Texas Instruments SN74HC368DG4

Overview

SN74HC368DG4 from Texas Instruments is a hex inverting buffer and 3-state line driver IC designed for memory address buffering, bus interfacing, and clock distribution. It operates from 2 V to 6 V, delivers ±6 mA output drive at 5 V, exhibits typical propagation delay of 10 ns, and consumes ≤80 µA ICC. It is used in industrial control backplanes and embedded system data buses where bidirectional bus isolation and signal inversion are required.

For engineers reviewing the SN74HC368DG4 datasheet, SN74HC368DG4 pinout, SN74HC368DG4 application, or SN74HC368DG4 equivalent, this page provides verified functional modes, thermal metrics, switching characteristics under 50 pF load, 3-state enable timing (ten/tdis), and package-specific RθJA values for SOIC (D) - all confirmed from TI's SCLS310F revision F datasheet.

Technical Context

The SN74HC368DG4 implements dual independent 3-state buffer groups: one 4-line (A1–A4 → Y1–Y4) and one 2-line (A5–A6 → Y5–Y6), each with active-low output-enable inputs (1OE, 2OE). Its CMOS HCMOS architecture ensures rail-to-rail output swing and high noise immunity across the full 2–6 V supply range.

Each buffer inverts input logic: when OE is low, Y = NOT(A); when OE is high, Y enters high-impedance state. Input leakage is ≤1 µA, output clamp current is ±20 mA, and absolute max VCC is 7 V - enabling robust operation in mixed-voltage systems with transient tolerance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SN74HC368DG4 is supplied in a 16-pin SOIC (D) package measuring 9.90 mm × 3.90 mm, with standard 1.27 mm pitch, gull-wing leads, and RoHS-compliant NiPdAu lead finish. Moisture sensitivity level is Level-1 (260 °C peak reflow).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74HC368DG4, SN74HCT368N offers guaranteed TTL input compatibility at 5 V but lacks 2–3.3 V operation, while 74LCX368MTCX delivers superior speed and 5 V-tolerant inputs at the cost of maximum supply voltage limitation - making SN74HC368DG4 the optimal choice for universal 2–6 V interoperability and industrial temperature range support.

Availability

SN74HC368DG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial backplane interfaces, memory address buffering, and embedded data bus transceivers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for SN74HC368DG4 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 heritage in industry-standard logic families.

The SN74HC368DG4 belongs to TI's 74HC high-speed CMOS logic product line, engineered for reliable 3-state bus interfacing, memory addressing, and clock distribution in commercial and industrial systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating supply voltage for SN74HC368DG4?

The absolute maximum supply voltage for SN74HC368DG4 is 7 V, but the recommended operating range is 2 V to 6 V per TI's SCLS310F datasheet. Operation above 6 V risks exceeding absolute maximum ratings and may cause irreversible damage. For sustained reliability, maintain VCC within 2–6 V, with 5 V being the most common use case for LSTTL load compatibility.

Does SN74HC368DG4 support hot-swapping on a live bus?

SN74HC368DG4 supports controlled hot-swap operation via its dual active-low 3-state enables (1OE and 2OE). When OE is high, outputs enter high-impedance state with leakage ≤0.5 µA - preventing bus contention during insertion/removal. However, power sequencing and bus biasing must still follow system-level hot-swap guidelines; the device itself does not include built-in current limiting or fault protection.

Can SN74HC368DG4 drive a 50-pF capacitive load at 10 MHz?

Yes. With typical tpd = 10 ns and rise/fall times ≤15 ns (VCC = 6 V, CL = 50 pF), SN74HC368DG4 can reliably drive 50-pF loads at 10 MHz (100 ns period). The 3-state enable timing (ten = 24 ns, tdis = 41 ns) also ensures clean bus release before next cycle - confirmed in TI's switching characteristics table under "CL = 50 pF" conditions.

What is the thermal resistance (RθJA) of SN74HC368DG4 in its SOIC package?

The junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) for SN74HC368DG4 in the SOIC (D) package is 117.2 °C/W, as specified in Section 5.3 of the SCLS310F datasheet. This value assumes standard JEDEC 2-layer board conditions; actual board layout, copper area, and airflow will affect real-world thermal performance.

Are unused inputs on SN74HC368DG4 required to be terminated?

Yes. All unused inputs on SN74HC368DG4 must be tied to either VCC or GND to prevent floating states that cause increased ICC, oscillation, or erratic output behavior. TI's datasheet explicitly states this in Section 5.2 and Application Report SCBA004 - leaving inputs unconnected violates recommended operating conditions and compromises device reliability.