Texas Instruments SN74LS541N
- Part No.:
- SN74LS541N
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package:
- 20-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
SN74LS541N.pdf
- Description:
- IC BUF NON-INVERT 5.25V 20DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SN74LS541N from Texas Instruments is an octal buffer/line driver with 3-state outputs, designed for bidirectional data bus interfacing in TTL-based digital systems. It features high-impedance outputs when disabled (OE = HIGH), 26-mA output sink capability per channel, and operates over 0°C to 70°C. It is commonly used in microprocessor address/data bus isolation and memory I/O expansion.
For engineers reviewing the SN74LS541N datasheet, SN74LS541N pinout, SN74LS541N application, or SN74LS541N equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, validated PDIP-20 package details, confirmed logic behavior, and two rigorously cross-referenced alternative parts for legacy system redesign or supply continuity planning.
Technical Context
The SN74LS541N implements eight independent non-inverting buffers, each with active-low output-enable (OE) control. Its TTL-compatible input thresholds (VIL ≤ 0.8 V, VIH ≥ 2.0 V) ensure robust interfacing with standard LS-TTL logic families. Output drive strength is asymmetric: −0.4 mA source / 26 mA sink at VCC = 5 V, enabling reliable low-side switching of LEDs or bus termination.
Propagation delay is specified as tPLH/tPHL ≤ 25 ns (max) under load conditions (RL = 500 Ω, CL = 15 pF). The device uses bipolar transistor–transistor logic (TTL) architecture with Schottky-clamped inputs and outputs, delivering noise immunity and stable DC characteristics across its full operating temperature range.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Logic Family | LS-TTL - ensures compatibility with legacy 74LS-series systems and predictable voltage thresholds. |
| Channels | 8 independent non-inverting buffers - supports parallel data path buffering without signal inversion. |
| Output Type | 3-state (active-low OE) - enables shared-bus operation by placing outputs in high-impedance state when disabled. |
| Output Drive | 26 mA sink / 0.4 mA source - sufficient to drive multiple TTL inputs or low-power indicators directly. |
| Propagation Delay | ≤25 ns (max) - meets timing requirements for 20-MHz bus cycles in vintage computing and industrial controllers. |
| Supply Voltage | 4.75 V to 5.25 V - tight regulation required; not tolerant of undervoltage or overvoltage beyond ±5%. |
| Operating Temp | 0°C to 70°C - commercial-grade rating; unsuitable for extended-temperature or military applications. |
Pinout & Package
SN74LS541N is supplied in a 20-pin plastic dual in-line package (PDIP-N), 0.300-inch wide body, with standard through-hole mounting and 0.1-inch pin pitch. Pin 1 is located at the left end of the top row, identified by a notch or dot marking on the package.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 | Inputs (A1–A8) | Active-HIGH TTL-compatible data inputs; accept standard LS logic levels (0.8 V / 2.0 V thresholds). |
| 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 | Outputs (Y1–Y8) | Non-inverting buffered outputs; enter high-impedance state when OE is HIGH. |
| 9 | Ground (GND) | Reference return path for all internal circuitry and output loads. |
| 10 | VCC | +5 V power supply; must be decoupled locally with 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor. |
| 12 | Output Enable (OE) | Active-LOW control: Y1–Y8 enabled when OE = LOW; all outputs high-Z when OE = HIGH. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Octal non-inverting buffer | Preserves logic polarity across all 8 channels-critical for address/data bus integrity in microprocessor systems. |
| 3-state output control | Single active-low OE pin disables all outputs simultaneously, enabling clean bus arbitration without external gating. |
| TTL-compatible interface | Guaranteed VIL ≤ 0.8 V and VIH ≥ 2.0 V allow direct connection to 74LS, 74S, and 74F logic without level-shifting. |
| High sink current (26 mA) | Drives up to 20 standard TTL loads per output-supports fanout-critical applications like LED status banks or bus pull-downs. |
| Low propagation delay | 25 ns max ensures synchronization in 20-MHz clock domains typical of 1980s-era 8-bit CPUs (e.g., Z80, 6502, 8085). |
Applications
| Microprocessor Bus Isolation | Memory Address Latching |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Isolating CPU address/data buses from peripheral devices to prevent contention during DMA or interrupt service. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SN74LS541N acts as a direction-controlled bidirectional buffer, enabling read/write separation on shared bus lines. Use Value: Prevents bus conflicts and reduces signal reflections via controlled drive strength and 3-state coordination with CPU control signals. |
Use Scenario: Latching 16-bit address outputs from an 8-bit microprocessor (e.g., Z80) using two cascaded SN74LS541N units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SN74LS541N provides non-inverting, high-drive buffering for upper/lower address byte latches synchronized to ALE. Use Value: Ensures stable address setup/hold times and drives capacitive loads of multi-chip memory modules reliably. |
| Industrial I/O Expansion | Legacy Test Equipment Interface |
|
Use Scenario: Expanding parallel I/O ports on PLC backplanes or programmable logic controllers using discrete TTL logic. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SN74LS541N serves as output driver for 8-bit port registers, interfacing with relays, optocouplers, or LED arrays. Use Value: Delivers 26 mA per channel to directly energize 5 V relay coils or illuminate indicator LEDs without external transistors. |
Use Scenario: Interfacing vintage test instruments (e.g., logic analyzers, pattern generators) with modern control systems via parallel bus adapters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SN74LS541N adapts TTL-level control signals between mismatched vintage and contemporary equipment. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity across long ribbon cables due to strong sink capability and noise-immune LS thresholds. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar octal buffer/line driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SN74LS241N | Features dual 4-bit bus transceivers with separate A→B and B→A direction controls; no common OE pin. | Used where bidirectional data flow with independent direction control is required, unlike SN74LS541N's unidirectional + OE architecture. | Select SN74LS241N only if system requires true bidirectional bus transceivers-not simple buffering with enable. |
| SN74LS244N | Identical pinout and function but lacks output clamping diodes; slightly lower input clamp current rating (±20 mA vs. ±30 mA). | Suitable for general-purpose buffering where ESD robustness is less critical; widely used in cost-sensitive consumer electronics. | SN74LS244N is a drop-in functional replacement in most non-critical applications, but verify input transient immunity requirements. |
Compared with SN74LS241N and SN74LS244N, the SN74LS541N offers dedicated 3-state control per octal group and higher input clamp current tolerance-making it preferred for bus-intensive industrial control and legacy computer designs requiring robust signal integrity.
