Texas Instruments SN74HC244PWG4

Overview

SN74HC244PWG4 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). It is used in bus interfacing, memory address buffering, and I/O expansion in industrial control and telecom infrastructure.

For engineers reviewing the SN74HC244PWG4 datasheet, SN74HC244PWG4 pinout, SN74HC244PWG4 application, or SN74HC244PWG4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual-bank 3-state architecture, TSSOP-20 package footprint, wide supply voltage range, low quiescent current, and compatibility with LSTTL load driving (up to 15 units).

Technical Context

The SN74HC244PWG4 implements two independent 4-bit noninverting buffer banks, each controlled by a dedicated OE input (1OE and 2OE). When an OE pin is low, its corresponding four Y outputs pass A-input signals with no inversion; when high, those outputs enter high-impedance state. This enables bidirectional bus isolation and selective signal routing without contention.

It uses standard CMOS inputs with ≤1µA max input current and 3–10pF input capacitance, requiring clean input transitions per Δt/Δv spec (e.g., 400 ns/V at VCC = 6V). Output switching is characterized for CL = 50pF and CL = 150pF loads across –40°C to 125°C, supporting robust timing in noise-sensitive digital systems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Packaged in a 20-pin TSSOP (PW) with 0.65mm pitch, body size 6.5mm × 4.4mm, and JEDEC MO-153 compliant footprint. Pin 1 marked via notch or dot; pin 10 = GND, pin 20 = VCC.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74HCT244PW and 74LCX244MTCX, the SN74HC244PWG4 offers the broadest supply range (2–6V), lowest quiescent current, and industry-standard TSSOP-20 footprint - making it optimal for flexible voltage-domain bridging and low-power industrial control.

Availability

SN74HC244PWG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial I/O expansion, telecom backplane interfaces, and LED display column driving requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for SN74HC244PWG4 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 over 50 years of innovation in high-reliability logic ICs.

The SN74HC244PWG4 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 voltage flexibility and timing predictability are critical.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range for SN74HC244PWG4?

The SN74HC244PWG4 is rated for operation from –40°C to +125°C, meeting extended industrial requirements. This specification is confirmed in Section 5.3 of the official datasheet and applies specifically to the PW (TSSOP-20) package variant, including SN74HC244PWG4. It supports deployment in harsh environments such as factory automation controllers and outdoor telecom equipment.

Does SN74HC244PWG4 support 3.3V logic levels?

Yes, SN74HC244PWG4 fully supports 3.3V operation: VIH(min) = 2.0V at VCC = 3.3V (per Section 5.3), and VOH(min) = 3.15V at IOH = –6mA. Its 2V–6V supply range and CMOS input structure ensure reliable interfacing with 3.3V microcontrollers and FPGAs without level-shifting circuitry.

How should unused inputs be handled on SN74HC244PWG4?

All unused inputs on SN74HC244PWG4 must be terminated to either VCC or GND - never left floating. The datasheet (Section 5.3 note) explicitly requires this to prevent increased ICC, oscillation, or undefined output states. A 10kΩ pull-up or pull-down resistor is recommended for unconnected A or OE pins.

What is the maximum capacitive load SN74HC244PWG4 can drive reliably?

SN74HC244PWG4 switching characteristics are specified for CL = 50pF and CL = 150pF (Sections 5.9–5.11). At VCC = 6V and TA = 25°C, tpd remains ≤20ns (CL = 50pF) and ≤28ns (CL = 150pF). For loads >150pF, series damping or buffer staging is advised to maintain signal integrity and timing margins.

Is SN74HC244PWG4 pin-compatible with SN74HC244N?

No - SN74HC244PWG4 (TSSOP-20) and SN74HC244N (PDIP-20) share identical logic function and pin numbering but differ in physical package, thermal performance, and board-mounting requirements. While electrical pin functions match, PCB layout, reflow profile, and mechanical clearance must be redesigned for TSSOP-to-PDIP substitution.