Texas Instruments SN74AC244DWG4

Overview

SN74AC244DWG4 from Texas Instruments is an octal 3-state buffer/driver IC designed for bus-oriented signal routing in digital systems. It operates across 2V–6V V_CC, supports 5V/3.3V logic interfaces, delivers ≤7.5ns propagation delay at 5V, and features dual independent output-enable controls - used in server memory address drivers, LED display column drivers, and telecom backplane transceivers.

For engineers reviewing the SN74AC244DWG4 datasheet, SN74AC244DWG4 pinout, SN74AC244DWG4 application, or SN74AC244DWG4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 20-pin SOIC (DW) package, rail-to-rail input voltage tolerance (up to 6V), ±24mA output drive capability at 5V, and compatibility with TTL- and CMOS-level signaling in high-density bus architectures.

Technical Context

The SN74AC244DWG4 implements two independent 4-bit non-inverting buffer groups, each controlled by a dedicated output-enable (OE) input. Its AC logic family ensures fast switching with low ground bounce and high noise immunity, supporting bidirectional bus isolation without direction control pins.

It functions as a level-translating driver: inputs accept voltages up to 6V regardless of V_CC, enabling interfacing between mixed-voltage subsystems. The device enters high-impedance state when OE is high, allowing multiple devices to share a common bus without contention.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SN74AC244DWG4 uses a 20-pin SOIC (DW) package measuring 12.8mm × 10.3mm (body: 12.8mm × 7.5mm), with standard 1.27mm pitch and gull-wing leads. Thermal performance is characterized by R_θJA = 101.2°C/W.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74LVC244APWR and 74ACT244SC, SN74AC244DWG4 uniquely balances wide supply flexibility (2V–6V), robust 6V-tolerant inputs, and industrial temperature support - making it the preferred choice for mixed-voltage, field-deployable equipment requiring long-term supply stability.

Availability

SN74AC244DWG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for servers and network switches, LED displays, and telecom infrastructure requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for SN74AC244DWG4 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 90 years of innovation in industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The SN74AC244DWG4 belongs to TI's AC logic family - engineered for high-speed, low-noise digital interfacing in mission-critical infrastructure where reliability, timing precision, and voltage flexibility are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for SN74AC244DWG4?

The SN74AC244DWG4 accepts input voltages from –0.5V to V_CC + 0.5V, with absolute maximum rating of 6V regardless of V_CC. This allows safe interfacing with 5V peripherals even when operating at 3.3V V_CC, eliminating need for external level shifters in mixed-voltage designs. The SN74AC244DWG4 datasheet confirms this in Section 5.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings.

Does SN74AC244DWG4 support hot-swap operation on shared buses?

Yes - SN74AC244DWG4 supports hot-swap via its 3-state outputs. When either 1OE or 2OE is held high, the corresponding Y outputs enter high-impedance mode, preventing bus contention during live insertion. TI recommends tying OE pins to V_CC through pull-up resistors during power-up to ensure defined initial state. This behavior is documented in Section 7.3 Function Table.

What is the recommended bypass capacitor for SN74AC244DWG4?

Texas Instruments specifies a 0.1µF ceramic capacitor placed as close as possible to the V_CC pin (pin 20) and GND (pin 10) for SN74AC244DWG4. This minimizes high-frequency supply noise and prevents ground bounce during simultaneous output switching. Layout guidelines in Section 8.1 confirm this value applies to single-supply SOIC packages like the DW variant used in SN74AC244DWG4.

Can SN74AC244DWG4 drive 50Ω transmission lines directly?

Yes - SN74AC244DWG4 delivers ±24mA output current at 5V, sufficient to drive unterminated 50Ω lines (requiring ±10mA for 0.5V swing) or lightly loaded stubs. Its 7.5ns propagation delay and low output impedance (<10Ω typical) maintain signal integrity on traces up to 15cm. These characteristics are verified in Sections 5.2 and 5.6 of the SN74AC244DWG4 datasheet.

Is SN74AC244DWG4 pin-compatible with other 20-pin octal buffers?

SN74AC244DWG4 shares identical pinout with industry-standard 20-pin octal 3-state buffers including SN74LS244, SN74ALS244, and SN74F244 in SOIC (DW) packaging. Pin functions - including dual OE, grouped A/Y pairs, and V_CC/GND placement - match JEDEC MS-013. However, AC logic's wider V_CC range and rail-tolerant inputs provide functional enhancements beyond pin compatibility.