onsemi MC74ACT04MG

Overview

MC74ACT04MG from onsemi is a hex inverter IC in the 74ACT logic family, designed for high-speed digital signal inversion in TTL-compatible systems. It features six independent inverters, operates at 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply, delivers ±24 mA output drive, and achieves typical propagation delay of 8.5 ns at 5 V with 50 pF load. It is used in bus buffering, clock conditioning, and level translation in industrial control and instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the MC74ACT04MG datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include TTL-compatible input thresholds, SOIC-14 package compatibility, guaranteed −40°C to +85°C operation, and 24 mA sink/source capability under industrial temperature conditions.

Technical Context

The MC74ACT04MG implements six independent CMOS inverter gates using silicon-gate technology with TTL-compatible input circuitry-VIH = 2.0 V min and VIL = 0.8 V max at VCC = 4.5–5.5 V. Its output stage supports rail-to-rail swing with VOH ≥ 4.4 V and VOL ≤ 0.44 V at IOL = 24 mA / IOH = −24 mA.

It meets JEDEC-standard AC/DC electrical specifications across −40°C to +85°C, including latch-up immunity >100 mA per JESD78, ESD robustness >2000 V HBM, and Pb-free SOIC-14 packaging compliant with RoHS and UL 94 V-0 flammability rating.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC74ACT04MG is housed in a Pb-free SOIC-14 (Case 751A) package with 1.27 mm pitch, 8.75 mm × 3.9 mm body, and gull-wing leads. It is compatible with standard reflow profiles and automated SMT placement.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar hex inverter applications.

Compared with SN74ACT04N and 74VHC04M, the MC74ACT04MG uniquely combines TTL-compatible inputs, ±24 mA drive, SOIC-14 surface-mount packaging, and industrial temperature qualification-making it optimal for space-constrained, mixed-signal industrial control boards requiring drop-in compatibility with legacy 5 V logic.

Availability

MC74ACT04MG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC I/O conditioning, digital bus signal inversion, and test equipment clock shaping requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for MC74ACT04MG 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 innovation for automotive, industrial, cloud, medical, and IoT applications.

The 74ACT logic family-including MC74ACT04MG-is engineered for high-speed, TTL-compatible digital interfacing in industrial and instrumentation systems where reliability across temperature and supply variation is critical.

FAQ

What logic family does the MC74ACT04MG belong to, and how does it differ from standard 74AC devices?

The MC74ACT04MG belongs to the 74ACT logic family, distinguished by TTL-compatible input thresholds (VIH = 2.0 V min, VIL = 0.8 V max at 5 V), unlike 74AC devices which require higher VIH (3.15 V min). This allows MC74ACT04MG to interface directly with legacy TTL outputs without level shifters, while retaining CMOS advantages like low power and high noise immunity. The MC74ACT04MG also specifies tighter AC timing over temperature than generic 74AC variants.

Does the MC74ACT04MG support operation at 3.3 V supply voltage?

No, the MC74ACT04MG is not rated for 3.3 V operation. Its recommended supply range is strictly 4.5 V to 5.5 V, as confirmed by DC and AC characterization in the datasheet. Attempting to operate the MC74ACT04MG at 3.3 V may result in undefined input thresholds, reduced noise margin, and failure to meet guaranteed propagation delay or output drive specs. For 3.3 V systems, consider 74LVC04 or similar families instead of the MC74ACT04MG.

What is the maximum capacitive load the MC74ACT04MG can drive while maintaining its specified propagation delay?

The MC74ACT04MG's AC specifications-including 9.0 ns max propagation delay-are guaranteed with a 50 pF capacitive load at VCC = 5.0 V and TA = −40°C to +85°C. Driving larger loads increases delay nonlinearly; for example, at 100 pF, typical tPLH rises to ~13 ns. To maintain timing integrity in high-capacitance applications, the MC74ACT04MG should be placed close to the load with minimized trace length, or buffered further if >50 pF is unavoidable.

Is the MC74ACT04MG pin-compatible with the MC74AC04 series?

Yes, the MC74ACT04MG is pin-compatible with MC74AC04 variants in the same SOIC-14 package, sharing identical pinout, footprint, and terminal functions. However, their input thresholds differ significantly: MC74AC04 requires VIH ≥ 3.15 V at 5 V, whereas MC74ACT04MG accepts VIH ≥ 2.0 V. Thus, while physically interchangeable, the MC74ACT04MG enables direct replacement only in systems where input signals meet TTL levels-not in pure CMOS-driven designs relying on higher thresholds.

What thermal considerations apply to the MC74ACT04MG in continuous operation?

The MC74ACT04MG has a junction-to-air thermal resistance (θJA) of 116°C/W in SOIC-14 packaging. At maximum rated ICC (40 µA quiescent + dynamic contributions), power dissipation remains below 10 mW-well within the 1077 mW still-air limit. No heatsinking is required, but proper PCB copper pour on GND/VCC planes improves thermal stability. Derating is unnecessary below +85°C ambient, as the MC74ACT04MG is fully characterized across its industrial temperature range.