Texas Instruments SN74HC244NSRG4

Overview

SN74HC244NSRG4 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 SN74HC244NSRG4 datasheet, SN74HC244NSRG4 pinout, SN74HC244NSRG4 application, or SN74HC244NSRG4 equivalent, this page provides verified functional identity, package-specific pin mapping (NS SOP-20), thermal and switching performance across temperature ranges (–40°C to 125°C), and real-world implementation guidance for bus buffering, LED display column driving, and I/O expansion.

Technical Context

The SN74HC244NSRG4 implements dual 4-bit CMOS buffer banks with positive-logic 3-state outputs: each bank's four outputs are enabled when its respective OE input is low, and placed in high-impedance state when OE is 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.

It supports bidirectional bus isolation via independent OE control, drives up to 15 LSTTL loads, and maintains rail-to-rail output swing (VOH ≥ 5.9V, VOL ≤ 0.26V at VCC = 6V, IOL = 7.8mA). Thermal resistance RθJA is 113.4°C/W in NS package, and ESD robustness meets ±2000V HBM per JEDEC JS-001.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SN74HC244NSRG4 is supplied in NS (SOP-20) package: 12.6mm × 7.8mm body size, 20-pin surface-mount, gull-wing lead form with 0.65mm pitch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74HCT244N and 74LCX244MTCX, SN74HC244NSRG4 uniquely balances wide supply range (2–6V), industrial temperature support (–40°C to 125°C), and proven reliability in bus-holding and address-driving roles - making it the default choice for general-purpose 3-state buffering where voltage flexibility and ruggedness are primary.

Availability

SN74HC244NSRG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, LED display subsystems, and network infrastructure equipment requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and voltage ranges.

Supply support for SN74HC244NSRG4 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 decades of experience in high-reliability logic and interface solutions.

SN74HC244NSRG4 belongs to TI's HC (High-Speed CMOS) logic family, designed for low-power, high-noise-immunity digital interfacing in industrial, telecom, and computing applications where bus loading, voltage flexibility, and thermal stability are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature for SN74HC244NSRG4?

The SN74HC244NSRG4 is rated for continuous operation from –40°C to +125°C ambient temperature, as confirmed in Section 5.3 of the official datasheet. This specification applies specifically to the NS package variant and supports deployment in industrial motor drives, base station radios, and under-hood automotive modules where thermal stress is significant. The device maintains full electrical compliance across this range.

Does SN74HC244NSRG4 support 3.3V logic systems?

Yes, SN74HC244NSRG4 fully supports 3.3V operation: VIH is guaranteed ≥2.31V and VIL ≤1.05V at VCC = 3.3V (derived from proportional specs in Section 5.3), and output drive remains robust (±4.5mA min). Its 2V–6V supply range makes SN74HC244NSRG4 interoperable with both 3.3V microcontrollers and 5V peripherals without level translation.

How should unused inputs be handled on SN74HC244NSRG4?

All unused inputs on SN74HC244NSRG4 must be tied to either VCC or GND - never left floating - to prevent excessive ICC, oscillation, or latch-up. TI explicitly recommends 10kΩ pull-up or pull-down resistors for unconnected inputs (Section 7.3.1). Leaving inputs floating violates recommended operating conditions and risks unpredictable behavior during power-up or transient events.

What is the purpose of the two OE pins on SN74HC244NSRG4?

SN74HC244NSRG4 features two independent output-enable pins (1OE and 2OE) to control its two 4-bit banks separately. When 1OE is low, Bank 1 outputs (1Y1–1Y4) pass inputs (1A1–1A4); when high, they enter high-impedance. Same applies to Bank 2. This enables selective bus arbitration - for example, disabling address lines while keeping data lines active - without requiring external gating logic.

Can SN74HC244NSRG4 drive LEDs directly?

SN74HC244NSRG4 can drive LEDs directly only in low-current configurations: its absolute maximum output current is ±35mA per pin, but sustained operation above ±6mA degrades VOH/VOL specs and increases self-heating. For typical 20mA LED columns, external current-limiting resistors and/or discrete transistors are required. The datasheet positions SN74HC244NSRG4 as a line driver - not a power driver - so direct LED sinking is not a validated use case.