onsemi MC74HC03AD

Overview

MC74HC03AD from onsemi is a quad 2-input NAND gate with open-drain outputs in SOIC-14 package, operating from 2.0 V to 6.0 V supply, delivering 10 LSTTL load drive capability with external pullup, and supporting wired-AND logic and LED sinking applications up to 25 mA per output.

For engineers reviewing the MC74HC03AD datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this device serves as a drop-in replacement for LS03 in legacy TTL systems, enables level-shifted interfacing between CMOS/NMOS/TTL families, supports high-noise-immunity digital control in automotive and industrial environments, and provides configurable active-low logic with sink-only output behavior.

Technical Context

The MC74HC03AD implements four independent NAND gates, each with an N-channel open-drain MOSFET output stage-no internal pullup-requiring external resistors for logic-high assertion. Its inputs are compatible with both standard CMOS and LSTTL (with pullups), and its output characteristics support wired-AND bus architectures and direct LED driving.

It operates across –55 °C to +125 °C, meets JEDEC Std. No. 7A, and is AEC-Q100 qualified (–Q suffix variant). The device exhibits low input current (±0.1 µA typical), 10 pF max input capacitance, and propagation delays as low as 20 ns at VCC = 6.0 V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC74HC03AD is supplied in SOIC-14 (Case 751A) package: 8.75 mm × 3.95 mm × 1.50 mm body, 1.27 mm pitch, gull-wing leads, Pb-free (G suffix), moisture sensitivity level 1.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar open-drain NAND gate applications.

Compared with SN74HC03DR and 74LVC03PW, the MC74HC03AD uniquely combines 6 V tolerance, 25 mA sink capability, –55 °C to +125 °C operation, and AEC-Q100 qualification - making it the only choice for robust, multi-voltage, automotive-grade wired-AND or LED-sinking applications.

Availability

MC74HC03AD is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC I/O modules, legacy TTL upgrades, and LED indicator subsystems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MC74HC03AD 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 specializing in energy-efficient power management, analog, sensing, and logic solutions for automotive, industrial, and cloud infrastructure markets.

The MC74HC03AD belongs to the 74HC high-speed CMOS logic family, designed specifically to replace legacy TTL devices with lower power, wider voltage range, and enhanced noise immunity in demanding embedded control applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum sink current per output of the MC74HC03AD?

The MC74HC03AD specifies a maximum DC output sink current of ±25 mA per pin, as confirmed in the Maximum Ratings table (IOUT parameter). This rating applies across the full operating temperature range (–55 °C to +125 °C) and allows direct driving of LEDs, small relays, or TTL inputs when paired with an appropriate external pullup resistor. Exceeding this limit risks parametric shift or long-term reliability degradation.

Does the MC74HC03AD have internal pullup resistors on its outputs?

No, the MC74HC03AD does not include internal pullup resistors. Its outputs are true open-drain N-channel MOSFETs, requiring external pullup resistors to establish a logic HIGH state. This architecture enables wired-AND configurations and voltage-level translation - a key distinction from push-pull-output logic gates. The datasheet explicitly states "* Denotes open-drain outputs" and shows no internal pullup in Figure 1 or Figure 2.

Is the MC74HC03AD pin-compatible with the 74LS03?

Yes, the MC74HC03AD is explicitly stated in the datasheet to be "identical in pinout to the LS03". Pin assignments for inputs (A/B), outputs (Y), VCC, and GND match exactly, enabling direct physical replacement in existing SOIC-14 footprints. However, due to differing electrical characteristics (e.g., open-drain vs. totem-pole outputs), external circuitry (e.g., pullup resistors) may require adjustment during migration from LS03 to MC74HC03AD.

What is the minimum operating supply voltage for the MC74HC03AD?

The MC74HC03AD has a guaranteed minimum operating supply voltage of 2.0 V, as defined in the Recommended Operating Conditions table. Below this voltage, logic thresholds (VIH/VIL) and output drive capability are not assured. At 2.0 V, propagation delay increases to 180 ns max and sink current capability drops - design validation at the 2.0 V boundary is recommended for timing-critical applications using MC74HC03AD.

Can the MC74HC03AD be used in automotive applications?

Yes - the MC74HC03ADTR2G−Q* variant is AEC-Q100 qualified and PPAP capable, meeting stringent automotive reliability standards for temperature cycling, humidity, and ESD. While the base MC74HC03AD (non–Q) is not automotive-qualified, the –Q suffix version shares identical electrical specifications and SOIC-14 packaging, making MC74HC03AD the designated industrial-grade precursor to the fully qualified automotive part.