Texas Instruments SN74F04DB

Overview

SN74F04DB from Texas Instruments (formerly National Semiconductor) is a hex inverter IC in 14-lead SOIC package, delivering six independent TTL-compatible logic inverters with 2.4 ns typical tPLH propagation delay, 20 mA output sink current, and operation across 0°C to +70°C commercial temperature range. It serves as a core signal-level inversion element in digital control logic, bus interface conditioning, and clock waveform shaping circuits.

For engineers reviewing the SN74F04DB datasheet, SN74F04DB pinout, SN74F04DB application, or SN74F04DB equivalent, key selection considerations include its 5V-only supply requirement, guaranteed 4000V ESD protection, fan-out capability of 50 standard TTL loads, and compatibility with legacy 74F-series board designs requiring fast edge rates and robust noise immunity.

Technical Context

This device implements six unbuffered CMOS-compatible input-stage inverters with bipolar TTL output drivers, enabling high-speed switching while maintaining standard 74F logic thresholds (VIH = 2.0 V min, VIL = 0.8 V max). Its DC characteristics are specified at VCC = +5.0 V, with IOH = −1 mA and IOL = 20 mA driving capability per gate.

The AC performance is characterized under CL = 50 pF load with tPHL = 1.5–5.3 ns and tPLH = 2.4–6.0 ns across temperature and voltage extremes. No internal pull-ups, enable controls, or tri-state functionality are present - all six gates operate continuously as active-low inverters.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SN74F04DB uses a 14-lead SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) package, 0.150" body width, JEDEC MS-012AC compliant, with gull-wing leads and standard 1.27 mm pitch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar hex inverter applications.

Compared with SN74F04DB, SN74LS04N trades speed for noise immunity and lower power, while SN74HC04N offers supply flexibility and reduced quiescent current at the expense of drive strength and built-in ESD robustness - making SN74F04DB optimal for legacy 5V high-speed digital control where reliability and timing precision are prioritized.

Availability

SN74F04DB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control logic, digital bus interface conditioning, test equipment signal generation, and legacy computer system timing requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for SN74F04DB 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 acquired National Semiconductor in 2011 and maintains full legacy support for the 74F logic family, including datasheets, application notes, and cross-reference tools.

The 74F series was designed for high-speed TTL-compatible digital systems requiring faster switching than LS logic, with emphasis on industrial automation, test instrumentation, and military-grade commercial derivatives.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency supported by SN74F04DB?

The SN74F04DB does not specify a maximum clock frequency in its datasheet, as it is a combinational logic device without internal clocking. However, based on its 1.5–6.0 ns propagation delay and 50 pF load condition, it reliably supports signal toggling up to approximately 150–200 MHz in well-designed PCB layouts with controlled impedance and proper decoupling. The actual usable frequency depends on system-level factors including trace length, fan-out count, and noise margin - SN74F04DB itself imposes no hard frequency ceiling beyond its AC timing limits.

Can SN74F04DB be used with a 3.3V supply?

No, SN74F04DB is not rated for 3.3V operation. Its absolute maximum VCC is +7.0V, but the recommended operating range is strictly +4.5V to +5.5V. Operation below 4.5V risks failure to meet VIH/VIL thresholds and output drive specifications. Using SN74F04DB with 3.3V violates its DC electrical characteristics and may result in undefined logic states or excessive ICC leakage. For 3.3V systems, consider SN74HC04 or SN74LVC04 instead.

Does SN74F04DB have tri-state outputs?

No, SN74F04DB does not include tri-state outputs. It contains six standard active-low inverters with push-pull TTL outputs that are always enabled. There are no output-enable (OE) pins, bus-hold features, or internal disable logic. Each gate operates continuously, inverting its input signal regardless of external control - this distinguishes SN74F04DB from variants like SN74F240 or SN74F244 which provide three-state functionality.

What is the thermal resistance (θJA) of SN74F04DB in SOIC package?

The datasheet for SN74F04DB does not specify junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (θJA) for the SOIC (M14A) package. Unlike modern logic families, the 74F series documentation omits thermal metrics because power dissipation is low and ambient temperature derating was handled via system-level airflow assumptions. Typical ICCL of 15.3 mA max at VCC = 5V yields ~77 mW worst-case power per device - well within SOIC package limits at room temperature without heatsinking. For high-density or elevated ambient use, refer to TI's generic SOIC θJA guidance (≈150°C/W).

Is SN74F04DB RoHS compliant?

SN74F04DB is not RoHS compliant in its original manufacturing form. As a legacy 74F-series device produced prior to 2006, it contains leaded solder terminations and may include other RoHS-restricted substances. Texas Instruments does not offer a RoHS-compliant drop-in replacement for SN74F04DB. For new designs requiring RoHS compliance, SN74HC04 or SN74LVC04 are recommended alternatives with identical pinout and function but lead-free packaging and modern process technology.