Texas Instruments SN74F04DE4

Overview

SN74F04DE4 from Texas Instruments is a hex inverter IC performing Y = A logic inversion across six independent channels, operating at 5 V supply with propagation delay ≤6 ns (tPHL/tPLH), output drive capability of 20 mA sink and –1 mA source, and rated for 0°C to 70°C industrial temperature range. It serves as a fundamental logic-level translation and signal conditioning component in TTL-compatible digital control subsystems.

For engineers reviewing the SN74F04DE4 datasheet, SN74F04DE4 pinout, SN74F04DE4 application, or SN74F04DE4 equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 20 mA low-state output drive, 5 V TTL-compatible input thresholds (VIL = 0.8 V, VIH = 2 V), SOIC-14 package compatibility, and verified operation under 50 pF capacitive load conditions.

Technical Context

This device implements six identical, unbuffered TTL inverter gates using bipolar F-type (fast) transistor technology. Each gate features standard positive-logic inversion (Y = A) with Schottky-clamped outputs to suppress saturation delay. No internal inter-gate coupling or shared biasing exists - all inverters operate fully independently.

It requires a single 5 V supply (4.5–5.5 V recommended), draws up to 15.3 mA ICC when all inputs are high, and supports direct interfacing with standard 74LS, 74S, and other F-series logic families. Input clamp current is specified at –18 mA, enabling robust handling of transient overvoltage events without latch-up.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SN74F04DE4 is housed in a 14-pin Small Outline Integrated Circuit (SOIC) package with 1.27 mm pitch and 3.9 mm body width. Pin 1 is located at the top-left corner adjacent to the index mark, with pins numbered counter-clockwise.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74F04DE4, SN74LS04N trades speed for reduced power and cost in legacy systems, while SN74HC04DR offers CMOS advantages but requires redesign of input drive strength and noise margin assumptions.

Availability

SN74F04DE4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control logic, digital signal conditioning, test equipment signal generation, and legacy computer bus interface applications requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for SN74F04DE4 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 founded in 1930, specializing in analog, embedded processing, and logic technologies with broad industrial, automotive, and communications market reach.

SN74F04DE4 belongs to TI's 74F logic family - engineered for high-speed TTL-compatible digital systems where propagation delay, drive strength, and interoperability with legacy logic families are critical design parameters.

FAQ

What is the maximum capacitive load SN74F04DE4 can drive while maintaining specified propagation delay?

SN74F04DE4 is characterized for CL = 50 pF and RL = 500 Ω per output, with tPHL/tPLH guaranteed ≤6 ns under those conditions. Driving loads >50 pF increases delay nonlinearly and may exceed timing budgets; for >100 pF, buffer stages or lower-capacitance routing is recommended. The SN74F04DE4 datasheet specifies performance only at 50 pF, and no derating curve is provided beyond that value.

Does SN74F04DE4 support mixed-voltage operation, such as 3.3 V inputs with 5 V supply?

No. SN74F04DE4 is a TTL-family device designed for 5 V operation only. Its input thresholds (VIL ≤ 0.8 V, VIH ≥ 2.0 V) are optimized for 5 V logic levels. Applying 3.3 V signals risks marginal recognition of high states and violates the minimum VIH specification. For 3.3 V–5 V interfacing, level translators or HC/HCT-series devices like SN74HCT04 should be used instead of SN74F04DE4.

Is SN74F04DE4 pin-compatible with SN74LS04 or SN74HC04?

Yes, SN74F04DE4 shares identical SOIC-14 pinout and function mapping with SN74LS04 and SN74HC04 - all feature 1A/1Y through 6A/6Y on pins 1–14 with GND at pin 7 and VCC at pin 14. However, electrical behavior differs significantly: SN74F04DE4 requires 5 V supply and delivers higher drive, while SN74HC04 operates down to 2 V and draws negligible static current. Direct substitution affects timing, power, and noise margins.

What is the meaning of "DE4" in SN74F04DE4, and how does it differ from SN74F04DR?

The "DE4" suffix denotes a specific TI packaging and marking variant of the SN74F04: it indicates a SOIC-14 package (D), tape-and-reel delivery (E), and RoHS-compliant finish (4). SN74F04DR uses the same D package and tape-and-reel format but carries a different internal manufacturing lot code and marking ("F04"). Both meet identical electrical and thermal specifications; DE4 is a legacy orderable part still supported via authorized distribution channels.

Can SN74F04DE4 be used in place of SN74F04N (PDIP package) without PCB layout changes?

No. SN74F04DE4 uses a SOIC-14 package (5.3 mm width, 1.27 mm pitch), while SN74F04N uses a PDIP-14 package (6.35 mm width, 2.54 mm pitch). Their footprints are mechanically incompatible - pad spacing, land pattern dimensions, and solder mask openings differ substantially. Replacing SN74F04N with SN74F04DE4 requires PCB redesign to accommodate the smaller SOIC footprint and finer pitch. The SN74F04DE4 cannot be mounted on a PDIP footprint.