Texas Instruments SN74LV125ADR

Overview

SN74LV125ADR from Texas Instruments is a quadruple 3-state bus buffer gate designed for level-shifting and bus isolation in mixed-voltage systems. It operates from 2 V to 5.5 V, delivers ≤5.5 ns propagation delay at 5 V, supports 5.5-V-tolerant inputs, features I_off partial-power-down protection, and is rated for –40°C to 125°C operation - used in enterprise SSDs, PoE controllers, and industrial PLCs.

For engineers reviewing the SN74LV125ADR datasheet, SN74LV125ADR pinout, SN74LV125ADR application, or SN74LV125ADR equivalent, this page provides verified functional identity, SOIC-14 package mapping, confirmed 3-state buffer behavior, voltage translation capability, thermal derating data, and two validated alternative parts with documented functional and application differences.

Technical Context

The SN74LV125ADR implements four independent noninverting buffers, each with an active-low 3-state output enable (OE) controlling high-impedance output state. Its CMOS design enables bidirectional voltage translation: inputs tolerate up to 5.5 V regardless of V_CC, while outputs swing rail-to-rail between GND and V_CC.

I_off circuitry disables all outputs and isolates power domains during partial power-down, preventing back-drive current. Output ground bounce (V_OLP) remains <0.8 V and VOH undershoot (V_OHV) exceeds 2.3 V at 3.3 V, ensuring signal integrity in noise-sensitive digital interfaces.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SN74LV125ADR is supplied in a 14-pin SOIC (D) package measuring 8.65 mm × 3.90 mm, with standard 1.27 mm pitch and gull-wing leads compatible with IPC-7351B footprint MS-012AA.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74LVC125A and 74AHC125, the SN74LV125ADR uniquely combines 5.5-V input tolerance, I_off protection, and 2–5.5 V operation - making it the only option among the three for robust mixed-voltage hot-swap interfaces in industrial automation.

Availability

SN74LV125ADR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for enterprise SSD interconnect, Power over Ethernet controller interface, and programmable logic controller backplane applications requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and mixed-voltage environments.

Supply support for SN74LV125ADR 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 connectivity technologies with over 50 years of innovation in industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The SN74LV125ADR belongs to TI's LV logic family, engineered for low-voltage operation with backward compatibility to 5 V systems - targeting industrial control, infrastructure, and storage applications demanding robust voltage translation and power sequencing resilience.

FAQ

What is the maximum propagation delay of the SN74LV125ADR at 3.3 V supply?

The SN74LV125ADR has a maximum propagation delay (t_pd) of 11 ns at V_CC = 3.3 V, CL = 15 pF, and TA = –40°C to 125°C. At 25°C, typical t_pd is 4.8 ns. This delay is measured from input transition (50% V_CC) to output transition (50% V_CC) under specified load conditions and defines the worst-case timing budget for synchronous bus designs using the SN74LV125ADR.

Does the SN74LV125ADR support hot-swap operation?

Yes, the SN74LV125ADR supports hot-swap operation via its I_off feature, which limits off-state current to ≤5 µA when V_CC = 0 V. This prevents back-driving powered sections of the system during insertion or removal. To ensure safe hot-swap behavior, OE pins must be pulled high via resistors before V_CC ramps, and all unused inputs must be terminated to V_CC or GND - as specified in the SN74LV125ADR datasheet Section 6.3.

Can the SN74LV125ADR interface a 5 V microcontroller with a 3.3 V FPGA?

Yes, the SN74LV125ADR can safely interface a 5 V microcontroller with a 3.3 V FPGA because its inputs tolerate up to 5.5 V regardless of V_CC level. When V_CC = 3.3 V, the SN74LV125ADR outputs swing from GND to 3.3 V, matching the FPGA's input thresholds. The device's 5.5-V-tolerant inputs eliminate the need for external clamping or level-shifting components in this configuration.

What is the recommended bypass capacitor for the SN74LV125ADR V_CC pin?

Texas Instruments recommends a 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor placed as close as possible to the V_CC pin (Pin 14) of the SN74LV125ADR, with short, low-inductance traces to GND (Pin 7). For systems with multiple logic devices sharing the same rail, paralleling a 1 µF tantalum or ceramic capacitor nearby improves low-frequency decoupling. This minimizes supply ripple and suppresses simultaneous switching noise that could affect SN74LV125ADR output integrity.

Is the SN74LV125ADR pin-compatible with other 74-series quad buffers?

Yes, the SN74LV125ADR is pin-compatible with industry-standard 14-pin SOIC quad 3-state buffers including SN74LS125, SN74ALS125, and SN74F125 - sharing identical pin functions (1OE–1A–1Y–2OE–2A–2Y–GND–V_CC–4OE–4A–4Y–3OE–3A–3Y). However, electrical characteristics differ significantly: SN74LV125ADR offers wider V_CC range, lower power, and 5.5-V input tolerance not found in older bipolar families.