onsemi NC7SU04M5

Overview

NC7SU04M5 from ON Semiconductor is a single unbuffered CMOS inverter optimized for crystal oscillator circuits, not logic inversion. It operates across 2V–6V supply, delivers ±2 mA balanced output drive, exhibits <1 µA quiescent current, and supports −40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range - enabling reliable Pierce oscillator designs in space-constrained timing applications.

For engineers reviewing the NC7SU04M5 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include unbuffered gate architecture, SOT23-5 package compatibility, VCC range flexibility, low ICC static consumption, and verified use in fundamental-mode crystal oscillators with CL ≤ 15 pF loads.

Technical Context

The NC7SU04M5 implements a single-stage unbuffered inverter using advanced silicon-gate CMOS technology, eliminating internal buffering to minimize phase shift and enable stable 180° inversion in feedback loops. Its input and output are directly connected to external crystal and load capacitors without intermediate stages.

ESD protection diodes are integrated between I/O pins and VCC/GND rails, and the device is characterized for operation at 2.0V, 3.0V, 4.5V, and 6.0V with guaranteed propagation delays (tPLH/tPHL) down to 6.5 ns at 6V/CL=15 pF and transition times (tTLH/tTHL) as low as 10 ns under same conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

NC7SU04M5 is supplied in a 5-lead SOT23-5 package (JEDEC MO-178, 1.6 mm body width), compatible with standard pick-and-place and reflow processes. The package features gull-wing leads with 0.95 mm pitch and thermal resistance θJA = 300°C/W.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74LVC1G04DBVR and 74AUP1G04GW,125, the NC7SU04M5 uniquely supports 2V–6V operation with true unbuffered topology and a dedicated NC pin for mechanical stability - making it the only option qualified for universal crystal oscillator use across legacy and modern voltage domains.

Availability

NC7SU04M5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for real-time clock modules, microcontroller clock sources, IoT sensor timing, industrial PLC auxiliary clocks, and battery-backed oscillator circuits requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and voltage ranges.

Supply support for NC7SU04M5 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

ON Semiconductor is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in energy-efficient power management, analog, sensing, and logic solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and consumer applications.

The NC7SU04M5 belongs to the TinyLogic® HS family - a series of high-speed, low-power logic devices engineered specifically for timing-critical roles such as crystal oscillator driving, clock buffering, and signal conditioning in compact, thermally constrained systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the NC7SU04M5?

The NC7SU04M5 is a single unbuffered CMOS inverter designed exclusively for crystal oscillator applications - particularly Pierce configurations - where minimal phase delay and direct feedback path integrity are essential. It is not intended for general-purpose logic inversion. Its unbuffered architecture, low ICC, and broad VCC range make the NC7SU04M5 ideal for timing circuits requiring high stability and low power.

Can the NC7SU04M5 be used in standard logic inversion circuits?

No - the NC7SU04M5 is explicitly not intended for logic inversion applications, as stated in its Fairchild/ON Semiconductor datasheet. Its unbuffered design lacks input hysteresis and output drive optimization for digital logic interfacing, risking metastability and inconsistent switching thresholds. For logic inversion, use buffered alternatives like NC7SZ04 or SN74LVC1G04; the NC7SU04M5 should only be deployed in oscillator topologies with appropriate biasing and load capacitors.

What does the "NC" pin on the NC7SU04M5 do?

Pin 4 of the NC7SU04M5 is designated "NC" (No Connect) - it is electrically isolated with no internal bond wire or circuit connection. This pin serves a mechanical role in the SOT23-5 package, improving thermal dissipation and physical stability during reflow. It must remain unconnected in all PCB layouts; routing or grounding the NC pin may compromise device reliability or violate JEDEC MO-178 mechanical specifications for the NC7SU04M5.

Why does the NC7SU04M5 specify both 2V–6V VCC and −40°C to +85°C operation?

The NC7SU04M5's 2V–6V VCC range and −40°C to +85°C operating temperature are fully characterized and guaranteed across all electrical parameters - including propagation delay, output drive, and input thresholds - per its official datasheet. This dual specification enables deployment in diverse environments: low-voltage battery systems (2V), standard 3.3V/5V logic domains, and industrial enclosures where ambient extremes demand robust parametric consistency. All performance claims for the NC7SU04M5 apply within this full range.

How does the NC7SU04M5 differ from the NC7SU04P5X variant?

The NC7SU04M5 and NC7SU04P5X share identical electrical specifications and circuit functionality but differ solely in package: NC7SU04M5 uses the 5-lead SOT23-5 (JEDEC MO-178), while NC7SU04P5X uses the smaller 5-lead SC70 (EIAJ SC-88a). The SOT23-5 offers better thermal performance (θJA = 300°C/W vs. 425°C/W) and higher mechanical robustness, making the NC7SU04M5 preferred for thermally demanding or high-reliability oscillator implementations where the NC7SU04M5's larger footprint is acceptable.