NXP Semiconductors N74F373DB,118

Overview

N74F373DB,118 from Philips Semiconductors is an octal transparent latch with 3-State outputs, designed for data latching and bus isolation in 5 V TTL-compatible digital systems. It features 8-bit parallel data capture on HIGH enable (E), independent active-LOW output enable (OE), 4.5 ns typical D-to-Q propagation delay, 35 mA typical supply current, and operates across 0 °C to +70 °C.

For engineers reviewing the N74F373DB,118 datasheet, N74F373DB,118 pinout, N74F373DB,118 application, or N74F373DB,118 equivalent, this device serves as a high-speed, low-glitch 3-State latch for address/data bus buffering, microprocessor interface control, and memory I/O gating - requiring precise setup/hold timing, controlled output impedance, and power-up robustness.

Technical Context

The N74F373DB,118 implements a dual-control architecture: the E input enables transparent data flow from D₀–D₇ to internal latches, while OE independently gates all eight Q outputs into high-impedance state. Latching occurs on the HIGH-to-LOW transition of E, with 1.0 ns minimum setup time and 3.0 ns hold time required for reliable capture.

Its 3-State buffers drive heavily loaded buses (up to 150 FAST unit loads HIGH, 40 LOW), support glitch-free operation during power sequencing, and maintain output isolation when OE is HIGH - enabling bidirectional bus sharing without contention in systems with multiple drivers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 20-pin plastic shrink small outline package (SSOP), body width 5.3 mm, JEDEC MO-153 compliant (SOT339-1).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar octal transparent latch applications.

Compared with SN74F373N, N74F373DB,118 offers superior board density and thermal performance in surface-mount production; compared with 74ACT373SC, it delivers lower quiescent current and proven TTL compatibility at the cost of slightly slower enable timing.

Availability

N74F373DB,118 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microprocessor address latching, memory bus isolation, peripheral interface control, and industrial I/O expansion requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle embedded programs.

Supply support for N74F373DB,118 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

Philips Semiconductors (now NXP Semiconductors) is a global semiconductor innovator founded in the Netherlands, specializing in logic, analog, and automotive ICs with emphasis on industrial reliability and interoperability.

The 74F logic family - including N74F373DB,118 - was engineered for high-speed, low-power TTL-compatible digital interfacing in commercial computing, instrumentation, and control systems of the 1990s–2000s.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency supported by the N74F373DB,118?

The N74F373DB,118 does not operate on a clock signal and therefore has no maximum clock frequency specification. Its speed is defined by propagation delays: 7.0 ns maximum D-to-Q delay and 11.5 ns maximum output enable time. System-level throughput depends on external timing constraints such as enable pulse width (minimum 4.0 ns HIGH) and data setup/hold requirements.

Can the N74F373DB,118 be used as a drop-in replacement for the 74LS373 in existing designs?

The N74F373DB,118 is pin-compatible and functionally equivalent to the 74LS373, but with faster timing (4.5 ns vs. 17 ns typical D→Q), higher drive strength (24 mA vs. 8 mA), and improved 3-State noise immunity. Voltage thresholds and DC specs align closely, making it a validated upgrade - however, verify layout decoupling and bus loading due to increased speed and current.

What is the purpose of the separate E and OE pins on the N74F373DB,118?

E (Enable) controls data latching: when HIGH, D inputs pass through to internal latches; on HIGH-to-LOW transition, current D values are stored. OE (Output Enable) controls output drivers independently: when LOW, latched data appears on Q₀–Q₇; when HIGH, all outputs enter high-impedance state. This separation allows latching without bus commitment.

Does the N74F373DB,118 require external pull-up resistors on its Q outputs?

No. The N74F373DB,118 Q outputs are active-push-pull 3-State drivers capable of sourcing –3 mA and sinking 24 mA. Pull-ups are unnecessary unless interfacing with open-collector systems or implementing wired-AND logic - in standard TTL or CMOS bus applications, direct connection suffices.

Is the N74F373DB,118 RoHS compliant?

The N74F373DB,118 was manufactured prior to RoHS enforcement (pre-2006) and uses leaded solder in its SSOP package. It is not RoHS compliant. For RoHS-compliant alternatives, consider the 74LVC373A or SN74LVTH373 in modern packages - consult Aetrix Electronics for qualified drop-in replacements with full compliance documentation.