Texas Instruments SN74ALVC244DW

Overview

SN74ALVC244DW from Texas Instruments is an octal buffer/driver with 3-state outputs, designed for 1.65 V to 3.6 V V_CC operation. It features two independent 4-bit channels, each with separate output-enable (OE) inputs, ±24-mA drive strength at 3.3 V, 2.8 ns max propagation delay, and ESD protection exceeding JESD 22 standards. It is used in bidirectional bus interfacing and level translation between mixed-voltage logic systems.

For engineers reviewing the SN74ALVC244DW datasheet, SN74ALVC244DW pinout, SN74ALVC244DW application, or SN74ALVC244DW equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, SOIC-20 package details, functional behavior under 3-state control, and validated alternative options for industrial and embedded bus buffering.

Technical Context

The SN74ALVC244DW implements dual 4-bit non-inverting buffers with independent 3-state control per group. Each channel passes data from A inputs to Y outputs when its OE is low; outputs enter high-impedance state when OE is high. Input thresholds scale with V_CC, supporting robust operation across 1.65–3.6 V supply range.

It uses advanced ALVC (Advanced Low-Voltage CMOS) process technology to achieve low dynamic power, fast switching, and latch-up immunity exceeding 250 mA per JESD 17. The device requires no external pull-ups on OE for reliable power-up behavior - tying OE to V_CC via a resistor ensures defined high-impedance state during supply ramp.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SN74ALVC244DW is housed in a 20-pin SOIC (DW) package, 7.5 mm wide, 12.8 mm long, 2.65 mm max height, with 1.27 mm lead pitch and gull-wing leads. Pin 1 index is marked by a beveled corner or notch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74ALVC244DW, SN74LVC244APWR offers marginally better speed and input threshold consistency, while 74AVC244BQX extends voltage range downward at the cost of reduced ESD robustness - making SN74ALVC244DW the optimal choice for mixed-voltage industrial bus isolation where reliability and broad V_CC coverage are prioritized.

Availability

SN74ALVC244DW is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC backplane interface, embedded microcontroller bus expansion, and automotive body control module applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for SN74ALVC244DW 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 connectivity technologies, with decades of experience in high-reliability logic and interface solutions.

The SN74ALVC244DW belongs to TI's ALVC logic family, engineered for low-voltage, high-speed bus buffering in mixed-signal systems where power efficiency, timing predictability, and robust ESD performance are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency supported by SN74ALVC244DW?

The SN74ALVC244DW does not specify a maximum clock frequency directly, but its 2.8 ns maximum propagation delay at 3.3 V implies reliable operation up to approximately 350 MHz for single-edge signaling in controlled-impedance environments. Actual usable frequency depends on load capacitance, trace length, and signal integrity design - for 50 pF loads, practical limits are ~100 MHz. The SN74ALVC244DW is optimized for asynchronous bus buffering rather than clocked register applications.

Can SN74ALVC244DW operate at 1.8 V supply voltage?

Yes, SN74ALVC244DW is fully specified for operation at 1.8 V: V_CC min is 1.65 V, and all AC/DC parameters - including t_pd (4.4 ns max), I_OH/I_OL (−4/+4 mA), and VIH/VIL - are guaranteed across the full 1.65–3.6 V range. At 1.8 V, the SN74ALVC244DW maintains full 3-state functionality and meets JESD 22 ESD ratings, making it suitable for low-power portable systems.

Is SN74ALVC244DW pin-compatible with SN74LVC244A?

Yes, SN74ALVC244DW is pin-compatible with SN74LVC244A in SOIC-20 (DW) packaging: both share identical pin numbering, function mapping (1OE, 1A1–1A4, 1Y1–1Y4, etc.), and footprint dimensions. However, differences in input threshold definitions and typical propagation delay mean timing margins should be re-verified in new designs - the SN74ALVC244DW remains functionally interchangeable for drop-in replacement where ALVC-specific characteristics are not critical.

How should OE pins be handled during power-up to ensure safe 3-state behavior?

To guarantee high-impedance outputs at power-up, each OE pin (1OE and 2OE) must be tied to V_CC through a pull-up resistor. TI recommends ≥10 kΩ for standard applications; the minimum value depends on the driver's sink capability - for SN74ALVC244DW, 4.7 kΩ is safe. Leaving OE floating risks undefined output states and potential bus contention. This requirement applies identically to all variants of SN74ALVC244DW.

Does SN74ALVC244DW support hot-swap or live-insertion applications?

No, SN74ALVC244DW is not rated for hot-swap operation. Its absolute maximum ratings do not include powered insertion stress testing, and the input clamp current (−50 mA) and output clamp current (−50 mA) are insufficient to safely absorb insertion transients. For hot-swap applications, dedicated hot-swap controllers or buffers with IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 ESD and surge-rated I/O (e.g., TI's TPS229xx series) are required instead of SN74ALVC244DW.