Texas Instruments SN74F541NS

Overview

SN74F541NS from Fairchild Semiconductor is an octal non-inverting buffer/line driver with 3-STATE outputs, designed for microprocessor output port interfacing. It operates at +4.5V to +5.5V supply, delivers ±64 mA output drive, and features propagation delays as low as 1.5 ns (tPLH/tPHL) at VCC = 5.0 V, CL = 50 pF.

For engineers reviewing the SN74F541NS datasheet, SN74F541NS pinout, SN74F541NS application, or SN74F541NS equivalent, key selection factors include its dual active-low 3-STATE enable inputs (OE1/OE2), opposite-side I/O pin arrangement for dense PCB layout, and guaranteed 70°C commercial temperature operation with bus-compatible drive strength.

Technical Context

The SN74F541NS implements eight independent non-inverting buffer channels, each with high-impedance (Z) output control via two shared active-low enables (OE1, OE2). Its logic function is strictly non-inverting - input HIGH yields output HIGH, input LOW yields output LOW - with no internal inversion.

It uses TTL-compatible input thresholds (VIH = 2.0 V min, VIL = 0.8 V max) and drives standard 5 V TTL/CMOS loads. Output disable timing (tPHZ/tPLZ) is specified down to 1.5 ns, enabling fast bus arbitration in shared-data-path systems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SN74F541NS is supplied in a 20-lead Plastic Dual-In-Line Package (PDIP), JEDEC MS-001 compliant, 0.300-inch wide body with 0.100-inch lead pitch. Pin 1 is located at the left end of the top row when viewed from the top with notch or dot oriented left.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74LS541N and SN74ACT541N, the SN74F541NS offers the optimal balance of speed, drive strength, and TTL compatibility for mid-frequency microprocessor bus expansion - neither the slowest nor lowest-power option, but the most direct functional match for existing F-series logic systems.

Availability

SN74F541NS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microprocessor bus interfacing, memory address driving, industrial I/O expansion, and digital panel controller applications requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for SN74F541NS 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

Fairchild Semiconductor was a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in analog and mixed-signal ICs, power management, and logic families before its acquisition by ON Semiconductor in 2016.

The SN74F541NS belongs to the 74F (Fast TTL) logic family, engineered for high-speed digital systems requiring sub-10 ns propagation and robust bus-driving capability in commercial environments.

FAQ

What is the function of OE1 and OE2 on the SN74F541NS?

OE1 and OE2 are active-low 3-STATE output enable inputs. Both must be held LOW for the SN74F541NS outputs to drive HIGH or LOW; if either is HIGH, all eight outputs enter high-impedance (Z) state. This dual-enable architecture allows flexible bus arbitration and avoids contention in multi-driver systems.

Does the SN74F541NS support operation at 3.3 V supply?

No, the SN74F541NS is not rated for 3.3 V operation. Its absolute maximum VCC is +7.0 V, but the recommended operating range is strictly +4.5 V to +5.5 V. Operation below 4.5 V may result in undefined logic states, reduced noise margin, and failure to meet AC timing specifications.

What is the maximum output current per pin for the SN74F541NS?

The SN74F541NS guarantees an output sink current (IOL) of 64 mA per pin under specified conditions (VOL ≤ 0.55 V, TA = 0°C to +70°C). Source current (IOH) is −12 mA minimum at VOH ≥ 2.4 V with IOH = −3 mA load. These values are validated per DC Electrical Characteristics table in the original Fairchild datasheet DS009553.

Can the SN74F541NS be used as a level shifter between 5 V and 3.3 V logic?

No, the SN74F541NS is not designed as a level shifter. Its inputs require TTL-compatible thresholds (VIH ≥ 2.0 V, VIL ≤ 0.8 V), and outputs swing rail-to-rail within the VCC range. Driving a 3.3 V input with SN74F541NS outputs risks overvoltage damage unless external clamping or series resistance is applied.

Is there a surface-mount version of the SN74F541NS?

Yes - the SN74F541SC (SOIC-20, package M20B) and SN74F541SJ (SOP-20, package M20D) are surface-mount equivalents of the SN74F541NS (PDIP-20). All share identical logic function, DC/AC electrical specs, and pinout mapping; only package type and thermal/mechanical characteristics differ.