Texas Instruments SN74ALS541N
- Part No.:
- SN74ALS541N
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package:
- 20-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
SN74ALS541N.pdf
- Description:
- IC BUF NON-INVERT 5.5V 20DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:123
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Product details
Overview
SN74ALS541N from Texas Instruments is an octal buffer/line driver with 3-state outputs, designed for bus interfacing and memory address register buffering in TTL-compatible digital systems. It features true (non-inverting) data flow, dual 2-input NOR output-enable control (OE1/OE2), and operates at 4.5–5.5 V with IOL = 24 mA (standard version) and tPLH/tPHL ≤ 14 ns. It is commonly used in industrial control backplanes and legacy microprocessor address/data bus isolation.
For engineers reviewing the SN74ALS541N datasheet, SN74ALS541N pinout, SN74ALS541N application, or SN74ALS541N equivalent, key selection criteria include its 20-pin PDIP package, pnp-input architecture reducing DC loading, data flowthrough pinout (inputs and outputs on opposite sides), and compatibility with ALS logic family timing and drive strength requirements.
Technical Context
The SN74ALS541N implements eight independent non-inverting buffers, each with a high-impedance (3-state) output controlled by a shared dual-NOR gate: either OE1 or OE2 high forces all Y1–Y8 into high-Z. Its pnp input structure lowers input current draw versus standard TTL, improving fan-out in dense bus systems.
It belongs to the 74ALS family and is functionally identical to SN74ALS541 in electrical specs and pinout, differing only in packaging (PDIP-N). It is not the -1 variant (which supports 48 mA IOL), and does not support military temperature range (–55°C to 125°C) - its operating range is 0°C to 70°C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCC Range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V - ensures compatibility with standard 5 V TTL power rails and tolerates supply ripple without functional degradation. |
| IOL (max) | 24 mA per output - sufficient to drive 10 LS-TTL loads or terminate short stubs on 50 Ω transmission lines. |
| tPLH/tPHL | ≤ 14 ns (VCC = 4.5–5.5 V, CL = 50 pF) - enables reliable operation in 25 MHz address strobe or data latch timing windows. |
| VOH (min) | 2.4 V at IOH = –12 mA - maintains noise margin >0.4 V above VIH threshold (2.0 V) for robust high-level recognition. |
| VIL/VIH | 0.8 V / 2.0 V - matches standard TTL input thresholds, enabling direct interconnection with 74LS, 74S, and other ALS devices. |
| θJA | 69 °C/W (PDIP-N package) - defines thermal derating limit; continuous 24 mA sink per output requires <100 mW total dissipation at ambient ≤ 60°C. |
Pinout & Package
SN74ALS541N uses a 20-pin plastic dual in-line package (PDIP-N), 0.300" wide, with standard through-hole mounting and JEDEC MS-001 compliant dimensions. Pin 1 is located at the top-left corner with notch or dot marking.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 | A1–A8 inputs | True (non-inverted) data inputs; pnp-based inputs reduce DC loading to <0.2 mA per pin at VI = 0.4 V. |
| 9 | GND | Ground reference for all logic and output stages; must be low-impedance connection to minimize ground bounce during simultaneous output switching. |
| 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 | Y1–Y8, OE1, OE2 | Y1–Y8 are buffered true outputs; OE1 and OE2 are active-low enable inputs tied to a 2-input NOR gate - either high disables all outputs. |
| 20 | VCC | +5 V supply; decoupling capacitor (0.1 µF ceramic) required within 1 cm of this pin to suppress switching noise. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Data flowthrough pinout | Inputs (A1–A8) on left side, outputs (Y1–Y8) and controls (OE1/OE2/VCC/GND) on right - simplifies PCB routing with minimal layer crossings in bus architectures. |
| Dual 3-state enable logic | OE1 and OE2 feed a 2-input NOR gate; enables flexible bus arbitration using separate chip-select and direction-control signals. |
| pnp input structure | Reduces input current to –0.2 mA (IIL) and +20 µA (IIH), increasing fan-out to ≥20 74ALS loads without external buffering. |
| TTL-compatible voltage thresholds | VIH = 2.0 V, VIL = 0.8 V - ensures interoperability with legacy 74LS, 74S, and 74F systems without level-shifting. |
| Industrial temperature range | 0°C to 70°C operation - validated for use in commercial and industrial control panels, instrumentation, and embedded computing chassis. |
Applications
| Memory Address Buffering | Microprocessor Bus Isolation |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Buffering 8-bit address lines between a microprocessor and multiple peripheral chips sharing a common address/data bus. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Non-inverting octal buffer providing drive strength and 3-state isolation to prevent address contention during peripheral selection. Use Value: Enables clean address propagation with tPLH/tPHL ≤ 14 ns and eliminates DC loading on CPU address pins via pnp inputs. |
Use Scenario: Isolating a Z80 or 8085 CPU's lower address byte from memory-mapped I/O devices during DMA cycles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: 3-state line driver controlled by DMA acknowledge signal to tri-state outputs and release bus control. Use Value: Dual OE inputs allow independent gating by CPU control and DMA controller, supporting concurrent bus arbitration without external logic. |
| Legacy Industrial Backplane Interface | TTL-Level Signal Distribution |
Use Scenario: Driving parallel control signals across a 12-inch ISA-style backplane in programmable logic controllers (PLCs). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Octal line driver delivering 24 mA per output to overcome trace capacitance and maintain signal integrity over 150 pF load. Use Value: High IOL and low VOL (0.4 V max at 24 mA) ensure reliable low-level recognition at receiver inputs despite IR drop and noise. |