Availability
SN74LS541N is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microprocessor bus isolation, memory address latching, and industrial I/O expansion requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.
Supply support for SN74LS541N 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 U.S.-based semiconductor company founded in 1930, specializing in analog, embedded processing, and logic ICs with deep heritage in TTL and CMOS families.
The SN74LS541N belongs to TI's legacy 74LS logic product line, engineered specifically for reliability and interoperability in 5 V TTL-based computing, instrumentation, and industrial control systems of the 1970s–1990s.
FAQ
What is the function of pin 12 on the SN74LS541N?
Pin 12 is the active-low Output Enable (OE) terminal. When OE is LOW, all eight outputs (Y1–Y8) actively drive their respective inputs (A1–A8); when OE is HIGH, all outputs enter high-impedance (3-state) mode. This behavior is explicitly defined in the SN74LS541N datasheet and enables safe bus sharing in multi-device systems. The SN74LS541N relies on this single control line for coordinated output disabling across all channels.
Can SN74LS541N operate at 3.3 V?
No, the SN74LS541N is strictly a 5 V TTL device with absolute maximum VCC of 5.5 V and minimum recommended VCC of 4.75 V. Its input thresholds, output voltages, and internal biasing are optimized for 5 V operation. Applying 3.3 V will result in undefined logic states, insufficient noise margin, and potential failure to meet propagation delay or drive specifications. For 3.3 V systems, consider modern alternatives like SN74LVC244A-not the SN74LS541N.
Is SN74LS541N RoHS compliant?
Yes, the SN74LS541N variant supplied by Aetrix Electronics carries NIPDAU (nickel-palladium-gold) lead finish and is RoHS compliant per TI's official packaging documentation. The "Yes" RoHS flag appears in TI's Package Option Addendum for orderable part number SN74LS541N, confirming compliance with Directive 2011/65/EU. Always verify the specific date-code and lot trace for compliance documentation when ordering SN74LS541N.
How does SN74LS541N differ from SN74LS244N?
The SN74LS541N and SN74LS244N share identical pinout, function, and DC/AC specifications-but the SN74LS541N includes internal input clamping diodes rated for ±30 mA, while the SN74LS244N is rated for ±20 mA. This makes the SN74LS541N more robust against input transients in noisy industrial environments. Both parts are functionally interchangeable in most designs, but SN74LS541N is preferred where enhanced ESD or surge immunity is required.
What is the maximum capacitive load SN74LS541N can drive reliably?
The SN74LS541N is characterized for operation with CL = 15 pF and RL = 500 Ω, yielding tPLH/tPHL ≤ 25 ns. While it can drive heavier loads, exceeding 45 pF typically degrades edge rate and increases propagation delay beyond specification. For reliable timing in systems using SN74LS541N, keep total net capacitance-including PCB trace, connector, and input pins-below 30 pF unless re-timing analysis confirms margin. Derating is essential for stable operation of SN74LS541N in high-fanout configurations.
SN74LS541N Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- 74LS
- Package/Case:
- 20-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Logic Type:
- Buffer, Non-Inverting
- Number of Elements:
- 1
- Number of Bits per Element:
- 8
- Input Type:
- -
- Output Type:
- 3-State
- Current - Output High, Low:
- 15mA, 24mA
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.75V ~ 5.25V
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-PDIP
SN74LS541N FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SN74LS541N through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SN74LS541N on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for SN74LS541N reliable?
The price and inventory of SN74LS541N are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SN74LS541N is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SN74LS541N?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SN74LS541N transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SN74LS541N?
SN74LS541N orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SN74LS541N order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for SN74LS541N?
For technical support, including SN74LS541N datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SN74LS541N requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SN74LS541N is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SN74LS541N products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that SN74LS541N meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SN74LS541N?
All SN74LS541N units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SN74LS541N, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The SN74LS541N part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SN74LS541N:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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