onsemi MC74HCT04AD

Overview

MC74HCT04AD from onsemi is a hex inverter logic gate IC operating at 4.5–5.5 V supply, with TTL-compatible inputs, 18 ns typical propagation delay at 5 V, and ±4 mA output drive capability. It performs digital signal inversion in microcontroller I/O buffering, clock signal conditioning, and level-shifting circuits for industrial control panels.

For engineers reviewing the MC74HCT04AD datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include input threshold compatibility with 5 V TTL systems, guaranteed noise margin above 0.8 V, output voltage swing within 0.1 V of rail, and operation across –55 °C to +125 °C industrial temperature range.

Technical Context

This device belongs to the 74HCT family, designed to interface TTL outputs with CMOS loads while maintaining CMOS power efficiency. It uses silicon-gate CMOS technology with buffered outputs to ensure consistent switching behavior under capacitive loading up to 50 pF.

All six inverters are identical and independent, with no internal interconnects or shared bias networks. Each channel features hysteresis-free input structure and symmetrical rise/fall times (typ. 17 ns/19 ns at 5 V), supporting clean square-wave regeneration in timing-critical paths.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC74HCT04AD is housed in a 14-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) package with 1.27 mm pitch, JEDEC MS-012AC compliant outline, and moisture sensitivity level MSL3 per J-STD-020.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74HCT04DR and 74HCT04PW,118, the MC74HCT04AD offers optimal thermal performance in standard SOIC-14 layouts and direct compatibility with legacy onsemi design libraries, making it ideal for industrial control upgrades where reliability and long-term supply continuity are prioritized over miniaturization.

Availability

MC74HCT04AD is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, microcontroller-based motor controllers, and legacy system interface modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for MC74HCT04AD 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 is a global semiconductor leader delivering energy-efficient, intelligent power and sensing solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, medical, and IoT applications.

The MC74HCT04AD belongs to the 74HCT logic family, engineered specifically for seamless interoperability between TTL and CMOS systems while minimizing static power draw and maximizing noise immunity in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency supported by the MC74HCT04AD?

The MC74HCT04AD does not specify a maximum clock frequency in its datasheet because it is a combinational logic device without internal clocking. However, with a typical propagation delay of 18 ns and output rise/fall times under 20 ns, it reliably supports signal inversion in systems operating up to 25 MHz when driving ≤50 pF loads. The MC74HCT04AD performance remains stable across its full –55 °C to +125 °C temperature range.

Can the MC74HCT04AD drive a 50 Ω transmission line directly?

No, the MC74HCT04AD is not designed for direct 50 Ω line driving. Its ±4 mA output drive corresponds to ~1.25 kΩ effective impedance at 5 V, making it unsuitable for high-speed transmission line termination. For such applications, the MC74HCT04AD should feed a dedicated line driver IC or series-terminate with a 33 Ω resistor. Attempting direct 50 Ω drive risks excessive current draw and degraded edge fidelity.

Is the MC74HCT04AD compatible with 3.3 V logic inputs?

The MC74HCT04AD inputs are TTL-compatible, meaning they recognize voltages ≥2.0 V as HIGH and ≤0.8 V as LOW - thresholds that do not align with standard 3.3 V CMOS logic (which expects ≥2.31 V HIGH). Direct connection may cause marginal or incorrect switching. To interface with 3.3 V systems, use a level translator or select a 74LVC-series inverter instead. The MC74HCT04AD requires a 5 V supply and is optimized for 5 V TTL source signals.

Does the MC74HCT04AD have built-in ESD protection?

Yes, the MC74HCT04AD incorporates on-chip ESD protection diodes on all inputs and outputs, rated to ≥2 kV HBM (Human Body Model) per JESD22-A114. This provides baseline handling robustness during PCB assembly and field service, though external TVS devices are still recommended for industrial I/O lines exposed to surge events. The MC74HCT04AD ESD structure is integrated into the input clamp network and does not affect normal logic operation.

What is the recommended bypass capacitor value for the MC74HCT04AD V_CC pin?

A 0.1 µF X7R ceramic capacitor placed as close as possible to the MC74HCT04AD V_CC (Pin 14) and GND (Pin 7) terminals is the manufacturer-recommended bypass configuration. This value effectively suppresses high-frequency noise generated during simultaneous switching of multiple inverters and ensures stable internal biasing. For boards with heavy adjacent switching activity, adding a 4.7 µF tantalum capacitor in parallel further improves low-frequency decoupling for the MC74HCT04AD.