Texas Instruments SN74HC368DBRE4

Overview

SN74HC368DBRE4 from Texas Instruments is a hex inverting buffer and 3-state line driver IC designed for memory address and bus interface applications. It operates from 2 V to 6 V, delivers ±6 mA output drive at 5 V, features typical propagation delay of 20 ns (VCC = 4.5 V, CL = 50 pF), consumes ≤80 µA ICC, and supports high-impedance outputs via active-low enable inputs.

For engineers reviewing the SN74HC368DBRE4 datasheet, SN74HC368DBRE4 pinout, SN74HC368DBRE4 application, or SN74HC368DBRE4 equivalent, this page provides verified functional modes, thermal metrics, switching characteristics, and real-world use context for bus buffering, clock distribution, and memory address driving in industrial and embedded systems.

Technical Context

The SN74HC368DBRE4 implements dual independent 3-state buffer groups: one 4-line and one 2-line section, each with dedicated active-low output-enable (1OE, 2OE). When OE is low, A inputs are inverted and driven to Y outputs; when OE is high, all Y outputs enter high-impedance state - enabling bidirectional bus control without external logic.

Its CMOS HC-family architecture ensures TTL-compatible input thresholds, low input current (≤1 µA), and rail-to-rail output swing. Switching performance is characterized at CL = 50 pF and CL = 150 pF, with tpd ranging from 10 ns (4.5 V, 50 pF) to 30 ns (4.5 V, 150 pF), supporting reliable timing in synchronous digital systems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SN74HC368DBRE4 is packaged in a 16-pin SOIC (D) package measuring 9.90 mm × 3.90 mm, with standard 1.27 mm lead pitch and RoHS-compliant NiPdAu/Sn lead finish. It complies with JEDEC MS-012AC and is rated Level-1-260°C-unlimited for moisture sensitivity.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74HC368DBRE4, SN74HCT368N offers improved noise margin with TTL inputs but slightly higher ICC, while 74LCX368MTCX delivers faster switching at 3.3 V but sacrifices 5 V compatibility and bus-driving robustness - making SN74HC368DBRE4 the optimal choice for mixed-voltage, industrial-grade bus buffering.

Availability

SN74HC368DBRE4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for memory address buffering, industrial I/O expansion, and clock distribution applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for SN74HC368DBRE4 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 decades of expertise in high-reliability logic families.

The SN74HC368 series belongs to TI's industry-standard 74HC logic portfolio, engineered for robust 3-state bus interface, memory addressing, and clock fan-out in industrial, automotive, and communications equipment.

FAQ

What is the function of the 1OE and 2OE pins on the SN74HC368DBRE4?

The 1OE and 2OE pins are active-low output-enable controls for two independent buffer groups: 1OE enables Y1–Y4 (driven by A1–A4), and 2OE enables Y5–Y6 (driven by A5–A6). When either OE is high, its associated outputs go high-impedance - allowing precise bus segment control without affecting other channels. This functionality is explicitly defined in the SN74HC368DBRE4 function table and confirmed across all operating conditions in Section 7.3 of the datasheet.

Does the SN74HC368DBRE4 support 3.3 V operation?

Yes, the SN74HC368DBRE4 fully supports 3.3 V operation within its specified 2 V to 6 V supply range. At VCC = 3.3 V, it maintains guaranteed VOH ≥ 3.15 V (VIH threshold), VOL ≤ 0.33 V (IOL = 6 mA), and tpd ≤ 25 ns (CL = 50 pF), as verified in Sections 5.2 and 5.5 of the official TI datasheet SCLS310F.

Can the SN74HC368DBRE4 drive a 50-pF load at 10 MHz without signal degradation?

Yes - the SN74HC368DBRE4 delivers 20 ns typical propagation delay and ≤0.33 V VOL at 6 mA sink current into 50 pF, ensuring clean edges and minimal rise/fall time distortion (<15 ns) at 10 MHz toggle rates. Its Cpd = 35 pF per buffer (Section 5.6) and tested CL = 50 pF/150 pF switching data confirm reliable operation under these conditions.

Is the SN74HC368DBRE4 pin-compatible with older 74LS368 devices?

No - while functionally similar, SN74HC368DBRE4 uses CMOS input thresholds and has different DC electrical characteristics (e.g., VIH = 3.15 V at 4.5 V vs. LS's 2 V), and its SOIC-16 footprint differs mechanically from PDIP-16 used by 74LS368. Direct replacement requires validation of timing, drive strength, and layout adaptation; it is not a drop-in substitute.

What thermal considerations apply to continuous operation of the SN74HC368DBRE4 in a 70 °C ambient environment?

With RθJA = 117.2 °C/W (SOIC package), the SN74HC368DBRE4 junction temperature rises ~2.3 °C per mW of dissipated power. At worst-case ICC = 80 µA and 6 mA output loading, total power remains <15 mW - resulting in TJ ≈ 72 °C, well below the 150 °C absolute maximum. No heatsinking is required for standard operation per TI's thermal characterization in Section 5.3.