Texas Instruments SN74HC241DWG4

Overview

SN74HC241DWG4 from Texas Instruments is an octal noninverting buffer/line driver with dual 3-state outputs, designed for memory address and bus driving in industrial control and embedded systems. It operates from 2 V to 6 V, delivers ±6 mA output drive at 5 V, exhibits typical propagation delay of 11 ns (VCC = 4.5 V, CL = 50 pF), and draws ≤80 μA ICC max.

For engineers reviewing the SN74HC241DWG4 datasheet, SN74HC241DWG4 pinout, SN74HC241DWG4 application, or SN74HC241DWG4 equivalent, key selection considerations include its dual independent 3-state enable architecture (1OE/2OE), SOIC-20 package compatibility, high-current drive capability for LSTTL loads, and low-power CMOS performance across extended temperature range (–40°C to +85°C).

Technical Context

The SN74HC241DWG4 implements two independent 4-bit noninverting buffers, each with dedicated output-enable inputs (1OE and 2OE) that control high-impedance state independently. Its logic behavior follows standard HC-series CMOS thresholds: VIH = 3.15 V and VIL = 1.35 V at VCC = 4.5 V.

It supports bus-oriented bidirectional data flow via 3-state outputs, enabling shared-line applications without external isolation. Switching characteristics are specified under controlled load conditions (CL = 50 pF or 150 pF), with tpd ranging from 11 ns (4.5 V, 50 pF) to 35 ns (6 V, 150 pF), and output transition time tt ≤13 ns (6 V, 50 pF).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SN74HC241DWG4 is housed in a 20-pin SOIC (DW) package measuring 12.80 mm × 7.50 mm with 1.27 mm pitch and maximum height of 2.65 mm. The package is RoHS-compliant, lead-finished with NiPdAu, and rated MSL Level-1 (260°C peak reflow).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar octal 3-state buffer applications.

Compared with SN74HCT241N and 74LCX241MTCX, SN74HC241DWG4 uniquely balances broad supply flexibility (2–6 V), industrial temperature rating, and proven reliability in bus-holding and address-driving roles - making it the default choice where voltage adaptability and long-term availability matter more than marginal speed gains or legacy TTL compatibility.

Availability

SN74HC241DWG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, test equipment design, and legacy system upgrades requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant SOIC packaging.

Supply support for SN74HC241DWG4 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 global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and logic solutions, with decades of experience in high-reliability industrial and automotive ICs.

SN74HC241DWG4 belongs to TI's 74HC logic family, engineered for high-density, low-power bus interfacing in memory subsystems, programmable logic controllers, and instrumentation - emphasizing noise immunity, predictable timing, and wide-voltage interoperability.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency supported by SN74HC241DWG4?

The SN74HC241DWG4 does not specify a maximum clock frequency in its datasheet because it is a combinatorial buffer, not a clocked device. However, based on its typical propagation delay of 11 ns (at 4.5 V, CL = 50 pF) and output transition time of ≤13 ns, it can reliably support data rates up to approximately 30 MHz in bus applications where setup/hold margins permit. For precise timing analysis, engineers must calculate worst-case path delays including board trace inductance and load capacitance.

Does SN74HC241DWG4 support mixed-voltage operation between input and output sides?

No, SN74HC241DWG4 does not support true mixed-voltage operation - all inputs and outputs share the same VCC supply rail. Its inputs are CMOS-compatible and scale with VCC (e.g., VIH = 3.15 V at 4.5 V), so it can accept 3.3 V logic signals when powered at 4.5 V or 5 V, but output swing remains rail-to-rail relative to that single VCC. For true level shifting, a dedicated translator like SN74AVC4T245 is required.

How should unused inputs be handled on SN74HC241DWG4?

All unused inputs on SN74HC241DWG4 must be tied to a defined logic level - either VCC or GND - to prevent floating nodes that cause excessive current draw, oscillation, or unpredictable output states. TI explicitly recommends this in Section 5.2 of the datasheet. Leaving inputs unconnected violates recommended operating conditions and may compromise device reliability in long-term industrial deployments.

Is SN74HC241DWG4 pin-compatible with SN74HC240?

No, SN74HC241DWG4 is not pin-compatible with SN74HC240. While both are octal 3-state buffers in SOIC-20 packages, SN74HC240 features inverting outputs and shares a common active-low output-enable (OE) for all eight channels, whereas SN74HC241DWG4 provides noninverting outputs and dual independent enables (1OE active-low, 2OE active-high). Their pin functions differ significantly - for example, pin 17 is 1OE on SN74HC241DWG4 but Y1 on SN74HC240.

What is the thermal resistance (RθJA) of SN74HC241DWG4 in its SOIC package?

The junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) for SN74HC241DWG4 in the SOIC (DW) package is 109.1°C/W, as specified in Revision E (May 2022) of the official TI datasheet SCLS300E. This value assumes standard JEDEC 2-layer board conditions and is critical for calculating maximum allowable power dissipation in thermally constrained enclosures - for example, at 80 μA ICC and 5 V supply, power dissipation is ~0.4 mW, resulting in negligible temperature rise.