Texas Instruments SN74ALVC244PWRE4

Overview

SN74ALVC244PWRE4 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 (1A→1Y and 2A→2Y), separate output-enable (1OE/2OE) controls, ±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 between low-voltage logic domains in industrial control and embedded computing systems.

For engineers reviewing the SN74ALVC244PWRE4 datasheet, SN74ALVC244PWRE4 pinout, SN74ALVC244PWRE4 application, or SN74ALVC244PWRE4 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 20-pin TSSOP (PW) package, dual 4-bit 3-state architecture, rail-to-rail input compatibility, high-speed timing at 3.3 V, and latch-up immunity per JESD 17.

Technical Context

The SN74ALVC244PWRE4 implements two independent 4-bit noninverting buffer/driver sections, each with dedicated active-low output-enable inputs (1OE, 2OE). Its CMOS design ensures TTL-compatible thresholds across the full 1.65–3.6-V supply range, with VIH/VIL defined per V_CC tier (e.g., VIH = 2.0 V min at V_CC = 3.0–3.6 V).

Each output supports true 3-state operation with high-impedance disable states controlled solely by OE; no internal pull-ups or latches are present. The device meets JESD 17 latch-up performance (>250 mA) and JESD 22 ESD ratings (2000-V HBM, 200-V MM, 1000-V CDM), enabling robust use in noisy industrial environments without external protection circuitry.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP-20 (PW) package: 6.6 mm × 4.4 mm × 1.2 mm body, 0.65-mm lead pitch, gull-wing leads, exposed thermal pad not present. RoHS-compliant NiPdAu lead finish, MSL Level-1 (260°C, unlimited floor life).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74ALVC244PWRE4, SN74LVC244APWR sacrifices low-voltage operability for cost, while 74AVC244TTR trades minor package variation (TSSOP-20 vs PW) for measurable speed gain-neither is pin-compatible without layout verification due to differing thermal pad requirements and mechanical tolerances.

Availability

SN74ALVC244PWRE4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, medical instrumentation, and automotive body electronics requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for SN74ALVC244PWRE4 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 SN74ALVC244PWRE4 belongs to TI's ALVC (Advanced Low-Voltage CMOS) logic family, engineered for low-voltage, high-speed bus interface applications in space-constrained industrial and portable electronics.

FAQ

What is the absolute maximum supply voltage for SN74ALVC244PWRE4?

The absolute maximum V_CC rating for SN74ALVC244PWRE4 is 4.6 V. Operation above 3.6 V violates recommended conditions and risks permanent damage or parametric degradation. TI specifies 1.65–3.6 V as the functional operating range; sustained exposure to 4.6 V-even briefly-may compromise ESD structure integrity and output transistor reliability. Always limit V_CC to ≤3.6 V in final designs using SN74ALVC244PWRE4.

Does SN74ALVC244PWRE4 support hot insertion?

SN74ALVC244PWRE4 does not guarantee hot-insertion robustness. While its I_OK rating (−50 mA) and input clamp current specification provide some tolerance to transient overvoltage, the device lacks explicit hot-swap circuitry (e.g., slew-rate limiting, back-to-back FETs, or V_CC sequencing detection). Applying V_CC before signal inputs-or vice versa-can cause latch-up or excessive current flow. For hot-plug applications, external protection (e.g., series resistors, TVS diodes, or dedicated hot-swap controllers) is required alongside SN74ALVC244PWRE4.

Can SN74ALVC244PWRE4 drive 50-Ω transmission lines directly?

Yes, SN74ALVC244PWRE4 can drive 50-Ω transmission lines directly at 3.3 V, delivering ±24 mA output current-sufficient to source/sink 1.65 V across 50 Ω (33 mA theoretical max). Measured VOH/VOL values (e.g., VOH ≥ 2.0 V at I_OH = −24 mA) confirm adequate voltage margin. However, for lengths >10 cm or data rates >100 Mbps, controlled-impedance PCB routing and termination (e.g., source-series or parallel end termination) are recommended to suppress reflections. SN74ALVC244PWRE4's ∆t/∆v ≤ 5 ns/V further supports clean edge control in such layouts.

What is the recommended power-up sequence for SN74ALVC244PWRE4?

TI recommends tying OE inputs to V_CC via a pullup resistor during power-up to ensure outputs remain in high-impedance state until system initialization completes. The minimum resistor value depends on the driver's sink capability; for SN74ALVC244PWRE4, a 10-kΩ resistor suffices given its II = ±5 µA max. V_CC should stabilize before applying input signals-no strict sequencing between V_CC and OE is required, but OE must be high (≥V_CC − 0.6 V) before A inputs become valid to prevent bus contention. This behavior is documented in the SN74ALVC244PWRE4 datasheet SCES188G.

Is SN74ALVC244PWRE4 compatible with 5-V logic inputs?

No, SN74ALVC244PWRE4 is not 5-V tolerant. Its absolute maximum input voltage (VI) is V_CC + 0.5 V, and VI > 4.6 V causes permanent damage. With V_CC = 3.3 V, inputs must stay ≤3.8 V. Direct connection to 5-V logic violates this limit and risks gate oxide rupture. To interface with 5-V systems, use a level translator (e.g., TXB0108) or resistor-divider network that scales 5-V signals to ≤3.3 V before entering SN74ALVC244PWRE4 inputs. TI confirms no internal clamping beyond the specified VI range for SN74ALVC244PWRE4.