Texas Instruments SN74HC244DWR

Overview

SN74HC244DWR from Texas Instruments is an octal noninverting 3-state buffer/line driver IC, organized as two independent 4-bit banks with separate output-enable (OE) controls. It operates from 2V to 6V, delivers ±6mA output drive at 5V, exhibits typical propagation delay of 11ns (VCC = 6V, CL = 50pF), and draws ≤80µA ICC (max) - enabling high-density bus interfacing in memory address drivers and clock distribution networks.

For engineers reviewing the SN74HC244DWR datasheet, SN74HC244DWR pinout, SN74HC244DWR application, or SN74HC244DWR equivalent, this device supports robust signal isolation in bidirectional data buses, memory expansion interfaces, and LED display column drivers where low-power 3-state control and TTL-load compatibility are required.

Technical Context

The SN74HC244DWR implements dual 4-bit CMOS buffer banks with positive-logic output-enable inputs: each OE pin controls four corresponding Y outputs, placing them in high-impedance state when asserted high. Its standard CMOS inputs require fast transitions (≤400 ns/V at VCC = 6V) and must be terminated to VCC or GND to prevent floating-induced power dissipation or oscillation.

Functionally, it performs xYn = xAn logic (noninverting pass-through), with output drive capability sufficient for 15 LSTTL loads. The device supports industrial temperature range (–40°C to 125°C) and features ESD protection per HBM (±2000V) and CDM (±1000V) standards.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SN74HC244DWR is packaged in a 20-pin SOIC (DW) package measuring 12.80mm × 10.3mm, with 7.5mm body width and standard 1.27mm lead pitch. The package is RoHS-compliant, moisture-sensitive level 1 (MSL-1), and rated for reflow peak temperatures up to 260°C.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74HC244DWR, SN74HCT244N offers stronger TTL input compatibility at the cost of higher quiescent current, while 74LCX244MTCX delivers superior speed and density in 3.3V-only applications but lacks 5V tolerance - making SN74HC244DWR the optimal choice for flexible dual-voltage bus isolation.

Availability

SN74HC244DWR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for memory address buffering, LED display driving, network switch backplane interfacing, and motor driver logic-level translation requiring stable component supply across industrial and telecom product lifecycles.

Supply support for SN74HC244DWR 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 connectivity technologies, with over 90 years of innovation in high-reliability components.

The SN74HC244DWR belongs to TI's industry-standard 74HC logic family, designed for robust, low-power digital interfacing in industrial automation, communications infrastructure, and embedded control systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature for SN74HC244DWR?

The SN74HC244DWR is rated for continuous operation from –40°C to +125°C ambient temperature, as confirmed in Section 5.3 of the official datasheet. This extended industrial temperature range makes SN74HC244DWR suitable for deployment in harsh environments such as motor control enclosures, base station equipment, and under-hood automotive modules where thermal stability is critical.

Can SN74HC244DWR drive LEDs directly?

Yes, SN74HC244DWR can drive LEDs directly in sink configuration: each output delivers up to 6mA at 5V (Section 5.5), sufficient for low-current indicator LEDs or column segments in multiplexed displays. However, for high-brightness or high-current LEDs, external current-limiting resistors must be used, and total device current must remain within ±70mA (VCC/GND) limits per Section 5.1.

Is SN74HC244DWR pin-compatible with SN74LS244?

No, SN74HC244DWR is not pin-compatible with SN74LS244. While both are octal 3-state buffers, SN74LS244 uses a different pinout (e.g., OE on pin 1 and 19 vs. SN74HC244DWR's OE on pins 1 and 19 but with swapped A/Y assignments). Physical substitution would cause functional failure; verified pin mapping must be cross-checked against each device's respective datasheet.

What bypass capacitor value is recommended for SN74HC244DWR?

A 0.1µF ceramic capacitor is recommended for SN74HC244DWR, placed as close as possible to the VCC (pin 20) and GND (pin 10) pins. Per Section 8.3 of the datasheet, this value effectively suppresses high-frequency switching noise; paralleling with a 1µF capacitor further improves low-frequency decoupling in noisy power environments.

Does SN74HC244DWR require pull-up resistors on OE pins?

Yes - to ensure high-impedance outputs during power-up/power-down, both OE pins (1 and 19) should be tied to VCC via pull-up resistors. Section 7.1 specifies that the minimum resistor value depends on driver sink capability and pin leakage; a 10kΩ resistor is commonly used and satisfies all conditions per TI's application guidance.