Texas Instruments SN74HC368PWT

Overview

SN74HC368PWT from Texas Instruments is a hex inverting buffer and 3-state line driver IC designed for memory address, clock, and bus interface applications. It operates across 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), and draws ≤80 µA ICC. Its dual 4-line/2-line architecture with active-low OE inputs enables high-density bus control in industrial and embedded systems.

For engineers reviewing the SN74HC368PWT datasheet, SN74HC368PWT pinout, SN74HC368PWT application, or SN74HC368PWT equivalent, this page provides verified functional modes, thermal metrics for TSSOP-16, switching characteristics under load, and real-world design implications of its 3-state inverting outputs and low input current (≤1 µA).

Technical Context

The SN74HC368PWT implements six independent inverting buffers, each with active-low 3-state enable (1OE, 2OE), organized as two groups: four buffers sharing 1OE and two sharing 2OE. Its CMOS HCMOS logic ensures rail-to-rail output swing and noise immunity across the full 2–6 V supply range.

Each buffer supports high-current 3-state outputs capable of driving up to 15 LSTTL loads, with guaranteed VOL ≤ 0.26 V at IOL = 6 mA (VCC = 4.5 V) and VOH ≥ 3.98 V at IOH = –6 mA. Input thresholds scale with VCC (VIH = 0.7×VCC, VIL = 0.3×VCC), enabling robust interfacing with mixed-voltage systems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP-16 package (5.00 mm × 4.40 mm, 1.2 mm max height), lead-free, RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level 1 (260°C peak reflow).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74HCT368PW and 74LVC240APW, the SN74HC368PWT offers the broadest supply range (2–6 V), true CMOS input thresholds, and proven reliability in industrial bus buffering-making it optimal for mixed-voltage designs where pin compatibility and voltage scalability are critical.

Availability

SN74HC368PWT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for memory address buffering, clock distribution, parallel I/O expansion, and legacy bus interface applications requiring stable component supply across automotive, industrial control, and embedded computing programs.

Supply support for SN74HC368PWT 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 for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The SN74HC368PWT belongs to TI's 74HC logic family, engineered for high-speed, low-power, 3-state bus interface applications where voltage flexibility and noise immunity are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature for SN74HC368PWT?

The SN74HC368PWT has a specified operating free-air temperature range of –40°C to +85°C. Its thermal resistance (RθJA = 137.5 °C/W) requires careful PCB layout-such as using internal copper planes and thermal vias-to maintain junction temperature below 150°C under continuous 6 mA load conditions at 85°C ambient.

Does SN74HC368PWT support 3.3 V-only operation?

Yes, SN74HC368PWT fully supports 3.3 V operation: VIH = 2.31 V min (0.7×3.3 V), VIL = 0.99 V max (0.3×3.3 V), and VOH ≥ 3.1 V at IOH = –4 mA. Its 2–6 V range makes it ideal for 3.3 V systems while retaining compatibility with 5 V peripherals when needed.

How are the output-enable pins configured on SN74HC368PWT?

SN74HC368PWT has two active-low output-enable pins: 1OE (pin 13) controls Y1–Y4, and 2OE (pin 15) controls Y5–Y6. When either OE is high, its associated outputs enter high-impedance state; when low, outputs pass inverted A-input data. Both OEs can be tied together for unified control if all six buffers are used simultaneously.

Can SN74HC368PWT drive LED loads directly?

Yes, SN74HC368PWT can drive standard 20 mA LEDs in sink configuration: at VCC = 3.3 V, it delivers 6 mA minimum (IOL = 6 mA, VOL ≤ 0.33 V), sufficient for low-current indicator LEDs. For higher brightness, use external current-limiting resistors and verify VOL remains within spec under actual load conditions.

Is SN74HC368PWT pin-compatible with other TSSOP-16 logic devices?

SN74HC368PWT uses the industry-standard TSSOP-16 footprint (5.00 mm × 4.40 mm, 0.65 mm pitch), matching JEDEC MO-153. However, pin functions differ from non-inverting or differently grouped buffers (e.g., SN74HC240); always verify signal mapping-not just physical layout-before substitution.