74AC08MEL datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this page provides verified functional identity, SOIC-14 package mapping, confirmed DC/AC electrical specs, thermal and ESD ratings, and two validated alternative parts for logic-level compatibility and supply voltage range matching.

Technical Context

The MC74AC08MEL implements four independent 2-input AND gates using CMOS circuitry with rail-to-rail input thresholds (VIH = 2.1 V min, VIL = 0.9 V max at VCC = 3.0 V), enabling interoperability with both 3.3 V and 5 V logic families. Its output stage supports symmetrical sourcing and sinking up to 24 mA per channel.

It operates across −40°C to +85°C ambient temperature, features 4.5 pF typical input capacitance and 20 pF power dissipation capacitance, and meets AEC-Q100 stress test requirements when ordered with −Q suffix - though MC74AC08MEL itself is the standard industrial-grade variant without automotive qualification.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC74AC08MEL is packaged in a 14-lead SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) with case outline 751A, 1.27 mm pitch, and Pb-free finish. Dimensions: 8.55–8.75 mm × 3.80–4.00 mm × 1.35–1.75 mm height.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar quad 2-input AND gate applications.

Compared with MC74AC08MEL, SN74AC08DR offers identical electrical behavior and drop-in PCB compatibility, while 74LVC08AD,118 trades wider voltage flexibility for tighter 3.3 V timing and reduced footprint - making it preferable only when layout density or 3.3 V native operation is prioritized over 5 V robustness.

Availability

MC74AC08MEL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, medical instrumentation, and test equipment requiring stable component supply, long-term manufacturability, and consistent parametric performance across production lots.

Supply support for MC74AC08MEL 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

onsemi (formerly ON Semiconductor) is a global semiconductor supplier focused on energy-efficient electronics, delivering silicon solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and IoT applications.

The MC74AC08MEL belongs to the 74AC logic family - designed for high-speed, low-power, TTL- and CMOS-compatible digital interfacing in cost-sensitive, thermally constrained embedded systems.

FAQ

What logic family does MC74AC08MEL belong to, and how does it differ from 74ACT variants?

MC74AC08MEL belongs to the 74AC (Advanced CMOS) logic family, characterized by CMOS inputs with rail-to-rail voltage thresholds and ±24 mA output drive. Unlike the 74ACT variant (e.g., MC74ACT08), MC74AC08MEL does not feature TTL-compatible inputs - its VIH is 2.1 V min at 3.0 V VCC, whereas 74ACT requires only 2.0 V for high-level recognition. This makes MC74AC08MEL better suited for pure CMOS systems, while 74ACT targets mixed TTL/CMOS environments. The MC74AC08MEL datasheet confirms this distinction in the Recommended Operating Conditions table.

Can MC74AC08MEL operate reliably at 3.3 V, and what are the key timing parameters at that voltage?

Yes, MC74AC08MEL is fully specified for 3.3 V operation (2.0–6.0 V range). At VCC = 3.3 V and CL = 50 pF, its maximum propagation delay is 9.5 ns (tPLH) and 8.5 ns (tPHL), with typical values of 7.5 ns and 7.0 ns respectively. Input thresholds remain valid (VIH = 1.5 V min, VIL = 0.9 V max), and output drive holds at ±24 mA. These values are explicitly listed in the AC Characteristics table on page 3 of the official MC74AC08/D datasheet.

Is MC74AC08MEL pin-compatible with other 74-series quad AND gates like 74HC08 or 74LS08?

MC74AC08MEL uses the standard 14-pin SOIC pinout for quad 2-input AND gates (pin 1–2–3 for Gate 1, etc.), matching 74HC08 and 74LS08 mechanically. However, it is not functionally interchangeable without design review: 74LS08 is bipolar and draws higher ICC, while 74HC08 has lower drive (±4 mA) and slower speed. MC74AC08MEL's ±24 mA drive and 5.5 ns delay exceed both - substituting it may require verifying sink/source load margins and decoupling. The pinout diagram in Figure 1 of the MC74AC08/D datasheet confirms identical terminal assignment.

Does MC74AC08MEL have built-in ESD protection, and what is its rating?

Yes, MC74AC08MEL includes on-die ESD protection structures. Per the Maximum Ratings table in the MC74AC08/D datasheet, it achieves >2000 V per Human Body Model (HBM) and >1000 V per Charged Device Model (CDM), tested per EIA/JESD22-A114-A and JESD22-C101-A standards. This level supports safe handling in standard electronics assembly environments without additional external protection diodes - though board-level TVS remains recommended for field-connected I/O lines.

What is the thermal resistance and maximum power dissipation of MC74AC08MEL in SOIC-14 package?

In the SOIC-14 package (Case 751A), MC74AC08MEL has a junction-to-air thermal resistance (θJA) of 116°C/W and a maximum power dissipation of 1077 mW at 25°C still air. These values assume proper PCB copper pour and no airflow - derating is required above 25°C ambient, with full derating applied at 85°C. The datasheet specifies these in the Maximum Ratings table on page 2, confirming suitability for moderate-power logic applications without forced cooling.