Texas Instruments SN74HC244DWRE4

Overview

SN74HC244DWRE4 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 consumes ≤80µA ICC (max), enabling high-density bus interfacing in memory address and clock distribution systems.

For engineers reviewing the SN74HC244DWRE4 datasheet, SN74HC244DWRE4 pinout, SN74HC244DWRE4 application, or SN74HC244DWRE4 equivalent, this page provides verified functional architecture, SOIC-20 package mapping, real-world timing behavior across voltage/load/temperature, and validated alternatives for bus buffering, I/O expansion, and LED display driving.

Technical Context

The SN74HC244DWRE4 implements dual 4-bit CMOS buffer banks with noninverting logic (Yn = An) and independent active-low OE control per bank. Each bank's outputs enter high-impedance state when its OE is high, enabling bidirectional bus sharing without contention.

It uses standard CMOS inputs with ≤10pF input capacitance and ≤1µA input leakage, requiring defined VIH/VIL thresholds (e.g., 3.15V min at VCC = 4.5V) and controlled input transition rates (≤500 ns/V at 4.5V) to prevent oscillation or excess current draw.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SN74HC244DWRE4 is housed in a 20-pin SOIC (DW) package measuring 12.80mm × 10.3mm (body: 12.8mm × 7.5mm), optimized for automated assembly and thermal performance (RθJA = 109.1°C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74HC244DWRE4, SN74HCT244N offers guaranteed TTL input compatibility at 5V but lacks 2V operation; 74LCX244MTCX delivers superior speed and ESD at 3.3V but cannot operate above 3.6V-making SN74HC244DWRE4 the optimal choice for universal 2–6V mixed-voltage bus buffering.

Availability

SN74HC244DWRE4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial I/O expansion, LED display driving, and memory address buffering requiring stable component supply across automotive-grade temperature ranges (–40°C to 125°C) and long-lifecycle production programs.

Supply support for SN74HC244DWRE4 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 50 years of innovation in logic and interface solutions.

The SN74HC244DWRE4 belongs to TI's industry-standard HC logic family, designed specifically for high-density, low-power bus interfacing in memory systems, industrial controllers, and communications infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range for SN74HC244DWRE4?

The SN74HC244DWRE4 is rated for operation from –40°C to +125°C, as confirmed in Section 5.3 of the official datasheet. This extended industrial temperature range supports deployment in harsh environments such as motor control enclosures, outdoor telecom equipment, and under-hood automotive modules-without derating or thermal mitigation.

Does SN74HC244DWRE4 support 3.3V logic levels?

Yes, SN74HC244DWRE4 fully supports 3.3V operation: VIH is guaranteed ≥2.0V and VIL ≤0.8V at VCC = 3.3V (per Recommended Operating Conditions), and it delivers ±6mA drive into 3.3V loads. Its 2V–6V supply range makes it interoperable with both 3.3V and 5V systems without level shifters.

How does the 3-state output control work on SN74HC244DWRE4?

SN74HC244DWRE4 features two independent active-low output-enable inputs (1OE and 2OE). When 1OE is low, Bank 1 outputs (1Y1–1Y4) pass noninverted inputs (1A1–1A4); when high, those outputs go high-impedance. Bank 2 operates identically via 2OE-enabling selective bus arbitration and multi-drop topology support.

Can SN74HC244DWRE4 drive LEDs directly?

Yes, SN74HC244DWRE4 can drive LEDs directly: each output sources or sinks up to ±6mA at 5V (Section 1, Features), sufficient for low-current indicator LEDs or multiplexed 8×8 matrix columns. For higher-brightness LEDs, external current-limiting resistors must be used to maintain compliance with absolute max output current (±35mA per pin).

What is the maximum capacitive load SN74HC244DWRE4 can drive reliably?

SN74HC244DWRE4 is characterized for CL = 50pF and CL = 150pF loads (Sections 5.9–5.11). At VCC = 6V, tpd remains ≤20ns (CL = 50pF) and ≤28ns (CL = 150pF), confirming robust drive capability for PCB traces, connectors, and multiple gate inputs. Layout guidelines recommend ≤12cm trace length and impedance control for loads >150pF.