Texas Instruments SN74LV244ADBRG4

Overview

SN74LV244ADBRG4 from Texas Instruments is an octal 3-state buffer/driver IC designed for bidirectional signal buffering in bus-oriented systems. It features dual 4-bit groups with independent output-enable (OE) controls, operates from 2 V to 5.5 V, delivers ≤6.5 ns propagation delay at 5 V, supports mixed-mode voltage interfacing, and includes Ioff partial-power-down protection. It is used in server memory address buffering and telecom infrastructure backplane drivers.

For engineers reviewing the SN74LV244ADBRG4 datasheet, SN74LV244ADBRG4 pinout, SN74LV244ADBRG4 application, or SN74LV244ADBRG4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 20-pin SSOP (DB) package, 3.3-V/5-V compatible 3-state outputs, ±16-mA drive strength, ground-bounce and undershoot performance, and support for industrial temperature range (–40°C to 125°C).

Technical Context

The SN74LV244ADBRG4 implements two independent 4-bit noninverting buffer sections, each controlled by a dedicated active-low output-enable input (1OE, 2OE). Its CMOS inputs and balanced push-pull 3-state outputs enable robust signal integrity across voltage domains - supporting 2.3-V to 5.5-V mixed-mode operation without level shifters.

It integrates Ioff circuitry that disables all outputs and limits leakage to ≤5 µA when VCC = 0 V, enabling safe hot-insertion in partial-power-down systems. Output switching characteristics are specified across three supply rails (2.5 V, 3.3 V, 5 V), with tpd as low as 3.9 ns (min) and 6.5 ns (max) at 5 V with 50-pF load.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SN74LV244ADBRG4 is housed in a 20-pin SSOP (DB) package measuring 7.2 mm × 7.8 mm, with gull-wing leads and standard JEDEC MO-153 footprint. The thermal pad is absent - this variant uses plastic-body SSOP without exposed pad.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74LV244ADBRG4, SN74LVC244APWR offers lower quiescent current but sacrifices 5-V compatibility, while 74LVX244M lacks Ioff and exhibits higher ground bounce - making SN74LV244ADBRG4 the only option qualified for mixed-voltage industrial backplanes requiring hot-swap resilience.

Availability

SN74LV244ADBRG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for servers and network switches, LED displays, telecom infrastructure, and motor-drive control boards requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and mixed-voltage operating conditions.

Supply support for SN74LV244ADBRG4 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 delivering analog, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The SN74LV244A belongs to TI's LV logic family - engineered for high-speed, low-voltage operation with robust noise immunity and mixed-voltage interoperability in demanding infrastructure applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum capacitive load the SN74LV244ADBRG4 can drive while meeting all datasheet timing specifications?

The SN74LV244ADBRG4 is characterized for loads up to 50 pF across all supply voltages (2.5 V, 3.3 V, 5 V) - including probe and jig capacitance. At 50-pF load and 5 V, it guarantees tpd ≤ 6.5 ns and tdis ≤ 15.5 ns. Driving larger loads increases propagation delay and may cause ringing; TI recommends limiting total trace+load capacitance to ≤50 pF for guaranteed timing compliance in SN74LV244ADBRG4 designs.

Does the SN74LV244ADBRG4 support hot-swap or partial-power-down operation?

Yes, the SN74LV244ADBRG4 includes Ioff circuitry that actively disables all outputs and limits input/output leakage to ≤5 µA when VCC = 0 V. This prevents current backflow between powered and unpowered circuit sections - a critical requirement for hot-plug server blades and modular telecom line cards. The feature is intrinsic to the SN74LV244ADBRG4 silicon and requires no external components.

What is the recommended pull-up resistance for the OE pins of the SN74LV244ADBRG4 during power-up?

TI specifies that OE pins must be held high during power-up to ensure outputs remain in high-impedance state. A 10-kΩ pull-up resistor to VCC is recommended for SN74LV244ADBRG4 - balancing sufficient current to overcome input leakage (≤1 µA) while minimizing static power draw. For systems with fast-rising VCC, a smaller value (e.g., 4.7 kΩ) may be used if drive strength of upstream logic is insufficient.

Can the SN74LV244ADBRG4 be used to drive LEDs directly?

Yes, the SN74LV244ADBRG4 can source or sink up to 16 mA per output at VCC = 4.5–5.5 V - sufficient to drive standard 20-mA LEDs with appropriate current-limiting resistors. When used as a sink driver (LED anode to VCC, cathode to Y pin), SN74LV244ADBRG4 maintains VOL ≤ 0.55 V, ensuring >4.4 V forward bias across the LED. Always verify thermal dissipation: max power per output is ~88 mW (5.5 V × 16 mA).

How does the SN74LV244ADBRG4 handle ground bounce and output undershoot compared to older 74-series buffers?

The SN74LV244ADBRG4 is specifically characterized for noise performance: typical VOLP (ground bounce) is <0.8 V and VOHV (output undershoot) is >2.3 V at VCC = 3.3 V and TA = 25°C. These values are significantly improved over legacy 74ACT/74AS devices, which often exhibit >1.5 V bounce. This enables reliable operation in dense, high-speed layouts where SN74LV244ADBRG4 drives multiple parallel loads without degrading signal integrity.