Texas Instruments SN74AC241DW

Overview

SN74AC241DW from Texas Instruments is an octal 3-state buffer/driver IC organized as two independent 4-bit sections with complementary output-enable controls (1OE and 2OE). It operates across 2V–6V V_CC, supports 5V/3.3V logic interfaces, delivers ≤7.5ns propagation delay at 5V, and drives ±24mA outputs - used in memory address buffering, clock distribution, and bidirectional bus interfacing.

For engineers reviewing the SN74AC241DW datasheet, SN74AC241DW pinout, SN74AC241DW application, or SN74AC241DW equivalent, this page provides verified functional identity, SOIC-20 package mapping, real-world timing and drive capability data, and validated alternative options for bus interface design.

Technical Context

The SN74AC241DW implements dual 4-bit noninverting buffers with independent 3-state control: when 1OE is low or 2OE is high, data passes from A inputs to Y outputs; when 1OE is high or 2OE is low, outputs enter high-impedance state. Its AC logic family ensures TTL-compatible input thresholds and CMOS-level output swing.

It features rail-to-rail input voltage tolerance (up to 6V), guaranteed operation from –40°C to +85°C, and supports mixed-voltage system interfacing due to input overvoltage capability beyond V_CC. Output enable pins are active-low and active-high respectively, enabling flexible bus arbitration control.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SN74AC241DW is housed in a 20-pin SOIC (DW) package measuring 12.8mm × 10.3mm (body: 12.8mm × 7.5mm), with 1.27mm lead pitch and 2.65mm max height - compatible with standard SOIC-20 footprints and reflow profiles (MSL Level-1).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74AC241DW, SN74LVC241APW offers faster 3.3V performance but lacks 5V input tolerance, while SN74HCT241N provides stronger noise margins at 5V but sacrifices speed and voltage flexibility - making SN74AC241DW optimal for mixed-voltage, medium-speed bus isolation.

Availability

SN74AC241DW is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for memory address buffering, clock distribution, bus transceiver interface, and legacy peripheral interfacing requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges.

Supply support for SN74AC241DW 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 specializing in analog, embedded processing, and logic solutions, with decades of experience in high-reliability industrial and automotive-grade components.

The SN74AC241DW belongs to TI's AC-series advanced CMOS logic family, designed specifically for high-speed, low-power, mixed-voltage bus interface applications in memory subsystems and digital signal routing.

FAQ

What is the function of the 1OE and 2OE pins on the SN74AC241DW?

The SN74AC241DW uses 1OE (pin 1) as an active-low enable for the first 4-bit buffer section (1A1–1A4 → 1Y1–1Y4), and 2OE (pin 19) as an active-high enable for the second section (2A1–2A4 → 2Y1–2Y4). When 1OE is low, 1Y outputs reflect 1A inputs; when high, they go high-impedance. When 2OE is high, 2Y outputs follow 2A inputs; when low, they enter high-impedance. This dual-control scheme enables independent bus arbitration without external logic.

Can the SN74AC241DW operate with a 3.3V supply and interface with 5V logic?

Yes, the SN74AC241DW supports V_CC from 2V to 6V and accepts input voltages up to V_CC + 0.5V - meaning it can run at 3.3V while safely receiving 5V signals on its A and OE inputs. Its outputs swing rail-to-rail, so at 3.3V supply it delivers ~3.3V logic levels, which may require level translation for 5V-receiving devices unless those devices are 3.3V-tolerant.

What is the maximum output current rating for the SN74AC241DW?

The SN74AC241DW is rated for ±24mA output current per pin at V_CC = 4.5V (I_OH = –24mA, I_OL = +24mA), and ±24mA at 5.5V. At 3.3V, it delivers ±12mA. These values are specified under recommended operating conditions and ensure reliable drive into standard TTL loads or 50Ω transmission lines without exceeding thermal limits in the SOIC-20 package.

Is the SN74AC241DW pin-compatible with other octal buffer variants like SN74LS241 or SN74HC241?

No, the SN74AC241DW is not pin-compatible with SN74LS241 (TTL, different pinout and enable logic) or SN74HC241 (same pinout but different enable polarity: both OE pins are active-low). The SN74AC241DW uniquely uses complementary OE polarity (1OE active-low, 2OE active-high), requiring PCB layout verification before substitution. Always confirm pin functions using Table 3-1 in the SCAS513G datasheet.

What thermal considerations apply to the SN74AC241DW in continuous operation?

The SN74AC241DW in SOIC-20 (DW) package has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_θJA) of 58°C/W. At maximum rated output current (±24mA) and 5V supply, power dissipation remains low (<100mW typical), but proper PCB copper pour and decoupling are essential. TI recommends a 0.1µF ceramic capacitor near V_CC (pin 20) and grounding pin 10 adequately to maintain thermal stability under sustained bus activity.