Texas Instruments SN74LV244APWRG3

Overview

SN74LV244APWRG3 from Texas Instruments is an octal 3-state buffer/driver IC designed for bidirectional signal buffering in 2-V to 5.5-V systems. It features two independent 4-bit groups, each with dedicated output-enable (OE) control, 6.5 ns maximum propagation delay at 5 V, ±16 mA output drive capability, and Ioff support for partial-power-down operation. It is used in server backplanes and telecom interface boards to isolate and strengthen digital control signals between FPGAs and peripheral ASICs.

For engineers reviewing the SN74LV244APWRG3 datasheet, SN74LV244APWRG3 pinout, SN74LV244APWRG3 application, or SN74LV244APWRG3 equivalent, key selection criteria include 3-state timing margins under mixed-voltage conditions, thermal performance in TSSOP-20 packages, Ioff leakage behavior during power sequencing, and compatibility with 3.3-V/5-V bus interfaces in industrial control modules.

Technical Context

The SN74LV244APWRG3 implements dual 4-bit noninverting buffers with separate active-low OE inputs per group, enabling independent control of two 4-signal buses. Its balanced CMOS 3-state outputs provide symmetrical sourcing and sinking (±16 mA at VCC = 4.5–5.5 V), supporting clean signal integrity on PCB traces up to 15 cm with ≤50 pF load capacitance.

It operates across –40°C to +125°C with supply voltage flexibility (2 V–5.5 V), supports mixed-mode voltage translation between 2.5-V, 3.3-V, and 5-V domains, and includes input clamp diodes and Ioff circuitry to prevent current backflow during partial power-down-critical for hot-swap capable telecom line cards.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP-20 package (PW), 6.50 mm × 7.8 mm body size, 0.65 mm pitch, exposed pad optional (not electrically required). Thermal pad may be connected to GND or left floating; no connection to other signals or supplies.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74LVC244APWR and 74ALVC244PW,118, the SN74LV244APWRG3 uniquely supports 2–5.5-V operation and Ioff, making it the only option among the three for robust hot-swap and mixed-voltage bus isolation in telecom and industrial control hardware.

Availability

SN74LV244APWRG3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for server backplanes, LED display controllers, and telecom infrastructure requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and voltage ranges.

Supply support for SN74LV244APWRG3 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 headquartered in Dallas, Texas, delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The SN74LV244APWRG3 belongs to TI's LV logic family, engineered for high-speed, low-voltage operation with robust noise immunity and power-down safety-targeting signal integrity-critical applications in network infrastructure and programmable logic interfaces.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature for SN74LV244APWRG3?

The SN74LV244APWRG3 is rated for continuous operation from –40°C to +125°C ambient temperature. This specification is validated per JEDEC JESD78 and applies to the TSSOP-20 (PW) package under recommended operating conditions, including proper PCB thermal relief and airflow. The SN74LV244APWRG3 maintains full electrical performance across this range without derating.

Does SN74LV244APWRG3 support 5-V tolerant inputs when operated at 3.3-V VCC?

Yes, the SN74LV244APWRG3 supports mixed-mode voltage operation: inputs tolerate up to 5.5 V regardless of VCC level. When VCC = 3.3 V, VIH(min) = 2.31 V and VIL(max) = 0.99 V per dynamic input thresholds, enabling direct interfacing with 5-V logic outputs without external level shifters-confirmed in Section 6.6 Noise Characteristics of the datasheet.

How does Ioff functionality work in SN74LV244APWRG3?

In SN74LV244APWRG3, Ioff disables all outputs when VCC = 0 V, limiting input/output leakage to ±5 µA maximum. This prevents current backflow from live signal lines into unpowered sections-essential for hot-swap systems. Ioff is automatic and requires no external control; it activates whenever VCC drops below ~0.8 V, as verified in Electrical Characteristics Table 6.5.

What is the recommended decoupling for SN74LV244APWRG3?

Texas Instruments specifies a 0.1-µF ceramic capacitor placed as close as possible to the VCC (pin 20) and GND (pin 10) pins of the SN74LV244APWRG3. This capacitor must have low ESL and be mounted directly on the top layer with short, wide traces to both pins. For systems with high-frequency noise, paralleling with a 1-µF capacitor is acceptable-but the 0.1-µF unit remains mandatory per layout guidelines in Section 9.3.

Can SN74LV244APWRG3 outputs be paralleled for higher drive strength?

Yes, SN74LV244APWRG3 allows paralleling of same-group outputs (e.g., 1Y1 and 1Y2) when driven by identical inputs and controlled by the same OE signal. This doubles current capability to ±32 mA per node while maintaining matched timing. However, outputs from different groups (e.g., 1Y1 and 2Y1) must not be paralleled due to potential enable skew and contention risk-explicitly prohibited in Section 9.2.3.