Texas Instruments SN74ACT241PW

Overview

SN74ACT241PW from Texas Instruments is an octal buffer/driver with 3-state outputs, designed for memory address and bus-oriented signal routing in industrial control and embedded systems. It operates at 4.5V–5.5V V_CC, supports TTL-compatible inputs up to 5.5V, delivers ≤8.5ns propagation delay at 5V, and features dual independent output-enable controls (1OE, 2OE) for flexible bus management.

For engineers reviewing the SN74ACT241PW datasheet, SN74ACT241PW pinout, SN74ACT241PW application, or SN74ACT241PW equivalent, this page provides verified functional mode definitions, thermal resistance (R_θJA = 126.2°C/W), input/output voltage tolerances, switching timing under load, and real-world layout guidance for TSSOP-20 implementation.

Technical Context

The SN74ACT241PW implements two independent 4-bit noninverting buffer sections-1A1–1A4 → 1Y1–1Y4 and 2A1–2A4 → 2Y1–2Y4-with separate complementary output-enable inputs (1OE active-low, 2OE active-high). Each section enters high-impedance state when its enable is deasserted, enabling bidirectional bus isolation without external direction control logic.

It uses ACT (Advanced CMOS TTL-compatible) logic family architecture, delivering rail-to-rail output swing, 24mA drive strength (I_OH/I_OL), and input tolerance beyond V_CC-critical for mixed-voltage interfacing between 3.3V controllers and 5V peripherals. Its 20-pin TSSOP package supports high-density PCB layouts while maintaining compatibility with standard SOIC footprints.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP-20 (PW) package: 6.5mm × 6.4mm body size, 1.2mm max height, 0.65mm lead pitch, gull-wing leads. Designed for surface-mount assembly with exposed pad not present; compatible with IPC-7351 land pattern PW0020A.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74ACT241PW, SN74ACT240PW provides identical physical and electrical behavior except output inversion, making it a functional substitute only when logic polarity is acceptable. SN74LVC244APW offers lower voltage operation but sacrifices 5V bus interoperability - requiring redesign of supply and interface circuitry.

Availability

SN74ACT241PW is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, legacy bus interface modules, and embedded memory subsystems requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for SN74ACT241PW 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 for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The SNx4ACT241 family was engineered to replace older bipolar TTL buffers in memory address, clock distribution, and bus transceiver roles-delivering CMOS efficiency with TTL compatibility and robust 5V operation.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature for SN74ACT241PW?

The SN74ACT241PW is rated for operation from –40°C to +85°C ambient temperature. This range is validated per JEDEC JESD78 reliability testing and applies to the TSSOP-20 (PW) package under recommended PCB layout conditions, including proper thermal vias and copper pour. Exceeding +85°C may cause parametric drift in propagation delay and output drive strength, as specified in Section 4.2 of the SN74ACT241PW datasheet.

Does SN74ACT241PW support 3.3V input logic levels?

Yes, SN74ACT241PW supports 3.3V input logic levels. Its TTL-compatible input thresholds (V_IL ≤ 0.8V, V_IH ≥ 2.0V) ensure reliable recognition of 3.3V CMOS outputs when V_CC = 4.5V–5.5V. However, note that SN74ACT241PW itself requires a 4.5V–5.5V supply and does not operate at 3.3V - it acts as a level translator from 3.3V logic to 5V bus domains.

What is the purpose of the two separate output-enable pins (1OE and 2OE) on SN74ACT241PW?

The two separate output-enable pins (1OE active-low, 2OE active-high) on SN74ACT241PW provide independent 3-state control for its two 4-bit buffer sections. This allows selective isolation of either the 1Y or 2Y output groups without affecting the other - essential for time-multiplexed bus sharing, partial address decoding, or fault-containment in modular backplane architectures.

Can SN74ACT241PW be used with a 4.2V supply?

No, SN74ACT241PW cannot be reliably operated with a 4.2V supply. Its recommended V_CC range is strictly 4.5V to 5.5V per Section 4.2 of the datasheet. At 4.2V, parameters including VOH (high-level output voltage), VOL (low-level output voltage), and t_pd (propagation delay) fall outside guaranteed specifications, risking logic-level violations and timing failures in downstream receivers.

Is SN74ACT241PW pin-compatible with SN74ACT241N (PDIP-20)?

Yes, SN74ACT241PW (TSSOP-20) is pin-compatible with SN74ACT241N (PDIP-20) - both share identical pin numbering, signal assignments, and functional behavior per Table 3-1 and Figure 3-2 of the datasheet. The difference lies solely in package type: PW is surface-mount (6.5mm × 6.4mm), N is through-hole (24.33mm × 9.4mm). No schematic or netlist changes are required when migrating between them.