Texas Instruments SN74LV125APW

Overview

SN74LV125APW from Texas Instruments is a quadruple 3-state bus buffer gate designed for level-translating, bidirectional bus isolation in mixed-voltage systems. It operates from 2 V to 5.5 V, delivers 6 ns max propagation delay at 5 V, supports 5.5-V-tolerant inputs, and features I_off for partial-power-down mode. It is used in enterprise SSDs and PoE-powered equipment where voltage domain bridging and low-noise output control are required.

For engineers reviewing the SN74LV125APW datasheet, SN74LV125APW pinout, SN74LV125APW application, or SN74LV125APW equivalent, this page provides verified functional identity, TSSOP-14 package mapping, confirmed 3-state buffer behavior, exact switching timing across V_CC ranges, and two validated alternative parts with documented functional and application differences.

Technical Context

The SN74LV125APW implements four independent noninverting buffers, each with an active-low 3-state output enable (OE). Each channel drives high or low when OE is low, and enters high-impedance state when OE is high - enabling bus sharing without contention. Its I_off feature isolates power domains during partial shutdown, preventing back-drive current.

Input voltage tolerance up to 5.5 V allows interfacing with higher-voltage logic while operating at 3.3 V or 2.5 V, supporting down-translation in heterogeneous systems. Output ground bounce (V_OLP) remains below 0.8 V and VOH undershoot (V_OHV) exceeds 2.3 V at 3.3 V, ensuring signal integrity in noise-sensitive applications like motor drive control interfaces.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP-14 (PW) package: 5.00 mm × 4.40 mm body, 0.65 mm lead pitch, surface-mount, moisture sensitivity level 1 (260°C reflow).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74LV125APW, SN74LVC125APW trades input voltage flexibility for speed in 3.3-V-only systems, while 74LVX125M omits I_off and input overvoltage tolerance - making SN74LV125APW uniquely suited for mixed-voltage industrial interfaces requiring robust power sequencing and domain isolation.

Availability

SN74LV125APW is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for enterprise SSD interconnect, Power over Ethernet (PoE) interface, and programmable logic controller (PLC) I/O modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and mixed-voltage conditions.

Supply support for SN74LV125APW 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 company specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with leadership in industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The SN74LV125A belongs to TI's LV logic family, engineered for low-voltage operation with high noise immunity and mixed-voltage interoperability - targeting industrial control, storage, and infrastructure applications where reliability across voltage domains is critical.

FAQ

What is the function of the SN74LV125APW?

The SN74LV125APW is a quadruple 3-state noninverting bus buffer. Each of its four channels accepts an input (A), drives a buffered output (Y), and is individually controlled by an active-low output enable (OE). When OE is low, Y follows A; when OE is high, Y enters high-impedance state. This enables bus sharing, voltage translation, and power-domain isolation in systems such as enterprise SSDs and PoE endpoints - all implemented within the SN74LV125APW's TSSOP-14 package.

Does the SN74LV125APW support 5-V input signals while operating at 3.3 V?

Yes. The SN74LV125APW features 5.5-V-tolerant inputs, meaning it accepts input voltages up to 5.5 V regardless of V_CC level - including when V_CC = 3.3 V or 2.5 V. This capability is explicitly specified in the datasheet's Recommended Operating Conditions and Electrical Characteristics tables, enabling reliable down-translation in mixed-voltage systems without external level shifters - a core design feature of the SN74LV125APW.

What does I_off mean for the SN74LV125APW, and why is it important?

I_off is the maximum leakage current measured when V_CC = 0 V and input/output voltages range from 0 to 5.5 V. For the SN74LV125APW, I_off ≤ 5 µA guarantees minimal current flow between powered and unpowered sections - critical for hot-swap capability, partial-power-down modes, and back-drive protection in modular PLCs and server backplanes. This parameter is tested and guaranteed per JEDEC standards, and is a defining feature distinguishing the SN74LV125APW from standard LV logic buffers.

Can the SN74LV125APW replace the SN74LV125ADR in a design?

No - SN74LV125APW and SN74LV125ADR differ in package (TSSOP-14 vs SOIC-14), thermal performance (R_θJA = 119.8°C/W vs 92.7°C/W), and board space requirements. While both share identical logic functionality and electrical specs, the SN74LV125APW's smaller footprint and thinner profile suit high-density layouts, whereas the SOIC version offers easier manual soldering and higher thermal mass. Direct replacement requires PCB layout revision - the SN74LV125APW is not a drop-in substitute for SN74LV125ADR without mechanical redesign.

What is the maximum output drive strength of the SN74LV125APW?

The SN74LV125APW delivers ±16 mA output drive at V_CC = 4.5–5.5 V, as specified in the Recommended Operating Conditions table under I_OH and I_OL. This allows direct driving of moderate capacitive loads (e.g., 15–50 pF traces, multiple CMOS inputs) without external buffers. Continuous output current is rated ±35 mA per pin and ±70 mA total for the device - values confirmed in Absolute Maximum Ratings and validated across –40°C to +125°C operation for the SN74LV125APW.