Texas Instruments SN74ALVC125PWR

Overview

SN74ALVC125PWR from Texas Instruments is a quadruple bus buffer gate with 3-state outputs, designed for 1.65 V to 3.6 V V_CC operation. It provides four independent non-inverting buffers, each with dedicated output-enable (OE) control, ±24-mA drive at 3.3 V, 2.8 ns max propagation delay, and latch-up immunity exceeding 250 mA per JESD 17 - used in level-shifting, bus isolation, and data routing in low-voltage digital systems.

For engineers reviewing the SN74ALVC125PWR datasheet, SN74ALVC125PWR pinout, SN74ALVC125PWR application, or SN74ALVC125PWR equivalent, key selection criteria include 3-state output timing, 1.65–3.6 V supply compatibility, TSSOP-14 package footprint, and I/O voltage tolerance up to V_CC + 0.5 V for mixed-voltage interfacing.

Technical Context

This device implements four independent CMOS buffer channels, each with active-low 3-state control logic: output Y goes high-impedance when OE is high, and follows A when OE is low. All inputs are overvoltage tolerant to V_CC + 0.5 V, enabling safe interfacing with higher-voltage logic domains without external level shifters.

It features rail-to-rail output swing (0 V to V_CC), input thresholds scaled to V_CC (e.g., V_IL = 0.35×V_CC at 1.65 V), and robust ESD protection (2000-V HBM, 200-V MM, 1000-V CDM), making it suitable for hot-swap-capable and noise-sensitive board-level interconnects.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP-14 (PW) package: 4.4 mm × 5.0 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch, 1.2 mm max height, exposed pad not present, RoHS-compliant NiPdAu finish, MSL Level-1.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74ALVC125PWR, SN74LVC125APWR offers identical packaging and pinout but sacrifices timing margin below 2.5 V, while 74AVC125TTR extends voltage range downward and improves speed but introduces reflow process changes due to MSL Level-3 classification.

Availability

SN74ALVC125PWR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, automotive infotainment, and USB peripheral design requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant TSSOP packaging.

Supply support for SN74ALVC125PWR 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 company specializing in analog, embedded processing, and logic solutions, with leadership in power management, signal chain, and high-reliability interface ICs.

The SN74ALVC logic family targets low-voltage, high-speed digital interfacing in space-constrained applications - optimized for 1.65–3.6 V operation, minimal propagation delay, and robust ESD/latch-up performance in industrial and computing systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature range for the SN74ALVC125PWR?

The SN74ALVC125PWR is specified for operation from –40°C to +85°C ambient temperature. This range is validated per JEDEC JESD78 and applies to all electrical parameters in the recommended operating conditions table. Thermal derating is not required within this range, and the device maintains full 3-state functionality and timing compliance across the entire span. The TSSOP-14 package has a θ_JA of 113°C/W, supporting typical power dissipation of <15 mW per channel at 25°C.

Can the SN74ALVC125PWR interface directly with 5-V logic inputs?

No - the SN74ALVC125PWR inputs are overvoltage tolerant up to V_CC + 0.5 V (maximum 4.6 V), not 5 V. Applying 5 V to any input risks permanent damage. For true 5-V-tolerant interfacing, use TI's SN74LVC1T45 or SN74AVC4T244, which explicitly support 5-V inputs with 3.3-V outputs. The SN74ALVC125PWR is intended for 1.65–3.6 V domains only, though its inputs accept up to 4.6 V when V_CC = 3.6 V.

Is the SN74ALVC125PWR pin-compatible with other members of the ALVC family?

Yes - the SN74ALVC125PWR shares identical pinout and function with SN74ALVC125DR (SOIC-14), SN74ALVC125NSR (SOP-14), and SN74ALVC125DGVR (TVSOP-14). All variants implement the same quadruple 3-state buffer logic, same V_CC range, and identical timing characteristics. Mechanical differences (package size, thermal resistance, soldering profile) require layout adjustments, but no schematic or firmware changes are needed when substituting within the same ALVC125 family.

How should unused inputs be handled on the SN74ALVC125PWR?

All unused inputs on the SN74ALVC125PWR must be tied to either V_CC or GND - floating inputs are prohibited. TI literature SCBA004 confirms that unconnected CMOS inputs cause increased supply current, unpredictable output states, and potential oscillation. For OE pins, tie high (to V_CC) to disable the associated buffer; for A inputs, tie low (GND) or high (V_CC) depending on desired default output state. Use 10-kΩ pull-up/pull-down resistors if driven by high-impedance sources.

Does the SN74ALVC125PWR support hot-swap operation?

The SN74ALVC125PWR supports hot-swap operation only when OE is held high (disabled) during insertion. Its 2000-V HBM ESD rating and latch-up immunity >250 mA per JESD 17 provide robustness against transient currents, but V_CC sequencing must ensure OE is asserted before enabling outputs. TI recommends tying OE to V_CC through a pull-up resistor (≥10 kΩ) to guarantee high-Z state at power-up. Full hot-swap capability requires external current-limiting circuitry on V_CC and signal lines - the SN74ALVC125PWR itself does not integrate hot-swap controllers.