Texas Instruments SN74F04NS

Overview

SN74F04NS from Texas Instruments is a hex inverter IC performing Y = A logic inversion across six independent channels, rated for 0°C to 70°C operation, with 5 V supply, 3.4 V VOH (IOH = –1 mA), 0.5 V VOL (IOL = 20 mA), and 6 ns max tPHL/tPLH propagation delay at 5 V/50 pF - used in TTL-level digital signal conditioning, bus buffering, and clock waveform shaping.

For engineers reviewing the SN74F04NS datasheet, SN74F04NS pinout, SN74F04NS application, or SN74F04NS equivalent, this page delivers verified functional identity, validated SOIC-14 package mapping, confirmed electrical specs per TI SDFS037A, and real-world substitution guidance for legacy F-series TTL logic design.

Technical Context

The SN74F04NS implements six identical, non-inverting buffer stages configured as inverters with positive-logic truth table (H→L, L→H). Each channel features TTL-compatible input thresholds (VIH = 2 V, VIL = 0.8 V) and output drive capability of –1 mA (high) and 20 mA (low).

It operates strictly within 4.5–5.5 V VCC range and exhibits guaranteed switching performance under CL = 50 pF, RL = 500 Ω load conditions. No internal pull-ups, enable controls, or power-down modes are present - it is a fixed-function, through-hole compatible surface-mount device.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOP-14 (NS) package: 14-lead plastic small-outline package with 1.27 mm lead pitch, 8.75 mm × 3.91 mm body, 1.75 mm max height, and Q1 pin-1 quadrant orientation per tape-and-reel specification.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74F04NS, SN74LS04N trades speed for lower static power, while SN74HC04DR shifts to CMOS operation with broader voltage support but relaxed timing - neither is pin-compatible with SN74F04NS in terms of AC characteristics or DC loading behavior.

Availability

SN74F04NS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control logic, digital bus signal conditioning, legacy system clock shaping, and test equipment waveform generation requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle embedded programs.

Supply support for SN74F04NS 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 and embedded processing technologies with global manufacturing and quality certification infrastructure.

The SN74F04NS belongs to TI's 74F family of fast TTL logic devices, designed specifically for high-speed digital systems requiring reliable propagation delay and robust fanout in commercial-temperature environments.

FAQ

What logic function does the SN74F04NS implement?

The SN74F04NS implements six independent Boolean inverters, each performing Y = A. It has no enable, reset, or control inputs - every channel operates continuously. All six inverters share only VCC and GND; inputs and outputs are fully isolated. This makes SN74F04NS ideal for parallel signal inversion without interaction between channels.

Is the SN74F04NS compatible with 3.3 V logic systems?

No, the SN74F04NS is not compatible with 3.3 V logic systems. Its absolute minimum VCC is 4.5 V, and its input thresholds (VIH = 2 V, VIL = 0.8 V) are optimized for 5 V TTL signaling. Driving SN74F04NS inputs from 3.3 V sources risks marginal or incorrect switching; likewise, its 5 V outputs may overvoltage 3.3 V receivers. Use SN74HC04DR instead for mixed-voltage designs involving SN74F04NS.

What is the maximum capacitive load the SN74F04NS can drive reliably?

The SN74F04NS is characterized for CL = 50 pF in its switching specifications, with 6 ns max propagation delay under that condition. While it can drive higher capacitance, timing degrades linearly - e.g., 100 pF increases tPHL/tPLH by ~2–3 ns. For >100 pF loads, add series termination or use a dedicated buffer. The SN74F04NS output stage remains functional up to 20 mA sink, but signal integrity depends on trace impedance and layout.

Does the SN74F04NS have built-in ESD protection?

The SN74F04NS includes basic junction-based ESD protection per standard bipolar TTL process, rated to ±2 kV HBM per JEDEC JESD22-A114. It lacks enhanced protection structures found in modern CMOS variants. Therefore, handling requires standard ESD precautions - grounded wrist straps, dissipative mats, and ionized air - especially during board assembly. Do not substitute SN74F04NS for applications demanding >4 kV HBM robustness without external TVS diodes.

Can the SN74F04NS replace SN7404 or SN74LS04 in existing designs?

SN74F04NS can replace SN7404 directly due to identical pinout and improved speed, but not SN74LS04 without validation: SN74F04NS draws significantly more supply current (ICCL = 15.3 mA vs 2.4 mA for LS04) and generates more heat. Layout changes may be needed for thermal relief. Also, SN74F04NS has faster edges - check for increased radiated emissions or signal integrity issues in noise-sensitive systems before drop-in replacement.