NXP Semiconductors N74F3038N,602

Overview

N74F3038N,602 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Philips) is a quad 2-input NAND open-collector line driver optimized for incident-wave switching on 30 Ω transmission lines, delivering 160 mA sink current at V_CC = 4.5 V with 6.0 ns typical propagation delay and 17 mA total supply current - used in high-speed backplane and bus termination applications.

For engineers reviewing the N74F3038N,602 datasheet, N74F3038N,602 pinout, N74F3038N,602 application, or N74F3038N,602 equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 160 mA low-state drive into 30 Ω loads, open-collector output architecture, dual GND/V_CC pins for low-inductance routing, and compatibility with FAST-family logic timing and loading conventions.

Technical Context

The N74F3038N,602 implements four independent 2-input NAND gates with open-collector outputs, each capable of sinking 160 mA while maintaining V_OL ≤ 0.8 V into 30 Ω loads - enabling reliable incident-wave switching without reflection-induced ringing. Its design targets fast-edge-rate PCB interconnects where transmission-line effects dominate.

AC performance is characterized using a standard FAST load (50 pF, 500 Ω pull-up/pull-down); reducing pull-up resistance to 100 Ω cuts t_PLH by ~50% with minimal t_PHL penalty. Lead inductance is specified at 3 nH per V_CC/GND pin when both side pins are used, supporting low-noise high-current switching.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 16-pin plastic DIP (SOT38-4), 300 mil width, through-hole mounting.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar open-collector line driver applications.

Compared with SN74F3038N and 74ACT3038PC, the N74F3038N,602 uniquely delivers guaranteed 160 mA sink into 30 Ω loads with 6.0 ns propagation - making it irreplaceable for reflection-critical high-speed bus designs where incident-wave switching is mandatory.

Availability

N74F3038N,602 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed backplane bus drivers, SCSI-1 termination circuits, and industrial control bus interfaces requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for N74F3038N,602 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

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor leader focused on secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with roots in Philips' pioneering logic IC development.

The 74F family - including N74F3038N,602 - was engineered specifically for high-speed digital systems demanding fast propagation, high drive strength, and transmission-line-aware output behavior in commercial-grade environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current rating for N74F3038N,602?

The N74F3038N,602 is rated for 160 mA sink current per output (I_OL) under recommended operating conditions (V_CC ≥ 4.5 V), with absolute maximum rating of 320 mA. This 160 mA value is guaranteed to maintain V_OL ≤ 0.8 V into 30 Ω loads - a key specification enabling incident-wave switching. Exceeding 160 mA continuously may violate VOL limits and thermal limits.

Does N74F3038N,602 support true 30 Ω line driving as stated in its description?

Yes - the N74F3038N,602 is explicitly characterized and guaranteed to drive 30 Ω transmission lines with incident-wave switching behavior. Its 160 mA sink current ensures V_OL ≤ 0.8 V under that load, satisfying the voltage margin needed to avoid reflection-induced false triggering. This capability is validated across the full commercial temperature range (0°C to +70°C) and is not an estimate or typical-only claim.

Can N74F3038N,602 be used with pull-up resistors other than 500 Ω?

Yes - the N74F3038N,602 AC specifications are defined at 500 Ω, but the datasheet confirms that reducing the pull-up resistor to 100 Ω improves t_PLH by ~50% with only minor t_PHL increase. However, users must verify that total I_OL (through pull-up + receiver I_IL) stays within the 160 mA per-output limit. The N74F3038N,602 remains functional across RL = 30 Ω to 500 Ω per published delay curves.

What is the purpose of having two V_CC and two GND pins on N74F3038N,602?

The dual V_CC (pins 12,13) and dual GND (pins 4,5) on N74F3038N,602 reduce effective lead inductance to 3 nH per pin - critical for high-current, fast-edge applications. This layout minimizes voltage droop and ground bounce during simultaneous output switching, preserving signal integrity and preventing logic errors. It is a deliberate design feature for transmission-line driving, not redundancy.

Is N74F3038N,602 compatible with standard 74F logic families for interfacing?

Yes - the N74F3038N,602 uses standard 74F input thresholds (V_IL = 0.8 V, V_IH = 2.0 V) and loading (1.0 FAST unit), ensuring seamless interoperability with 74F, 74AS, and 74ALS logic. Its open-collector outputs require external pull-ups but retain full voltage and timing compatibility. No level-shifting or buffering is needed when interfacing with other FAST-family devices.