Texas Instruments SN74HC368D

Overview

SN74HC368D from Texas Instruments is a hex inverting buffer and 3-state line driver IC designed for memory address, bus, and clock signal conditioning. It operates from 2 V to 6 V, delivers ±6 mA output drive at 5 V, exhibits typical propagation delay of 10 ns (VCC = 4.5 V, CL = 50 pF), draws ≤80 µA ICC, and features active-low 3-state enable inputs (1OE, 2OE) for bus isolation in embedded control systems.

For engineers reviewing the SN74HC368D datasheet, SN74HC368D pinout, SN74HC368D application, or SN74HC368D equivalent, this page provides verified functional identity, SOIC-16 package mapping, confirmed inverting 3-state logic behavior, real-world timing and drive specs, and validated alternative options for bus interface redesigns.

Technical Context

The SN74HC368D implements dual independent groups: one 4-line and one 2-line inverting buffer/driver, each with dedicated active-low output-enable (1OE, 2OE). When OE is low, A-input data passes inverted to Y-outputs; when OE is high, all outputs enter high-impedance state - enabling bidirectional bus sharing without external logic.

It uses silicon-gate CMOS technology for TTL-compatible voltage thresholds, supports 15 LSTTL loads per output, and maintains stable operation across –40°C to +85°C ambient. Input leakage is ≤1 µA max, and output clamp current rating is ±20 mA - critical for transient robustness in industrial I/O interfaces.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SN74HC368D is housed in a 16-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) package measuring 9.90 mm × 3.90 mm, with standard 1.27 mm lead pitch and gull-wing terminations compatible with IPC-7351 SOP-16 land patterns.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74HC368D, SN74HCT368D offers tighter input threshold control at 5 V but sacrifices multi-voltage flexibility, while 74LCX368MTCX delivers superior speed and drive in 3.3 V domains but cannot operate above 3.6 V - making SN74HC368D the optimal choice for adaptable, mixed-supply bus interfacing.

Availability

SN74HC368D is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control panels, embedded instrumentation, and legacy system upgrades requiring stable component supply, long-term obsolescence management, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for SN74HC368D 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 industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The SN74HC368D belongs to TI's 74HC logic family - engineered for high noise immunity, low power, and broad supply voltage operation in bus-oriented digital systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature for the SN74HC368D?

The SN74HC368D is rated for operation from –40°C to +85°C ambient temperature. This industrial-grade specification ensures reliable performance in programmable logic controllers, motor drives, and factory automation equipment where thermal stability is critical. The SOIC package's RθJA of 117.2°C/W requires adequate PCB copper pour or airflow for sustained high-load operation at upper temperature limits.

Does the SN74HC368D support 3.3 V logic levels?

Yes, the SN74HC368D fully supports 3.3 V operation: its recommended VCC range is 2 V to 6 V, and input thresholds scale with supply voltage (e.g., VIH = 2.0 V min at VCC = 3.3 V). At 3.3 V, it delivers ~±4 mA output drive and maintains <25 ns propagation delay - making it suitable for interfacing with 3.3 V microcontrollers and FPGAs without level translation.

How many independent 3-state groups does the SN74HC368D have?

The SN74HC368D contains two independent 3-state groups: Group 1 (Pins 1–4 inputs, 5–8 and 16 outputs) controlled by 1OE (Pin 15), and Group 2 (Pins 11–12 inputs, 9–10 outputs) controlled by 2OE (Pin 13). This architecture allows selective disabling of either the 4-line or 2-line section - essential for partial bus arbitration and modular signal routing.

Can unused inputs on the SN74HC368D be left floating?

No - all unused inputs on the SN74HC368D must be tied to VCC or GND. Floating CMOS inputs cause increased ICC, erratic switching, and potential latch-up due to undefined gate voltages. TI explicitly recommends hard-wiring unused A inputs to a valid logic level per SCBA004 guidelines; OE pins should also be fixed to avoid unintended 3-state transitions.

Is the SN74HC368D pin-compatible with other 74HC368 variants?

Yes - all 74HC368 variants (e.g., SN74HC368N, SN74HC368PW, SN74HC368NS) share identical pin functions and logic behavior. The SN74HC368D (SOIC-16) matches the pinout of PDIP, TSSOP, and SOP versions, differing only in package dimensions and thermal characteristics. Layout reuse is possible across packages with appropriate footprint adaptation.