Texas Instruments SN74AC7541QWRKSRQ1

Overview

SN74AC7541QWRKSRQ1 from Texas Instruments is an automotive-grade octal buffer IC with open-drain CMOS outputs, dual active-low output enable inputs (OE1/OE2), 1.5V–6V supply range, 24mA continuous output drive at 5V, and 11ns max propagation delay under 5V/50pF load - used for LED driving, level-shifting, and wired-AND bus interfacing in vehicle control modules.

For engineers reviewing the SN74AC7541QWRKSRQ1 datasheet, SN74AC7541QWRKSRQ1 pinout, SN74AC7541QWRKSRQ1 application, or SN74AC7541QWRKSRQ1 equivalent, key selection factors include AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification (-40°C to +125°C), wettable-flank VQFN-20 (RKS) package, open-drain output architecture enabling shared-bus pull-up configurations, and dual OE control logic requiring both signals low for output activation.

Technical Context

This device implements eight independent non-inverting buffers with open-drain outputs, each driven by standard CMOS inputs compatible with 0–6V input voltage levels. Output state is controlled jointly by OE1 and OE2: only when both are logic low do outputs actively drive low or remain high-impedance per input state.

The RKS (VQFN-20) package features wettable flanks for AOI-compatible solder joint inspection and includes a thermal pad that may be connected to GND or left floating. Electrical behavior follows standard CMOS input thresholds and open-drain output characteristics, with VOL specified down to 0.1V at 24mA (5V) and leakage currents ≤±5µA in high-Z state.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VQFN-20 (RKS) package with 4.5mm × 2.5mm body size, exposed thermal pad (GND or floating), and wettable flank leads for AOI-compliant solder joint verification.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74AC7541QWRKSRQ1, SN74LVC8T245RHLR offers higher drive and automatic direction control but omits dual-OE safety gating, while SN74AHC1G07DBVR provides identical logic function per channel but incurs 8× footprint, BOM, and qualification overhead - making SN74AC7541QWRKSRQ1 optimal for production automotive systems needing integrated octal buffering with hardware-enforced enable redundancy.

Availability

SN74AC7541QWRKSRQ1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive powertrain control, ADAS sensor interface, and body electronics applications requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 compliance, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for SN74AC7541QWRKSRQ1 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, delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for automotive, industrial, personal electronics, and communications markets.

The SN74AC7541QWRKSRQ1 belongs to TI's automotive-qualified logic portfolio, designed specifically for robust signal buffering in harsh-temperature vehicle subsystems where reliability, ESD resilience, and functional safety interlocks are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current specification for SN74AC7541QWRKSRQ1 at 5V?

The SN74AC7541QWRKSRQ1 supports 24mA continuous output current per channel at 5V supply, as specified in Section 5.3 Recommended Operating Conditions. This rating ensures stable operation when driving LEDs, terminating 50Ω lines, or sinking current into CMOS inputs without thermal derating under typical automotive ambient conditions.

Does SN74AC7541QWRKSRQ1 support operation below 1.8V, and what is the minimum valid supply voltage?

Yes, SN74AC7541QWRKSRQ1 operates down to 1.5V supply voltage, as confirmed in Section 5.3 Recommended Operating Conditions. At 1.5V, input thresholds are VIH(min) = 1.2V and VIL(max) = 0.3V, enabling compatibility with ultra-low-voltage microcontrollers and battery-backed subsystems in automotive applications.

How are the dual output enable inputs (OE1 and OE2) logically combined in SN74AC7541QWRKSRQ1?

In SN74AC7541QWRKSRQ1, both OE1 and OE2 must be logic low simultaneously to enable output drivers - this is a logical AND function per the Function Table in Section 6.4. When either OE is high, all eight outputs enter high-impedance state regardless of input states, providing hardware-level safety interlock for critical automotive functions.

Can unused inputs on SN74AC7541QWRKSRQ1 be left floating, and what is the recommended termination?

No, unused inputs on SN74AC7541QWRKSRQ1 must not be left floating. Per Section 6.3.2 and Layout Guidelines, all unused A1–A8 and OE pins must be tied to VCC or GND using direct connections or 10kΩ pull-up/down resistors to prevent oscillation, excessive power consumption, and undefined logic states in automotive temperature ranges.

Is the thermal pad on the RKS package of SN74AC7541QWRKSRQ1 required to be connected to ground?

No, the thermal pad on the RKS package of SN74AC7541QWRKSRQ1 may be connected to GND or left electrically floating, as stated in Table 4-1 Pin Functions. Connecting it to GND improves thermal performance (RθJB = 40.4°C/W), but floating is acceptable if board layout constraints prevent grounding - no electrical functionality depends on its connection.