Texas Instruments SN74ABT241DW

Overview

SN74ABT241DW from Texas Instruments is an octal noninverting buffer/driver with 3-state outputs, designed for memory address and bus-oriented applications. It features high-drive capability (–32 mA IOH, 64 mA IOL), low output ground bounce (<1 V VOLP at 5 V), and operates over –40°C to 85°C. Its 20-pin SOIC (DW) package supports dense PCB layouts in industrial control and data acquisition systems.

For engineers reviewing the SN74ABT241DW datasheet, SN74ABT241DW pinout, SN74ABT241DW application, or SN74ABT241DW equivalent, key selection criteria include 3-state bus driving capability, TTL-compatible input thresholds (VIH = 2 V, VIL = 0.8 V), propagation delays under 5.3 ns, and compatibility with 5-V logic systems requiring robust drive strength and noise immunity.

Technical Context

The SN74ABT241DW implements dual 4-bit noninverting buffers with independent 3-state enable controls (1OE and 2OE). Each section drives four outputs with symmetrical active-low OE inputs and supports hot-swap safe operation when OE is pulled up/down via external resistors during power sequencing.

Its EPIC-II^B BiCMOS process delivers low power dissipation while maintaining high-speed performance: tPLH/tPHL ≤ 4.6 ns (VCC = 5 V, CL = 50 pF), tPZL/tPZH ≤ 6.8 ns, and latch-up immunity exceeding 500 mA per JEDEC JESD-17.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SN74ABT241DW uses a 20-pin plastic small-outline integrated circuit (SOIC) package (DW), 7.5 mm × 12.8 mm body size, with 1.27 mm pitch and gull-wing leads.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar octal 3-state buffer applications.

Compared with SN74ABT241DW, SN74ABT240DW offers functional equivalence with inversion, simplifying designs needing polarity reversal, while SN74LVC244APW targets lower-voltage domains at the cost of 5-V interoperability and reduced drive - making SN74ABT241DW optimal for legacy 5-V industrial and memory interfaces.

Availability

SN74ABT241DW is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, memory subsystems, and microprocessor bus expansion requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for SN74ABT241DW 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

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader founded in 1930, specializing in analog, embedded processing, and logic technologies for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The SN74ABT241DW belongs to TI's ABT advanced BiCMOS logic family, engineered for high-speed, high-drive 5-V bus interfacing in memory, computing, and programmable logic applications.

FAQ

What is the recommended power-up sequence for SN74ABT241DW to ensure 3-state safety?

TI specifies that OE pins must be held inactive (high) during power-up to guarantee high-impedance outputs. Tie 1OE and 2OE to VCC through pullup resistors sized per the driver's current-sinking capability - typically 1–10 kΩ - and avoid floating OE inputs. This prevents bus contention before system initialization completes. The SN74ABT241DW's design relies on this external biasing for reliable power sequencing.

Does SN74ABT241DW support mixed-voltage operation between 3.3-V inputs and 5-V VCC?

No. The SN74ABT241DW is strictly a 5-V device with VIH = 2 V and VIL = 0.8 V referenced to its 4.5–5.5 V VCC rail. Applying 3.3-V logic signals directly risks marginal or incorrect switching, as input thresholds assume 5-V operation. For mixed-voltage systems, level-shifting circuitry or a 3.3-V-compatible alternative like SN74LVC244A is required instead of SN74ABT241DW.

Can SN74ABT241DW drive a 100-pF bus load while maintaining timing specifications?

Yes - though the published switching characteristics (e.g., tPLH ≤ 4.6 ns) are specified at CL = 50 pF, the SN74ABT241DW's 64-mA IOL and –32-mA IOH enable it to drive heavier loads. At 100 pF, propagation delay increases predictably (~1.4×), remaining within acceptable margins for ≤15-MHz bus operation. Layout best practices (short traces, ground plane) are essential to maintain SN74ABT241DW performance at higher capacitance.

Is SN74ABT241DW pin-compatible with SN74ABT244DW?

No. While both are octal 3-state buffers in DW packages, SN74ABT244DW has different pin assignments: it features complementary OE/OE inputs and noninverting/inverting output pairs per channel. The SN74ABT241DW uses independent 1OE/2OE controls and uniform noninverting outputs. Swapping them requires PCB redesign - SN74ABT241DW cannot serve as a drop-in replacement for SN74ABT244DW.

What is the maximum continuous output current rating for SN74ABT241DW per output?

The absolute maximum rating for SN74ABT241DW is 128 mA per output in the low state (IOL), but TI specifies 64 mA as the recommended operating limit for sustained performance. Exceeding 64 mA risks thermal overload and violates the recommended conditions table. For reliable long-term operation, keep steady-state IOL ≤ 64 mA and IOH ≥ –32 mA - values guaranteed across –40°C to 85°C for SN74ABT241DW.