Use Scenario: Distributing clock or strobe signals to eight synchronous peripherals (e.g., ADCs, DACs) in test equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fan-out buffer with matched propagation delay (tPLH/tPHL skew <3 ns) minimizing skew across channels. Use Value: Data flowthrough layout and tight delay matching (<10 ns max deviation) preserve timing alignment critical for parallel sampling. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar octal 3-state buffer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SN74ALS541DW | SOIC-20 package (3.9 mm width); θJA = 58 °C/W; same electrical specs and pinout. | Suitable for surface-mount production; requires reflow profile compliance and tighter board space vs. through-hole PDIP. | Select when automated assembly, smaller footprint, or improved thermal performance is prioritized over manual prototyping ease. |
| SN74LS241N | LS-family; higher IIL (–0.4 mA), slower tPLH/tPHL (20 ns max), no pnp inputs; same PDIP-20 package. | Lower drive (15 mA IOL) and greater DC loading - limits fan-out and increases power in dense systems. | Choose only if existing LS-system compatibility is mandatory and speed/fan-out margins are acceptable. |
Compared with SN74ALS541DW, SN74ALS541N offers easier hand-soldering and socket compatibility but higher thermal resistance; compared with SN74LS241N, it delivers superior speed, drive strength, and input loading - making it preferable for performance-critical or high-fan-out ALS/TTL hybrid designs.
Availability
SN74ALS541N is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control backplanes, legacy microprocessor address buffering, and TTL-level signal distribution requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle embedded programs.
Supply support for SN74ALS541N 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 founded in 1930, specializing in analog, embedded processing, and logic solutions with broad industrial, automotive, and communications reach.
The SN74ALS541N belongs to TI's 74ALS advanced low-power Schottky logic family, engineered for high-speed, low-power TTL-compatible interfacing in resource-constrained and thermally sensitive systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum output sink current for SN74ALS541N?
The SN74ALS541N supports a maximum low-level output current (IOL) of 24 mA per channel under recommended operating conditions (VCC = 4.5–5.5 V, TA = 0°C to 70°C). This rating applies to the standard version - the -1 variant (e.g., SN74ALS541-1N) supports up to 48 mA but is not equivalent to SN74ALS541N.
Does SN74ALS541N support 3.3 V operation?
No, SN74ALS541N is specified only for 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply operation. It is not characterized for 3.3 V use; attempting to operate below 4.5 V may result in undefined logic levels, increased propagation delay, or failure to meet VOL/VOH specifications. For 3.3 V systems, consider modern alternatives like SN74LVC244A.
How are the output-enable inputs OE1 and OE2 logically combined in SN74ALS541N?
In SN74ALS541N, OE1 and OE2 feed a 2-input NOR gate: if either OE1 or OE2 is driven high, all eight outputs (Y1–Y8) enter high-impedance state. Both OE1 and OE2 must be low to enable true data pass-through from A1–A8 to Y1–Y8. This allows flexible bus control using separate select and direction signals.
Is SN74ALS541N pin-compatible with SN74ALS540N?
Yes, SN74ALS541N is pin-compatible with SN74ALS540N - both use identical 20-pin PDIP packages and share the same pinout. The only functional difference is inversion: SN74ALS540N provides inverted outputs (Y = A̅), while SN74ALS541N provides true outputs (Y = A). No PCB changes are needed when substituting between them.
What is the thermal resistance (θJA) of SN74ALS541N in its PDIP package?
The junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (θJA) for SN74ALS541N in the PDIP-N package is 69 °C/W, as specified in the absolute maximum ratings table. This value assumes standard JEDEC test board conditions (single-layer 1-oz copper, 2 in² pad area) and must be used to calculate safe power dissipation limits at target ambient temperatures.
SN74ALS541N Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- 74ALS
- Package/Case:
- 20-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- 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:
- 15mA, 24mA
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.5V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-PDIP
SN74ALS541N FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SN74ALS541N through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SN74ALS541N on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for SN74ALS541N reliable?
The price and inventory of SN74ALS541N are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SN74ALS541N is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SN74ALS541N?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SN74ALS541N transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SN74ALS541N?
SN74ALS541N orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SN74ALS541N order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for SN74ALS541N?
For technical support, including SN74ALS541N datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SN74ALS541N requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SN74ALS541N is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SN74ALS541N 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 SN74ALS541N meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SN74ALS541N?
All SN74ALS541N units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SN74ALS541N, 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 SN74ALS541N part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SN74ALS541N:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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