Texas Instruments SN74HC368N

Overview

SN74HC368N from Texas Instruments is a hex inverting buffer and 3-state line driver IC designed for memory address bus driving, clock distribution, and bidirectional data bus interfacing. 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 dual active-low OE inputs.

For engineers reviewing the SN74HC368N datasheet, SN74HC368N pinout, SN74HC368N application, or SN74HC368N equivalent, this page provides verified functional mode behavior, PDIP-16 package mechanical data, 3-state timing parameters (ten/tdis), input voltage thresholds (VIH/VIL), and real-world design implications for bus loading and logic density optimization.

Technical Context

The SN74HC368N implements six independent inverting buffers organized as two groups - one with four channels (A1–A4 → Y1–Y4) and another with two channels (A5–A6 → Y5–Y6) - each controlled by dedicated active-low output-enable inputs (1OE, 2OE). Its CMOS HCMOS architecture ensures rail-to-rail output swing and low static current.

Each buffer passes inverted logic states when its OE is low; when OE is high, outputs enter high-impedance mode, enabling shared-bus operation without contention. Input thresholds scale with VCC (VIH = 0.7×VCC min, VIL = 0.3×VCC max), supporting mixed-voltage system interfacing within 2–6 V supply range.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SN74HC368N is supplied in a 16-pin plastic dual in-line package (PDIP) with 0.300-inch body width, 19.31 mm × 6.35 mm nominal footprint, and through-hole mounting compatibility. 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 hex inverting 3-state buffer applications.

Compared with SN74HC368N, SN74HCT368N offers superior noise immunity in noisy 5 V environments but lacks 2 V minimum operation; 74AC368PC delivers faster edges at the cost of higher static power and reduced voltage flexibility.

Availability

SN74HC368N is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control panels, legacy equipment refurbishment, and test instrumentation requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for SN74HC368N 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 standard logic families including 74HC, 74HCT, and 74AC series.

The SN74HC368N belongs to TI's industry-standard 74HC logic portfolio, engineered for reliable 3-state bus interfacing in industrial, automotive, and communications infrastructure applications where low power and wide supply range are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by SN74HC368N in a bus-driving application?

The SN74HC368N does not operate as a clock generator, but its 20 ns typical propagation delay (at VCC = 4.5 V, CL = 50 pF) supports reliable data toggling up to approximately 25 MHz on shared address or data buses. For sustained high-frequency use, ensure proper PCB layout, decoupling, and load capacitance ≤50 pF per output to maintain timing integrity in the SN74HC368N.

Can SN74HC368N drive LEDs directly?

No - the SN74HC368N is not designed for LED driving. Its ±6 mA output drive at 5 V is intended for logic-level signaling and bus loading, not current-sinking/sourcing for visible-light LEDs. Using it for LED bias risks exceeding absolute maximum output current (±25 mA) and violating recommended operating conditions; dedicated LED drivers or current-limiting resistors with external transistors are required instead of relying on SN74HC368N.

Is SN74HC368N pin-compatible with SN74LS368?

Yes - SN74HC368N shares identical pinout, function table, and PDIP-16 package dimensions with SN74LS368, enabling direct replacement in legacy designs. However, SN74HC368N operates down to 2 V and draws significantly less quiescent current, so verify that existing pull-up networks and timing margins remain valid after substitution in the SN74HC368N implementation.

What is the purpose of the two separate OE inputs (1OE and 2OE) on SN74HC368N?

The dual active-low output-enable inputs (1OE on pin 14, 2OE on pin 15) independently control two functional groups: 1OE enables Y1–Y4 (driven by A1–A4), and 2OE enables Y5–Y6 (driven by A5–A6). This allows partial bus isolation - for example, holding memory address bits [15:12] active while tri-stating [11:10] during peripheral access - enhancing system-level resource management in the SN74HC368N.

Does SN74HC368N require external pull-up resistors on its outputs?

No - SN74HC368N outputs are push-pull CMOS and do not require external pull-ups for logic-level definition. Pull-up resistors may be added only if interfacing with open-drain systems or implementing wired-OR logic, but doing so increases power consumption and slows rise time. The SN74HC368N functions correctly with outputs directly connected to CMOS or TTL inputs without external biasing.