Texas Instruments SN74AC7541DGSR

Overview

SN74AC7541 from Texas Instruments is an octal buffer IC with open-drain CMOS outputs, dual active-low output enable inputs (OE1/OE2), 1.5V–6V supply range, ≤11ns propagation delay at 5V/50pF, and 24mA continuous output drive capability. It serves as a level-shifting and wired-AND bus interface in industrial control I/O expansion.

For engineers reviewing the SN74AC7541 datasheet, SN74AC7541 pinout, SN74AC7541 application, or SN74AC7541 equivalent, key selection considerations include open-drain output compatibility with mixed-voltage buses, thermal performance in VSSOP-20 (DGS) packaging, dual OE logic configuration, and 50Ω transmission line driving capability.

Technical Context

The SN74AC7541 implements eight independent non-inverting buffers sharing two active-low output enable inputs (OE1 and OE2), requiring both to be low for any output to drive low; otherwise all outputs enter high-impedance state. Its open-drain architecture enables bidirectional bus arbitration and voltage-level translation without internal pull-ups.

It operates across 1.5V–6V supply, accepts input voltages up to 6V regardless of VCC, supports 75mA short-burst sink current at 5V, and maintains ≤11ns tPD into 50pF load - enabling reliable timing in high-speed digital interfaces with capacitive loading constraints.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VSSOP-20 (DGS) package: 5.1mm × 4.9mm footprint, 0.5mm pitch, exposed thermal pad (not present in DGS variant per TI mechanical drawings), suitable for space-constrained PCB layouts with moderate thermal dissipation requirements.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar octal open-drain buffer applications.

Compared with SN74LVC7541PW and SN74AHC7541DGVR, the SN74AC7541 offers broader voltage flexibility (1.5V–6V), higher input tolerance (up to 6V), and superior short-burst current capability (75mA), making it uniquely suitable for mixed-voltage industrial interfaces where robustness and interoperability outweigh raw speed or ultra-low power.

Availability

SN74AC7541 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial I/O expansion, LED driver circuits, wired-AND bus arbitration, and level-shifting interfaces requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.

Supply support for SN74AC7541 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 company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies with over 90 years of innovation in industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The SN74AC7541 belongs to TI's AC logic family - designed specifically for high-speed, wide-supply-voltage digital interfacing in harsh environments where reliability, voltage flexibility, and open-drain functionality are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current specification for the SN74AC7541 at 5V?

The SN74AC7541 supports 24mA continuous output sink current per channel at 5V, as specified in the Recommended Operating Conditions table under IOL. This rating applies across the full -40°C to +125°C operating temperature range and ensures stable operation without thermal derating in typical PCB layouts with adequate copper pour.

Does the SN74AC7541 support input voltages higher than its VCC supply?

Yes, the SN74AC7541 accepts input voltages up to 6V regardless of the applied VCC value - a feature explicitly documented in the Features section and Electrical Characteristics. This allows safe interfacing of 5V signals into 3.3V or 2.5V systems without external level-shifting components, provided input clamp current limits are observed.

How do the dual output enable inputs (OE1 and OE2) function in the SN74AC7541?

In the SN74AC7541, both OE1 and OE2 are active-low inputs that are logically ANDed; only when both are low will the corresponding Yx outputs actively drive low based on their Ax inputs. If either OE1 or OE2 is high, all eight outputs enter high-impedance state - enabling redundant disable control for functional safety or power-gating schemes.

Can the SN74AC7541 drive 50Ω transmission lines, and what design considerations apply?

Yes, the SN74AC7541 is explicitly characterized to drive 50Ω transmission lines, as stated in its Features list. To maintain signal integrity, keep trace lengths short, avoid stubs, use series termination near the driver if needed, and ensure the load capacitance remains ≤50pF - consistent with the switching characteristics test condition used for tPD measurement.

What package type is used for the SN74AC7541DGSR orderable part number?

The SN74AC7541DGSR uses the VSSOP-20 (DGS) package: a 20-pin, 0.5mm-pitch, 5.1mm × 4.9mm body-size surface-mount package with gull-wing leads. It is RoHS-compliant, moisture-sensitive level 1, and supplied in 5000-piece large tape-and-reel format - optimized for automated assembly and compact board layouts.