Texas Instruments SN74HC253NE4

Overview

SN74HC253NE4 from Texas Instruments is a dual 4-line to 1-line data selector/multiplexer with 3-state outputs, designed for digital signal routing in bus-organized systems. It operates across 2 V–6 V, delivers ±6 mA output drive at 5 V, exhibits typical propagation delay of 9 ns (VCC = 4.5 V), and consumes ≤80 μA ICC - enabling low-power, high-speed logic selection in industrial control and instrumentation interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the SN74HC253NE4 datasheet, SN74HC253NE4 pinout, SN74HC253NE4 application, or SN74HC253NE4 equivalent, this device supports parallel-to-serial conversion, dual independent channel selection, and 3-state bus interfacing - critical for multiplexed address/data path management in embedded microcontroller peripherals and test equipment signal conditioning.

Technical Context

The SN74HC253NE4 integrates two independent 4:1 multiplexers with full binary decoding (A/B select lines common to both sections) and individual 3-state output-enable (OE) controls per section. Each section selects one of four data inputs (C0–C3) based on A/B logic states and drives its Y output with CMOS-compatible voltage levels and high-current capability.

Its 3-state outputs support bidirectional bus sharing: when OE is high, Y enters high-impedance mode; when OE is low, Y actively drives logic-high or logic-low onto shared data lines. Input thresholds are rail-relative (VIH = 0.7×VCC, VIL = 0.3×VCC), ensuring robust noise immunity across the full 2–6 V supply range.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SN74HC253NE4 uses a 16-pin plastic dual in-line package (PDIP-N), with 19.31 mm × 6.35 mm body size and through-hole mounting. Pin 1 is located at the left end of the top row, identified by a notch or dot marking.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual 4:1 multiplexer applications.

Compared with SN74HC153N and CD74HC253E, the SN74HC253NE4 uniquely provides independent 3-state control per channel - enabling true bus-isolated multiplexing without external circuitry, making it optimal for compact, high-reliability industrial and test-system designs.

Availability

SN74HC253NE4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, test equipment, and embedded microcontroller peripheral expansion requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for SN74HC253NE4 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 SN74HC253NE4 belongs to TI's 74HC high-speed CMOS logic family, engineered for low-power, wide-voltage digital signal routing in industrial, instrumentation, and control applications where reliability and interoperability across voltage domains are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature for SN74HC253NE4?

The SN74HC253NE4 is rated for an operating free-air temperature range of –40°C to +85°C. This commercial-grade specification aligns with standard industrial ambient conditions and is validated per TI's Recommended Operating Conditions table. Thermal derating is not required within this range, and the device maintains full electrical performance including propagation delay and output drive strength across the entire span.

Does SN74HC253NE4 support 3.3 V logic levels?

Yes, SN74HC253NE4 fully supports 3.3 V operation: its recommended VCC range includes 3.3 V, input thresholds scale with supply (VIH ≈ 2.3 V, VIL ≈ 1.0 V at 3.3 V), and output VOH/VOL meet 3.3 V LVTTL requirements. It interfaces directly with 3.3 V microcontrollers and FPGAs without level shifters, and its 2–6 V range ensures compatibility with mixed-voltage systems.

How are the select inputs A and B used in SN74HC253NE4?

In SN74HC253NE4, select inputs A (pin 9) and B (pin 10) are shared between both multiplexer sections. They form a 2-bit binary address (BA) to choose one of four data inputs (C0–C3) per section. For example, BA = 01 selects C1 on Y1 and C1 on Y2 simultaneously - enabling synchronized routing of two independent data streams using identical addressing.

Can unused inputs on SN74HC253NE4 be left floating?

No, unused inputs on SN74HC253NE4 must be tied to VCC or GND. Floating CMOS inputs cause undefined logic states, increased power consumption, and potential oscillation due to intermediate voltage biasing. TI explicitly requires all unused inputs to be held at valid logic levels - for example, tie unused Cx pins to GND and unused OE pins to VCC to ensure predictable 3-state behavior and stable operation.

What is the purpose of the 3-state outputs in SN74HC253NE4?

The 3-state outputs in SN74HC253NE4 allow Y1 and Y2 to drive shared bus lines without contention: when OE is high, the output enters high-impedance mode (Z), electrically disconnecting it from the bus; when OE is low, the output actively drives logic-high or logic-low. This enables multiple devices (e.g., ADCs, memory, peripherals) to share one data path safely - a core requirement in bus-oriented system architectures.