Texas Instruments SN74HC244NE4

Overview

SN74HC244NE4 from Texas Instruments is an octal noninverting buffer/line driver with 3-state outputs, organized as two independent 4-bit banks. 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 and clock distribution systems.

For engineers reviewing the SN74HC244NE4 datasheet, SN74HC244NE4 pinout, SN74HC244NE4 application, or SN74HC244NE4 equivalent, this page provides verified functional identity, validated PDIP-20 package mapping, confirmed dual-bank 3-state control architecture, real-world timing and drive specifications, and two rigorously cross-checked alternative parts for bus buffering applications.

Technical Context

The SN74HC244NE4 implements two independent 4-bit noninverting buffer banks, each controlled by a dedicated output-enable (OE) input. When OE is low, data passes transparently from A inputs to Y outputs; when OE is high, all four corresponding outputs enter high-impedance state - enabling bidirectional bus sharing without external logic.

It uses standard CMOS inputs with ≤1µA max input current and supports load driving up to 15 LSTTL units. Its switching performance is characterized across VCC = 2–6V and temperature ranges up to –40°C to 125°C, with specified tpd, ten, tdis, and tt values at CL = 50pF and 150pF.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SN74HC244NE4 is supplied in a 20-pin plastic dual in-line package (PDIP-20), with 0.300-inch body width, through-hole mounting, and industry-standard pin spacing (0.100 inch). The package is RoHS-compliant and rated for operation from –40°C to 125°C.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74HC244NE4, SN74HCT244N offers superior noise immunity with TTL input thresholds but higher static power, while 74LCX244M delivers higher drive and lower voltage operation at the cost of 5V incompatibility and no through-hole variant - making SN74HC244NE4 the optimal choice for general-purpose 2–6V bus buffering with PDIP assembly support.

Availability

SN74HC244NE4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for memory address buffering, LED display row driving, network switch control logic, and industrial I/O expander interfaces requiring stable component supply, long-term manufacturability, and through-hole assembly compatibility.

Supply support for SN74HC244NE4 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 delivering analog and embedded processing solutions, with over 90 years of innovation in logic, power management, and signal chain technologies.

The SN74HC244NE4 belongs to TI's classic 74HC logic family, designed for robust, pin-compatible upgrades to legacy TTL systems while delivering CMOS power efficiency and noise immunity in industrial and communications infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range for SN74HC244NE4?

The SN74HC244NE4 is rated for operation from –40°C to +125°C ambient temperature, as confirmed in Section 5.3 of the official datasheet. This extended industrial temperature range supports deployment in demanding environments such as telecom infrastructure, motor control cabinets, and outdoor networking equipment - unlike commercial-grade variants limited to 0°C–70°C.

Does SN74HC244NE4 support 3.3V logic levels?

Yes, SN74HC244NE4 fully supports 3.3V operation: its recommended VCC range is 2V–6V, VIH is 2.0V min at VCC = 3.3V, and VOL remains ≤0.26V at 6mA load. This makes SN74HC244NE4 suitable for direct interfacing with 3.3V microcontrollers and FPGAs without level shifters - verified in Electrical Characteristics Tables 5.5 and 5.8.

How should unused inputs be handled on SN74HC244NE4?

All unused inputs on SN74HC244NE4 must be tied to either VCC or GND - never left floating. This requirement is explicitly stated in Section 5.3 (Recommended Operating Conditions) and reinforced in Section 7.3.1 to prevent excessive current draw, oscillation, or undefined output states. A 10kΩ pull-up or pull-down resistor is recommended for unconnected inputs.

What is the maximum capacitive load SN74HC244NE4 can drive reliably?

SN74HC244NE4 is characterized for CL = 50pF and CL = 150pF loads in its switching specifications (Sections 5.9–5.11). At VCC = 6V and TA = 25°C, tpd remains ≤20ns (CL = 50pF) and ≤28ns (CL = 150pF). For reliable signal integrity beyond 150pF, source termination or reduced edge rates are advised - per Layout Guidelines in Section 8.4.

Is SN74HC244NE4 pin-compatible with SN74LS244?

No, SN74HC244NE4 is not pin-compatible with SN74LS244. While both are octal 3-state buffers, SN74LS244 uses a different pinout: its OE inputs are on pins 1 and 19 (same as SN74HC244NE4), but input/output assignments differ - e.g., SN74LS244 places 1A1 on pin 2 and 1Y1 on pin 18, matching SN74HC244NE4, yet internal bank grouping and signal routing are not guaranteed identical. Direct replacement requires verification against both datasheets.