Texas Instruments SN74AC8541RKSR
- Part No.:
- SN74AC8541RKSR
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package:
- 20-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
SN74AC8541RKSR.pdf
- Description:
- EIGHT-CHANNEL 1.5-V TO 6-V BUFFE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,945
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Product details
Overview
SN74AC8541 from Texas Instruments is an octal buffer/driver IC with Schmitt-trigger inputs and dual active-low 3-state output enable (OE1/OE2), operating from 1.5V to 6V supply. It delivers ±24mA continuous output drive at 5V, supports 50Ω transmission line driving, and achieves 6ns max propagation delay under 5V/50pF load-used for signal conditioning in industrial control backplanes and noisy sensor interface circuits.
For engineers reviewing the SN74AC8541 datasheet, SN74AC8541 pinout, SN74AC8541 application, or SN74AC8541 equivalent, this page provides verified functional mode behavior, thermal performance across VQFN-20 (RKS) package, Schmitt-trigger hysteresis values (ΔVT = 0.3–1.6V), and real-world design guidance for debouncing, reset hold, and transmission-line termination.
Technical Context
The SN74AC8541 implements eight independent CMOS buffers with Schmitt-trigger inputs enabling robust noise immunity on slow-rising or noisy digital signals. Its dual OE pins (OE1 and OE2) require both to be low for output activation-providing fail-safe 3-state control not found in single-OE variants.
It features balanced push-pull outputs capable of ±24mA continuous sourcing/sinking at 5V and up to ±75mA in short bursts, with input voltage tolerance up to 6V regardless of VCC. The device meets JEDEC HBM ±2000V and CDM ±1000V ESD ratings, and its 50pF load-rated switching performance is validated across -40°C to +125°C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.5V to 6V - enables direct interfacing between 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V, and 5V logic domains without level shifters |
| Max Propagation Delay | 6ns at 5V/50pF - ensures timing-critical signal routing in high-speed control buses and FPGA I/O expansion |
| Output Drive Strength | ±24mA continuous at 5V - sufficient to drive multiple CMOS loads or terminate 50Ω transmission lines directly |
| Schmitt-Trigger Hysteresis | 0.3V to 1.6V (ΔVT) - rejects noise spikes up to 1.6Vpp and tolerates slow edges without oscillation |
| Input Voltage Tolerance | Up to 6V independent of VCC - allows safe interfacing with higher-voltage sensors or legacy 5V peripherals |
| ESD Rating (HBM) | ±2000V - meets industrial IEC 61000-4-2 system-level surge immunity requirements |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +125°C - qualified for under-hood automotive, motor drive, and factory automation environments |
Pinout & Package
VQFN-20 (RKS) package: 4.5mm × 2.5mm body size, 0.5mm pitch, thermally enhanced with exposed pad (connectable to GND or left floating).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| OE1, OE2 | Active-low 3-state enable inputs | Both must be low to activate outputs; provides redundant control for safety-critical disable paths |
| A1–A8 | Independent Schmitt-trigger inputs | Each accepts slow/noisy signals; hysteresis prevents chatter during threshold crossing |
| Y1–Y8 | CMOS 3-state buffered outputs | Drive strength and impedance match support clean edge integrity into 50Ω lines or fan-out >10 |
| VCC | Positive supply terminal | Must be bypassed with 0.1µF capacitor placed adjacent to pin; supports full 1.5–6V range |
| GND | Ground reference | Return path for all output sink current and supply leakage; ties to thermal pad in RKS package |
| Thermal Pad | Exposed copper pad (RKS only) | Improves θJB to 45.6°C/W; may be connected to GND plane for enhanced thermal dissipation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual independent OE control | Enables hardware-redundant disable logic-critical for fail-safe bus isolation in PLC modules |
| Schmitt-trigger input hysteresis | 0.3–1.6V ΔVT range eliminates need for external RC filtering on mechanical switch or encoder inputs |
| 50Ω transmission line drive | Supports point-to-point or daisy-chained routing over >12cm traces without external series termination |
| Wide 1.5–6V supply operation | Eliminates level-shifter ICs when bridging mixed-voltage subsystems (e.g., 3.3V MCU to 5V actuator interface) |
| ±75mA short-burst output capability | Handles capacitive inrush during hot-plug events or relay coil discharge without latch-up |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Interface | Motor Control Reset Hold |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Conditioning noisy quadrature encoder or limit-switch signals in CNC machinery. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Buffering and noise rejection via Schmitt-trigger inputs; holding position data stable during controller reset sequences. Use Value: Eliminates false counts caused by contact bounce or EMI, ensuring deterministic motion control startup. |
Use Scenario: Maintaining gate-driver enable state during microcontroller brown-out or watchdog reset. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Octal buffer holds PWM enable signals active while MCU reboots; dual OE allows synchronized release. Use Value: Prevents uncontrolled motor stall or torque surge during firmware recovery cycles. |
| Backplane Signal Distribution | Legacy System Bus Extension |
Use Scenario: Driving parallel address/data lines across 20cm PCB backplane in modular I/O chassis. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Impedance-matched driver for 50Ω trace routing; 6ns tpd ensures setup/hold margin at 25MHz bus rates. Use Value: Reduces signal reflections and jitter without discrete termination resistors-cutting BOM count and layout area. |
Use Scenario: Interfacing modern 3.3V SoC peripherals with legacy 5V ISA-style expansion slots. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Level-tolerant buffer translating 3.3V logic up to 5V swing while maintaining noise margin. Use Value: Enables drop-in replacement of obsolete 74LS244 without redesigning power or timing architecture. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar octal buffer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SN74LVC8T245PW | Translating 8-bit bus switch with configurable direction and 1.65–5.5V dual-supply operation; no Schmitt inputs | Requires external pull-ups for unused pins; lacks hysteresis for noisy environments | Prefer when bidirectional data flow or voltage translation is needed, not for noise-prone sensor buffering |
| MC74VHC244DT | Octal buffer with single OE, no Schmitt inputs, 2–5.5V supply, ±8mA drive at 5V | Lower drive strength and no hysteresis; unsuitable for switch debouncing or long-line driving | Select only for cost-sensitive, low-noise, low-drive applications where Schmitt functionality is unnecessary |
Compared with SN74AC8541, SN74LVC8T245PW adds bidirectional flexibility but removes noise immunity, while MC74VHC244DT reduces cost and complexity at the expense of drive strength and input robustness-making SN74AC8541 optimal for industrial signal integrity-critical roles.
