Texas Instruments SN74ALS468AN

Overview

SN74ALS468AN from Texas Instruments is an octal inverting buffer with dual active-low 4-bit enable control, fabricated using advanced low-power Schottky (ALS) technology. It features 3-state outputs rated for 24 mA sink current, P-N-P inputs to reduce bus loading, and operates from 0°C to 70°C with 4.5 V–5.5 V supply. It is used in legacy TTL bus interface and data routing applications requiring controlled output disable.

For engineers reviewing the SN74ALS468AN datasheet, SN74ALS468AN pinout, SN74ALS468AN application, or SN74ALS468AN equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual 4-bit enable architecture, 24-mA low-level drive capability, ALS logic family speed-power trade-off, and compatibility with standard 20-pin plastic DIP (N package) layouts.

Technical Context

The SN74ALS468AN implements two independent 4-bit inverting buffers, each controlled by a separate active-low enable input (1G and 2G). A high on either enable forces the corresponding four outputs into high-impedance state, enabling bidirectional bus sharing without external direction control.

It uses P-N-P input transistors to minimize input current and reduce capacitive loading on driving sources, and delivers guaranteed VOL ≤ 0.4 V at IOL = 24 mA under VCC = 4.5 V - a key specification for driving multiple TTL loads in legacy systems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SN74ALS468AN is supplied in a standard 20-pin plastic DIP (N package), 300-mil body width, with 0.1-inch lead pitch and through-hole mounting. Pin numbering follows JEDEC MS-001, top-view orientation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74LS468N and SN74ALS466AN, the SN74ALS468AN uniquely combines dual 4-bit enable control, 24-mA output drive, and ALS-speed performance - making it the optimal choice for legacy bus architectures requiring granular output control and robust TTL interfacing.

Availability

SN74ALS468AN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control backplanes, legacy computer data buses, test equipment signal routing, and communications protocol translators requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence mitigation.

Supply support for SN74ALS468AN 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 U.S.-based semiconductor innovator founded in 1930, delivering analog, embedded processing, and logic solutions with industry-leading reliability and manufacturing scale.

The SN74ALS468AN belongs to TI's Advanced Low-Power Schottky (ALS) logic family, engineered specifically for high-speed, low-power TTL-compatible bus interface in commercial-grade industrial and computing systems of the 1980s.

FAQ

What is the function of SN74ALS468AN?

The SN74ALS468AN is an octal inverting buffer with two independent active-low 4-bit enable inputs (1G and 2G). Each enable controls four corresponding inverting buffer outputs (1Y1–1Y4 and 2Y1–2Y4), allowing selective 3-state isolation of two data lanes. Its P-N-P input structure minimizes bus loading, and it delivers 24 mA low-level output drive - making SN74ALS468AN ideal for legacy TTL bus interfacing where controlled, high-fan-out signal routing is required.

What package type does SN74ALS468AN use?

SN74ALS468AN is packaged in a 20-pin plastic dual in-line package (N package), 300-mil width, with standard through-hole mounting and 0.1-inch lead pitch. This JEDEC-standard DIP footprint matches legacy board layouts for SN74LS/ALS octal buffers and ensures mechanical compatibility with existing sockets and wave-solder processes.

What are the absolute maximum ratings for SN74ALS468AN?

The absolute maximum ratings for SN74ALS468AN are: supply voltage (VCC) up to 7 V; input voltage up to 7 V; voltage applied to disabled 3-state outputs up to 5.5 V; operating free-air temperature range of 0°C to 70°C; and storage temperature from −65°C to 150°C. Exceeding any of these limits may cause permanent device damage, and SN74ALS468AN must be operated within its recommended conditions (4.5 V–5.5 V, 0°C–70°C) for reliable functionality.

How does SN74ALS468AN differ from SN74ALS466AN?

SN74ALS468AN differs from SN74ALS466AN in enable architecture: SN74ALS468AN has two separate active-low 4-bit enables (1G and 2G), while SN74ALS466AN uses a single active-low 8-bit enable. Both are octal inverters with identical ALS electrical specs (24 mA IOL, 12 ns max tPHL), but SN74ALS468AN enables independent control of two 4-bit data groups - a critical distinction for bus segmentation in systems like industrial backplanes or test equipment.

Is SN74ALS468AN pin-compatible with DM71/81LS98?

Yes - the SN74ALS468AN is mechanically and functionally interchangeable with DM71/81LS98, as confirmed in the official Texas Instruments datasheet SDAS223. Both share identical pinout, logic function (octal inverting buffer with dual 4-bit enables), and 20-pin DIP packaging. However, SN74ALS468AN offers superior ALS performance: faster propagation (12 ns vs. ~25 ns), lower power consumption, and higher output drive (24 mA vs. 8 mA), making it a direct functional upgrade path.