Texas Instruments SN74HC368NG4

Overview

SN74HC368NG4 from Texas Instruments is a hex inverting buffer and 3-state line driver IC designed for memory address, clock, and bus 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, and features low ICC (≤80 µA) and low input current (≤1 µA). It is used in industrial control backplanes and embedded system address/data buses.

For engineers reviewing the SN74HC368NG4 datasheet, SN74HC368NG4 pinout, SN74HC368NG4 application, or SN74HC368NG4 equivalent, this page provides verified functional modes, thermal metrics, switching characteristics at 50 pF/150 pF loads, and package-specific layout guidance for PDIP-16 implementation.

Technical Context

The SN74HC368NG4 implements dual independent 3-state buffer groups: one 4-line and one 2-line section, each with 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 sharing without external logic.

It uses silicon-gate CMOS technology for TTL-compatible voltage thresholds, rail-to-rail output swing, and immunity to floating inputs when unused pins are tied to VCC or GND. Its design supports memory address register buffering, clock distribution, and bus transceiver functions in systems requiring level translation between 2 V–6 V domains.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SN74HC368NG4 is supplied in 16-pin PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package) 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 hex inverting buffer with 3-state output applications.

Compared with SN74HC368NG4, SN74HCT368N offers improved noise immunity at 5 V but sacrifices low-voltage operation, while 74LCX368M enables compact 3.3 V designs with 5 V input tolerance but lacks full 6 V support - making SN74HC368NG4 the optimal choice for mixed-voltage or wide-range industrial bus interfaces.

Availability

SN74HC368NG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control backplanes, embedded microcontroller peripheral interfaces, and legacy system clock distribution requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant through-hole packaging.

Supply support for SN74HC368NG4 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 experience in high-reliability industrial and automotive-grade components.

The SN74HC368NG4 belongs to TI's 74HC logic family, engineered for robust performance in memory addressing, bus interfacing, and clock distribution applications where wide voltage range, low power, and predictable 3-state behavior are essential.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range for SN74HC368NG4?

The SN74HC368NG4 is rated for industrial operation from –40 °C to +85 °C. This range is validated across all electrical specifications including propagation delay, output drive, and quiescent current, ensuring reliable performance in factory automation, motor drives, and outdoor embedded equipment where ambient temperatures fluctuate widely. The PDIP package's thermal resistance (RθJA = 68.6 °C/W) supports this rating under typical board-level airflow conditions.

Does SN74HC368NG4 support mixed-voltage interfacing between 3.3 V and 5 V systems?

Yes, SN74HC368NG4 supports mixed-voltage interfacing: its 2 V–6 V supply range allows direct operation at either 3.3 V or 5 V, and its CMOS inputs accept logic-high thresholds as low as 1.5 V at 2 V VCC - enabling reliable recognition of 3.3 V outputs when powered from 5 V, and vice versa. No external level shifters are needed for basic voltage-domain bridging in address or control bus applications.

How should unused inputs be handled on SN74HC368NG4?

All unused inputs on SN74HC368NG4 must be tied to a defined logic level - either VCC or GND - to prevent floating states that cause excessive ICC, erratic output behavior, or ESD susceptibility. For example, if only four of six buffers are used, the two unused A inputs should be connected to GND (for logic-low default) or VCC (for logic-high), and their corresponding Y outputs left unconnected. OE pins must also be actively driven, not left floating.

What is the maximum capacitive load SN74HC368NG4 can drive while maintaining specified timing?

SN74HC368NG4's switching characteristics are guaranteed for CL = 50 pF and CL = 150 pF loads. At 50 pF, typical tpd is 10 ns (VCC = 4.5 V); at 150 pF, tpd increases to 25 ns. For reliable operation beyond 150 pF, derating is required - TI recommends limiting total net capacitance (including trace, via, and input capacitance of downstream devices) to ≤150 pF unless timing margins permit slower edges. Layout best practices include minimizing trace length and avoiding stubs.

Is SN74HC368NG4 pin-compatible with other members of the '368 family?

Yes, SN74HC368NG4 shares identical pinout and function with all PDIP-packaged '368 variants including SN74HC368N, SN74HC368NE4, and SN74HC368N.A. All use the same 16-pin PDIP footprint, pin numbering, and functional mapping - enabling drop-in replacement across TI's HC, HCT, and AHC logic families when voltage and timing requirements align. However, SN74HCT368N differs in input threshold behavior and cannot be substituted without verifying noise margin compatibility.