Availability
SN74AC8541 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, motor control, and sensor interface applications requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for SN74AC8541 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 delivering analog, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions with emphasis on reliability, longevity, and industrial-grade qualification.
The SN74AC8541 belongs to TI's AC-family advanced CMOS logic product line, designed specifically for noise-immune signal conditioning in harsh electromagnetic environments such as factory floors and transportation systems.
FAQ
What is the function of the dual OE pins (OE1 and OE2) on the SN74AC8541?
The SN74AC8541 requires both OE1 and OE2 to be logic low simultaneously to enable its eight outputs; if either is high, all outputs enter high-impedance state. This dual-control architecture provides hardware-level redundancy for fail-safe bus isolation-commonly used in safety-rated PLC I/O modules where single-point failure must not cause unintended signal assertion. The SN74AC8541 datasheet confirms this behavior in Table 6-1 (Function Table).
Does the SN74AC8541 support operation at 1.8V supply voltage?
Yes, the SN74AC8541 is fully specified down to 1.5V supply and operates reliably at 1.8V, delivering 10.1ns typical tPLH and ±2mA output drive per channel. Its Schmitt-trigger inputs maintain consistent VT+ and VT− thresholds across 1.8V (0.72V/0.37V), making it suitable for low-voltage portable instrumentation interfaces. All electrical characteristics in Section 5.5 of the SN74AC8541 datasheet include 1.8V test conditions.
Can the SN74AC8541 drive a 50Ω transmission line directly?
Yes-the SN74AC8541 is explicitly characterized to drive 50Ω transmission lines, with verified signal integrity in Figure 7-2 of the SN74AC8541 datasheet showing clean waveforms using series damping resistors. At 5V supply, its ±24mA continuous drive and 6ns propagation delay ensure minimal overshoot/ringing on traces >12cm, eliminating need for external line drivers in many industrial backplane designs.
What is the maximum junction temperature and thermal resistance for the SN74AC8541 in RKS package?
The SN74AC8541 in RKS (VQFN-20) package has a maximum junction temperature of 150°C and junction-to-board thermal resistance (RθJB) of 45.6°C/W. With its exposed thermal pad, it achieves significantly lower thermal impedance than DGS or PW packages-enabling sustained operation at full drive strength in compact enclosures. These values are documented in Table 5.4 of the SN74AC8541 datasheet.
How does the Schmitt-trigger input hysteresis improve noise immunity in the SN74AC8541?
The SN74AC8541 provides programmable hysteresis (ΔVT = 0.3–1.6V depending on VCC), meaning its input threshold differs for rising (VT+) and falling (VT−) edges. This prevents oscillation when noise causes input voltage to hover near a single threshold-critical for debouncing mechanical switches or rejecting EMI on long sensor cables. Measured ΔVT values are tabulated in Section 5.5 of the SN74AC8541 datasheet.
SN74AC8541RKSR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- 74AC
- Package/Case:
- 20-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Logic Type:
- Buffer, Non-Inverting
- Number of Elements:
- 1
- Number of Bits per Element:
- 8
- Input Type:
- -
- Output Type:
- 3-State
- Current - Output High, Low:
- 24mA, 24mA
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.5V ~ 6V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount, Wettable Flank
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-VQFN (2.5x4.5)
SN74AC8541RKSR FAQ
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6.How does Aetrix verify that SN74AC8541RKSR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SN74AC8541RKSR 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 SN74AC8541RKSR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SN74AC8541RKSR?
All SN74AC8541RKSR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SN74AC8541RKSR, 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 SN74AC8541RKSR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SN74AC8541RKSR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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