Texas Instruments SN74F244NG4

Overview

SN74F244NG4 from Texas Instruments is an octal noninverting 3-state buffer/line driver IC, organized as two independent 4-bit sections with separate active-low output-enable (OE) inputs. It operates from 4.5 V to 5.5 V at 0°C to 70°C, delivers ±64 mA output drive, and features 1.7 ns typical propagation delay (A→Y), enabling reliable bus interfacing in memory address and clock distribution circuits.

For engineers reviewing the SN74F244NG4 datasheet, SN74F244NG4 pinout, SN74F244NG4 application, or SN74F244NG4 equivalent, this page provides verified functional specifications, validated package mapping (PDIP-20), confirmed pin roles, real-world use cases in legacy industrial control and data acquisition systems, and two technically documented alternative parts with explicit differences.

Technical Context

The SN74F244NG4 implements TTL-compatible bipolar F-family logic with symmetrical OE inputs per 4-bit section, supporting bidirectional bus isolation via high-impedance outputs when OE is high. Its architecture avoids internal feedback paths and supports direct connection to memory address registers and clock distribution nodes without external pull-ups.

Each of the two 4-bit sections operates independently: data passes from A inputs to Y outputs only when its respective OE is low; all eight Y outputs enter high-Z state simultaneously upon OE assertion. Input clamp current is −18 mA, and output short-circuit current is rated up to −225 mA (IOS), confirming robust transient immunity in noisy industrial environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SN74F244NG4 is supplied in a 20-pin plastic dual in-line package (PDIP-N), 7.62 mm pitch, 24.13 mm body length, with standard through-hole mounting and RoHS-compliant NiPdAu lead finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74LS244N and SN74ACT244N, SN74F244NG4 offers superior output drive and propagation speed at the cost of higher quiescent current (60–90 mA vs. 19 mA or 2 µA), making it optimal for timing-critical, high-fanout legacy interfaces where signal integrity outweighs static power concerns.

Availability

SN74F244NG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC backplane interfaces, legacy memory address buffering, and automated calibration system bus drivers requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for SN74F244NG4 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 solutions for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The SN74F244NG4 belongs to TI's 74F logic family, designed specifically for high-speed, high-drive 5 V TTL-compatible applications in memory addressing, clock distribution, and bus interfacing where performance and density are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum output current rating for SN74F244NG4?

The SN74F244NG4 is rated for ±64 mA output current per Y pin under recommended operating conditions (VCC = 4.5 V, TA = 0°C to 70°C). This value is specified as IOL (low-level output current) and IOH (high-level output current) in the electrical characteristics table. Exceeding this rating risks thermal overstress or parametric shift. The SN74F244NG4 must be used within these limits to maintain reliability in sustained drive applications.

Does SN74F244NG4 support hot-swap or live-insertion on a powered bus?

No, SN74F244NG4 does not support hot-swap operation. Its absolute maximum ratings specify input voltage range of −1.2 V to 7 V only when input current is limited to −30 mA to 5 mA. Applying voltage to inputs or outputs while VCC is unpowered violates the "voltage range applied to any output in disabled or power-off state" limit (−0.5 V to 5.5 V), risking latch-up or permanent damage. Always power VCC before asserting signals.

What is the function of Pin 1 (1OE) on SN74F244NG4?

Pin 1 (1OE) is the active-low output-enable control for the first 4-bit section (Y1–Y4). When 1OE is low (≤0.8 V), the device passes data from inputs 1A1–1A4 to outputs 1Y1–1Y4. When 1OE is high (≥2.0 V), outputs 1Y1–1Y4 enter high-impedance state regardless of A-input states. This pin enables selective bus arbitration and prevents contention in multi-driver systems using SN74F244NG4.

Can SN74F244NG4 be used as a level shifter between 3.3 V and 5 V logic?

No, SN74F244NG4 is not designed for 3.3 V to 5 V level shifting. Its input thresholds (VIL = 0.8 V, VIH = 2.0 V) accept 3.3 V logic highs, but its outputs swing rail-to-rail at 5 V and require VCC = 4.5–5.5 V. Driving a 3.3 V input with SN74F244NG4's 5 V outputs may exceed the absolute maximum input voltage rating of downstream 3.3 V devices. Use dedicated level translators like TXB0108 instead.

What package type is used for SN74F244NG4?

SN74F244NG4 uses a 20-pin plastic dual in-line package (PDIP-N), with 2.54 mm pin pitch, 7.62 mm body width, and 24.13 mm body length. This through-hole package is RoHS-compliant, features NiPdAu lead finish, and is marked "SN74F244N" on the top surface. It is distinct from SSOP (DB), SOIC (DW), and SOP (NS) variants-only the N-suffixed part number denotes PDIP packaging.