Texas Instruments SN74HC244PWRG4

Overview

SN74HC244PWRG4 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 interface applications requiring high-drive capability and controlled signal isolation-e.g., memory address buffering in telecom infrastructure.

For engineers reviewing the SN74HC244PWRG4 datasheet, SN74HC244PWRG4 pinout, SN74HC244PWRG4 application, or SN74HC244PWRG4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual-bank 3-state architecture, 20-pin TSSOP package (PW), wide 2–6V supply range, ±6mA drive strength, and guaranteed operation from –40°C to 125°C.

Technical Context

The SN74HC244PWRG4 implements two independent 4-bit noninverting buffer banks, each controlled by a dedicated OE input (1OE and 2OE). When OE is low, corresponding Y outputs replicate A inputs; when OE is high, all four outputs enter high-impedance state-enabling bidirectional bus sharing without contention. Its CMOS input structure requires termination to VCC or GND to prevent floating inputs and excessive power draw.

It uses standard HC logic family characteristics: rail-to-rail output swing, low input current (≤1µA max), and output drive capable of sinking/sourcing ±6mA at 5V. Switching performance is load- and voltage-dependent, with tpd ranging from 11ns (6V, 50pF) to 115ns (2V, 50pF), and enable/disable times (ten/tdis) as low as 13ns under optimal conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The SN74HC244PWRG4 is housed in a 20-pin TSSOP package (PW), measuring 6.5mm × 6.4mm body size (excluding pins), with 0.65mm lead pitch and exposed pad not present. This RoHS-compliant, surface-mount package supports high-density PCB layouts and reflow soldering per JEDEC J-STD-020.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74HC244PWRG4, SN74HCT244PWRE4 offers guaranteed TTL-input compatibility at no layout cost, while 74LVC244APW,118 trades voltage flexibility for speed and lower-power 3.3V operation-making the HC variant the optimal choice for mixed-voltage, industrial-grade bus isolation.

Availability

SN74HC244PWRG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for server backplanes, LED display controllers, and network switch control buses requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for SN74HC244PWRG4 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, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The SN74HC244PWRG4 belongs to TI's industry-standard 74HC logic family, designed specifically for high-density, low-power bus interface and memory address driver applications in thermally demanding environments.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range for SN74HC244PWRG4?

The SN74HC244PWRG4 is rated for operation from –40°C to +125°C, making it suitable for industrial and telecom infrastructure applications where ambient temperatures exceed commercial-grade limits. This specification is confirmed in Section 5.3 of the official TI datasheet (SCLS130I, Rev. FEBRUARY 2026) and applies specifically to the SN74HC244PWRG4 variant in TSSOP packaging.

Can SN74HC244PWRG4 drive 5V logic from a 3.3V microcontroller?

Yes, SN74HC244PWRG4 supports 3.3V input levels when powered at 5V: its VIH threshold is 3.15V minimum at VCC = 4.5V, well within typical 3.3V logic high (≈3.3V). The device outputs full 5V swing, enabling direct interfacing between 3.3V MCUs and 5V peripherals-no level shifter required. This behavior is specified in Table 5.3 (Recommended Operating Conditions).

How should unused inputs be handled on SN74HC244PWRG4?

All unused inputs on SN74HC244PWRG4-including A and OE pins-must be tied to either VCC or GND to prevent floating states that cause excessive current draw and potential oscillation. TI explicitly recommends 10kΩ pull-up or pull-down resistors for unconnected OE pins to ensure high-impedance outputs during power-up. This requirement is documented in Section 5.3 and Application Note "Implications of Slow or Floating CMOS Inputs".

What is the maximum capacitive load SN74HC244PWRG4 can drive reliably?

SN74HC244PWRG4 is characterized for CL = 50pF and CL = 150pF loads in its switching specifications. At VCC = 6V, tpd remains ≤20ns (CL = 50pF) and ≤28ns (CL = 150pF), confirming robust performance up to 150pF. For heavier loads, signal integrity degrades-TI recommends limiting trace capacitance to ≤150pF or adding series damping resistors, as outlined in Section 8.4 Layout Guidelines.

Does SN74HC244PWRG4 have built-in ESD protection?

Yes, SN74HC244PWRG4 features integrated ESD protection rated at ±2000V per Human-Body Model (HBM) and ±1000V per Charged-Device Model (CDM), as verified in Section 5.2 of the datasheet. These ratings meet standard manufacturing and handling requirements for surface-mount logic ICs, though TI still recommends standard ESD precautions during assembly and handling to prevent latent damage.