Texas Instruments SN74HC244PWRE4

Overview

SN74HC244PWRE4 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 and clock distribution systems.

For engineers reviewing the SN74HC244PWRE4 datasheet, SN74HC244PWRE4 pinout, SN74HC244PWRE4 application, or SN74HC244PWRE4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual-bank 3-state architecture, wide supply voltage range, low-power CMOS compatibility, and TSSOP-20 package suitability for space-constrained PCB layouts in telecom infrastructure and industrial I/O expansion.

Technical Context

The SN74HC244PWRE4 implements two independent 4-bit noninverting buffers, each controlled by a dedicated OE input (1OE and 2OE). When OE is low, the corresponding Y outputs replicate A inputs; when OE is high, all four outputs enter high-impedance state - enabling bidirectional bus sharing without contention.

It uses standard CMOS inputs with ≤1µA max input current and 3–10pF input capacitance, requiring fast input transitions (≤400 ns/V at VCC = 6V) to prevent oscillation. Output drive capability (±6mA at 5V) supports direct connection to 15 LSTTL loads while maintaining rail-to-rail VOH/VOL performance across –40°C to 125°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP-20 package: 6.5mm × 6.4mm body size, 0.65mm lead pitch, thin-profile surface-mount construction optimized for automated assembly and thermal dissipation in dense layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74HCT244N and 74LVC244APW, the SN74HC244PWRE4 uniquely balances wide supply flexibility (2V–6V), industrial temperature support (–40°C to 125°C), and ultra-low static power - making it the optimal choice for mixed-voltage, thermally demanding embedded control applications where pin compatibility with legacy HC-family designs is required.

Availability

SN74HC244PWRE4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for servers, telecom infrastructure, and industrial motor drivers requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for SN74HC244PWRE4 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 heritage in logic IC development and industrial-grade qualification.

The SN74HC244PWRE4 belongs to TI's industry-standard 74HC logic family, designed specifically for high-density, low-power bus interfacing in memory address drivers, clock distribution networks, and I/O expansion subsystems.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature for SN74HC244PWRE4?

The SN74HC244PWRE4 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 range supports deployment in automotive engine compartments, industrial PLCs, and outdoor telecom equipment where thermal stress exceeds commercial-grade limits. The SN74HC244PWRE4 maintains full electrical specifications across this entire span without derating.

Can SN74HC244PWRE4 drive LEDs directly?

Yes, the SN74HC244PWRE4 can drive LEDs directly in sink configuration: each output delivers up to 6mA at VCC = 4.5V (Section 5.5), sufficient for low-current indicator LEDs. However, for high-brightness or multiplexed displays, external current-limiting resistors must be used - and total device current must stay within ±70mA (VCC/GND) limit per Section 5.1. The SN74HC244PWRE4 is not intended as a constant-current LED driver IC.

Does SN74HC244PWRE4 require pull-up resistors on OE pins?

Yes - to ensure high-impedance outputs during power-up/power-down sequences, both 1OE and 2OE pins should be tied to VCC via pull-up resistors. TI recommends ≥10kΩ (Section 7.1), sized to accommodate the maximum input leakage (±100nA) while providing adequate noise margin. Leaving OE pins floating risks undefined output states and potential bus contention. This requirement applies specifically to the SN74HC244PWRE4 due to its CMOS input structure.

What is the input capacitance of SN74HC244PWRE4?

The SN74HC244PWRE4 has a typical input capacitance (Ci) of 3–10pF per pin, as specified in Section 5.5 of the datasheet. This low value minimizes loading on upstream drivers and supports high-speed signal integrity - especially critical when buffering clock or address lines in dense PCB layouts. Measured at VCC = 2V to 6V, this parameter remains stable across temperature and supply voltage, ensuring predictable timing behavior for the SN74HC244PWRE4 in real-world conditions.

Is SN74HC244PWRE4 RoHS compliant?

Yes, the SN74HC244PWRE4 is RoHS compliant, as verified in TI's official Packaging Information document (Orderable Part Number SN74HC244PWRE4, Package PW, Lead Finish: NiPdAu). It contains no lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), or polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), meeting EU Directive 2011/65/EU requirements. Full compliance documentation is available through TI's Quality & Environmental page for the SN74HC244PWRE4.