onsemi MM74HC4050MX

Overview

MM74HC4050MX from Fairchild Semiconductor is a hex non-inverting logic level down converter IC designed for bidirectional voltage translation between higher-voltage logic (up to 15V) and lower-voltage CMOS systems (2V–6V supply). It features six independent buffer channels, 8 ns typical propagation delay at 5V, ±25 mA output drive per pin, and input tolerance up to 18V with no V_CC-connected clamping diode. It is used in industrial I/O interfacing where legacy 12V/15V control signals must drive 3.3V or 5V microcontrollers.

For engineers reviewing the MM74HC4050MX datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include input overvoltage tolerance (−1.5V to +18V), guaranteed 4.5V output high under 4 mA load, SOIC-16 package compatibility, and absence of internal V_CC-tied input protection diodes enabling true level-shifting operation.

Technical Context

The MM74HC4050MX implements six independent CMOS buffer stages with modified input protection: no diode to V_CC, only a low-zener clamp to GND, allowing inputs to exceed V_CC by up to 12V while operating from 2V–6V supplies. Each channel supports DC-coupled level translation without external components.

It operates across −40°C to +85°C, delivers 3.98V VOH min at V_CC = 4.5V with 4 mA sink/source, and exhibits 17 ns max t_PLH/t_PHL under 15 pF load at 5V - confirming suitability for medium-speed digital interface bridging in mixed-supply systems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MM74HC4050MX is supplied in a 16-lead SOIC package (JEDEC MS-012, 0.150" narrow body, package code M16A), with 1.27 mm pitch, 10.3 mm × 5.3 mm footprint, and standard gull-wing lead form.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar logic level down converter applications.

Compared with SN74LVTH16245DGGR and TXB0106PWR, the MM74HC4050MX uniquely supports direct 15V input translation into 3.3V/5V domains without external components or direction control, making it optimal for fixed unidirectional industrial I/O bridging where overvoltage robustness is mandatory.

Availability

MM74HC4050MX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC I/O modules, automotive body control units, and legacy equipment upgrades requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for MM74HC4050MX 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

Fairchild Semiconductor was a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in power management, analog, and logic ICs before its acquisition by ON Semiconductor in 2016; its legacy HC logic family remains widely deployed in industrial systems.

The MM74HC4050MX belongs to Fairchild's 74HC logic series, engineered for high-noise-immunity, low-power CMOS operation in mixed-voltage industrial control and instrumentation applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage the MM74HC4050MX can tolerate?

The MM74HC4050MX supports a DC input voltage range of −1.5V to +18V, independent of V_CC. This is enabled by its modified input protection structure - specifically, the absence of a V_CC-tied clamping diode and inclusion of a low-zener clamp to ground. As confirmed in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table, this allows safe interfacing with 12V and 15V logic families while operating from a 5V or 3.3V supply. The MM74HC4050MX thus avoids damage or latch-up under overvoltage conditions common in industrial environments.

Does the MM74HC4050MX require external pull-up or pull-down resistors?

No, the MM74HC4050MX does not require external pull-up or pull-down resistors on its inputs or outputs. Its CMOS inputs have high impedance and defined VIH/VIL thresholds across the full 2V–6V supply range, and its push-pull outputs actively drive both logic states. External resistors are unnecessary unless specific system-level noise immunity or fail-safe biasing is required - a design choice separate from the MM74HC4050MX's intrinsic functionality.

Can the MM74HC4050MX be used for bidirectional level shifting?

No, the MM74HC4050MX is strictly unidirectional: inputs accept high-voltage signals and outputs deliver low-voltage logic levels referenced to V_CC. It lacks auto-direction sensing or 3-state outputs required for bidirectional protocols like I²C or SPI. For bidirectional translation, dedicated devices such as the TXB0106 are appropriate. The MM74HC4050MX is optimized for fixed-path applications like industrial sensor interfacing or legacy system upgrades where signal flow is one-way.

What is the recommended operating supply voltage for the MM74HC4050MX?

The MM74HC4050MX is specified for operation from 2V to 6V, with performance characterized at 2.0V, 4.5V, and 6.0V. For compatibility with standard 3.3V or 5V digital systems, 3.3V or 5V supplies are recommended. At 5V, the MM74HC4050MX guarantees VOH ≥ 3.98V and VOL ≤ 0.26V under 4 mA load - meeting 5V TTL and CMOS interface requirements. Supply decoupling (e.g., 0.1 µF ceramic near V_CC) is advised per standard HC logic practice.

Is the MM74HC4050MX pin-compatible with CD4050BC?

Yes, the MM74HC4050MX is functionally and pin-compatible with the CD4050BC, as explicitly stated in the datasheet: "MM74HC4050 is compatible to the CD4050BC." Both devices feature identical 16-pin SOIC pinouts, identical channel mapping (inputs on odd pins 1/3/5/9/11/13, outputs on even pins 2/4/6/10/12/14), and shared logic function (hex non-inverting buffer). However, the MM74HC4050MX offers faster propagation (17 ns vs. ~60 ns typical), lower ICC (20 µA vs. ~1 µA but with wider V_CC range), and superior input overvoltage tolerance - making it a drop-in performance upgrade.