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Texas Instruments SN74AC241N
- Part No.:
- SN74AC241N
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package:
- 20-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
SN74AC241N.pdf
- Description:
- IC BUFF NON-INVERT 6V 20DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:800
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Product details
Overview
SN74AC241N from Texas Instruments is an octal 3-state buffer/driver IC designed for memory address, clock, and bus signal conditioning in industrial and embedded systems. It operates across 2V–6V VCC, supports 5V/3.3V logic interfaces, delivers ≤7.5ns propagation delay at 5V, and features dual independent output-enable controls (1OE, 2OE) for flexible bus partitioning.
For engineers reviewing the SN74AC241N datasheet, SN74AC241N pinout, SN74AC241N application, or SN74AC241N equivalent, this device serves as a high-speed, voltage-tolerant interface solution for bidirectional data routing, address latching, and load isolation in legacy TTL- and CMOS-compatible systems requiring robust 3-state control and wide supply flexibility.
Technical Context
The SN74AC241N implements two independent 4-bit noninverting buffer sections-Group 1 (1A1–1A4 → 1Y1–1Y4) and Group 2 (2A1–2A4 → 2Y1–2Y4)-each with dedicated complementary output-enable inputs (1OE low enables Group 1; 2OE high enables Group 2). Its AC logic family ensures rail-to-rail input tolerance up to 6V regardless of VCC, enabling mixed-voltage interfacing without level shifters.
Functional operation is defined by strict 3-state control timing: tPZH/tPZL ≤9.5ns and tPHZ/tPLZ ≤10.5ns at 5V, with guaranteed high-impedance isolation (IOZ ≤±2.5µA) and ±24mA drive capability per output. The device requires no external pull resistors for power-up safety when OE pins are externally biased per TI's recommended layout guidance.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCC Range | 2V to 6V - supports direct interfacing with 3.3V and 5V systems without level translation |
| Max Propagation Delay | 7.5ns at 5V - enables reliable operation in high-speed address/data buses up to ~133MHz toggle rate |
| Output Drive Strength | ±24mA at 5V - sufficient to drive 50Ω transmission lines or fan-out to ≥10 LSTTL loads |
| Input Voltage Tolerance | Up to 6V independent of VCC - allows safe connection to higher-voltage control signals or legacy buses |
| 3-State Leakage | IOZ ≤ ±2.5µA at 5.5V - ensures minimal bus contention during disable, critical for shared-memory arbitration |
| Operating Temperature | –40°C to +85°C - qualified for industrial-grade deployment in uncontrolled ambient environments |
| Power Dissipation Cap | Cpd = 45pF per buffer - enables accurate dynamic power estimation in clock distribution and bus driver applications |
Pinout & Package
SN74AC241N uses a 20-pin Plastic Dual In-line Package (PDIP-N), body size 24.33mm × 6.35mm, with through-hole mounting and standard 0.3-inch row spacing. Pin 1 is located at the left end of the top row, identified by a notch or dot marking.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1OE | Active-low enable for Group 1 outputs (1Y1–1Y4) | Drives all four Group 1 outputs to high-Z when high; ties directly to system address strobe or chip-select logic |
| 1A1–1A4 | Inputs for Group 1 buffers | Accept 0–6V signals; connect to lower 4 bits of address bus or parallel data path |
| 1Y1–1Y4 | Noninverting outputs for Group 1 | Drive downstream latches or memory inputs; require series termination if driving >15cm traces |
| GND (Pin 10) | Ground reference | Must be connected to low-impedance system ground plane; decoupling capacitor (0.1µF) placed within 5mm |
| 2A1–2A4 | Inputs for Group 2 buffers | Independent from Group 1; used for upper address nibble or secondary data channel |
| 2Y1–2Y4 | Noninverting outputs for Group 2 | Enable time-multiplexed bus sharing; outputs remain isolated until 2OE is asserted high |
| 2OE | Active-high enable for Group 2 outputs (2Y1–2Y4) | Complementary control to 1OE; simplifies synchronous enable sequencing in multi-chip configurations |
| VCC (Pin 20) | Positive supply | Accepts 2–6V; requires local 0.1µF ceramic bypass cap tied directly to GND with minimal trace length |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Rail-to-rail input voltage support | Inputs tolerate up to 6V regardless of VCC setting - eliminates need for external level-shifting circuitry in mixed-supply systems |
| Dual independent 3-state control | Separate 1OE (active-low) and 2OE (active-high) inputs allow asymmetric bus arbitration and phased enable timing |
| Low propagation delay | tPLH/tPHL ≤7.5ns at 5V - meets setup/hold timing budgets for 20MHz+ address strobes in microcontroller peripherals |
| High noise immunity | VIL = 0.9V / VIH = 2.1V at 3V VCC - provides >0.8V noise margin against EMI in industrial control cabinets |
| Robust output isolation | IOZ ≤ ±2.5µA at max VCC - prevents leakage-induced bus contention during hot-swap or partial system reset |
Applications
| Memory Address Buffering | Clock Distribution |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Driving 16-bit address bus from microcontroller to multiple SRAM/ROM chips in a shared-bus architecture. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Octal buffer isolates MCU address pins from capacitive loading of long traces and multiple devices; dual OE permits selective chip activation without bus contention. Use Value: Enables deterministic 7.5ns address valid timing across full 5V bus, eliminating skew-induced read/write errors in 8051- or Z80-based systems. |
Use Scenario: Distributing a 25MHz system clock to three peripheral controllers with matched trace lengths. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Noninverting buffer replicates clock signal with minimal jitter addition; 3-state capability allows dynamic clock gating per subsystem. Use Value: Maintains <100ps edge integrity at 25MHz due to low Cpd (45pF) and fast tPLH, preventing metastability in synchronous peripherals. |
| Bus Transceiver Interface | Legacy System Expansion |
|
Use Scenario: Interfacing a modern FPGA I/O bank (3.3V) to an older ISA bus (5V TTL) via bidirectional data lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Acts as direction-controlled level-tolerant driver; 1OE/2OE coordinated to prevent simultaneous drive conflicts on shared D[7:0]. Use Value: Input tolerance to 6V allows direct connection to 5V ISA data lines while powered from 3.3V, avoiding discrete MOSFET translators. |
Use Scenario: Adding parallel I/O expansion to a vintage 8-bit computer using unused address decode lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Buffers decoded A12–A15 signals to enable peripheral select logic; PDIP package matches original board footprint. Use Value: Pin-compatible replacement for obsolete 74LS241; identical 20-pin DIP layout and DC timing allows drop-in upgrade without PCB rework. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar octal 3-state buffer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SN74ACT241N | Higher drive (±24mA vs ±24mA same), but tighter VIH/VIL thresholds (2.0V/0.8V @ 3V); slightly faster tPLH (6.5ns) | Better noise margin at 3V, but less tolerant of slow-rising legacy signals; not suitable for 2.0V-only operation | Select SN74ACT241N only when operating strictly at 3.3V with clean, fast edges and need for sub-7ns timing. |
| 74HC241N | Slower max speed (18ns @ 4.5V), narrower VCC range (2–6V same), lower drive (±7.8mA), no 6V input tolerance | Lower power consumption (ICC ≈ 4µA vs 40µA), but cannot interface safely to 5V buses when VCC = 3.3V | Choose 74HC241N for battery-powered 3.3V-only systems where speed <10MHz and absolute voltage tolerance are non-critical. |
Compared with SN74ACT241N and 74HC241N, the SN74AC241N uniquely balances 6V input tolerance, 7.5ns speed, and industrial temperature range - making it the only option that safely bridges 3.3V logic and legacy 5V infrastructure without external components.
Availability
SN74AC241N is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control panels, legacy system upgrades, and embedded bus interface designs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and through-hole manufacturability.
Supply support for SN74AC241N 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 over 50 years of innovation in industrial-grade interface ICs.
The SN74AC241N belongs to TI's AC-series advanced CMOS logic family, engineered for high-speed, low-power, voltage-flexible interfacing in mission-critical industrial and computing applications.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating voltage for SN74AC241N inputs?
The SN74AC241N inputs accept voltages up to 6V regardless of VCC level - a key feature enabling safe interfacing with 5V buses even when powered from 3.3V. This specification is explicitly confirmed in Section 4.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings and Section 4.2 Recommended Operating Conditions of the official TI datasheet SCAS513G. No external clamping is required under normal operation.
Does SN74AC241N support true bidirectional data flow?
No, the SN74AC241N is a unidirectional noninverting buffer - data flows only from A inputs to Y outputs. It does not contain internal direction control or bus transceiver logic. For bidirectional applications, two SN74AC241N devices must be used in opposing orientation, or a dedicated transceiver like SN74LVC245 should be selected. This functional limitation is clearly stated in the "Description" and "Functional Block Diagram" sections of the datasheet.
Can SN74AC241N replace SN74LS241 in existing designs?
Yes, the SN74AC241N is a functionally and pin-compatible upgrade for SN74LS241 in most cases: identical 20-pin PDIP package, matching pinout, and compatible 3-state behavior. Key improvements include lower power consumption, wider VCC range (2–6V vs 4.75–5.25V), and 6V-tolerant inputs. However, verify timing margins - SN74AC241N's 7.5ns tpd is significantly faster than LS241's ~25ns, which may require adjusting setup/hold windows in legacy timing-critical paths.
What is the recommended bypass capacitor for SN74AC241N?
Texas Instruments recommends a 0.1µF ceramic capacitor placed as close as possible to the VCC (Pin 20) and GND (Pin 10) pins - with trace length under 5mm - to suppress high-frequency switching noise. This requirement is specified in Section 7.1 "Power Supply Recommendations" of the SN74AC241N datasheet. For systems with multiple VCC sources or high di/dt loads, paralleling a 1µF tantalum capacitor improves low-frequency decoupling.
How are the output-enable pins 1OE and 2OE logically configured?
In the SN74AC241N, 1OE is active-low (outputs enabled when low), while 2OE is active-high (outputs enabled when high). This complementary configuration allows flexible bus arbitration - for example, tying 1OE to a chip-select signal (low-active) and 2OE to an inverted version for staggered enable timing. The functional truth table in Section 6.3 confirms this behavior, and it is implemented in hardware with no internal inversion logic required.
SN74AC241N Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- 74AC
- Package/Case:
- 20-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Logic Type:
- Buffer, Non-Inverting
- Number of Elements:
- 2
- Number of Bits per Element:
- 4
- Input Type:
- -
- Output Type:
- 3-State
- Current - Output High, Low:
- 24mA, 24mA
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2V ~ 6V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-PDIP
SN74AC241N FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SN74AC241N through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SN74AC241N on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for SN74AC241N reliable?
The price and inventory of SN74AC241N are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SN74AC241N is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SN74AC241N?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SN74AC241N transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SN74AC241N?
SN74AC241N orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SN74AC241N order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for SN74AC241N?
For technical support, including SN74AC241N datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SN74AC241N requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SN74AC241N is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SN74AC241N products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that SN74AC241N meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SN74AC241N?
All SN74AC241N units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SN74AC241N, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The SN74AC241N part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SN74AC241N:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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