Texas Instruments SN74LVC2G125DCU3

Overview

SN74LVC2G125 from Texas Instruments is a dual 3-state bus buffer gate designed for 1.65-V to 5.5-V V_CC operation, performing Y = A logic with independent output-enable control per channel. It delivers ±24-mA drive at 3.3 V, achieves 4.3-ns max propagation delay at 3.3 V, and supports 5.5-V tolerant inputs-enabling level translation in mixed-voltage digital interfaces such as FPGA I/O expansion and microcontroller peripheral isolation.

For engineers reviewing the SN74LVC2G125 datasheet, SN74LVC2G125 pinout, SN74LVC2G125 application, or SN74LVC2G125 equivalent, key selection criteria include I_off-enabled partial-power-down capability, NanoFree™ package compatibility, 125°C operating temperature support, and verified 3-state bus contention prevention in high-speed data acquisition systems.

Technical Context

The SN74LVC2G125 implements two independent noninverting buffers, each with active-low output-enable (1OE, 2OE) controlling high-impedance state on corresponding outputs (1Y, 2Y). Its CMOS input structure accepts voltages up to 5.5 V regardless of V_CC, enabling down-translation from 5-V logic to lower supply domains.

It features I_off circuitry that disables all outputs and limits leakage to ±10 µA when V_CC = 0 V, supporting live insertion and back-drive protection. Propagation delay (t_pd) is specified from 1.4 ns (min) to 5.3 ns (max) across 1.8–5 V supplies and –40°C to +125°C ambient.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VSSOP-8 (DCU) package: 2.30 mm × 2.00 mm footprint with exposed pad-compatible thermal design; optimized for space-constrained PCB layouts in portable and embedded systems.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74LVC2G125, SN74LVC2G126DCUR changes signal polarity but retains identical timing and drive strength, while 74LVC2G125GW,115 offers equivalent functionality with minor thermal trade-offs-making SN74LVC2G125 optimal for thermally demanding, noninverting bus isolation tasks.

Availability

SN74LVC2G125 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA I/O expansion, industrial motor control interfaces, and high-speed data acquisition requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing for production programs.

Supply support for SN74LVC2G125 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 solutions with over 90 years of innovation in industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The SN74LVC2G125 belongs to TI's LVC logic family-designed specifically for low-voltage, high-speed, mixed-supply digital interfacing in space- and power-constrained embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature for SN74LVC2G125?

The SN74LVC2G125 is fully specified from –40°C to +125°C ambient temperature. This extended range is validated per JEDEC JESD22-A108 and supports deployment in under-hood automotive ECUs, industrial motor drives, and military radar signal processors where thermal stress exceeds commercial-grade limits. The SN74LVC2G125 maintains its 4.3-ns max t_pd and ±24-mA drive performance across this full range.

Does SN74LVC2G125 support level translation between different supply voltages?

Yes, SN74LVC2G125 supports down-translation: its inputs tolerate up to 5.5 V regardless of V_CC, allowing 5-V signals to be safely driven into a device powered from 1.8 V, 2.5 V, or 3.3 V. However, it does not perform up-translation-the output swing is limited to the V_CC rail. For bidirectional translation, SN74LVC2G125 must be paired with complementary devices or used in unidirectional signal paths.

How should the OE pins be handled during power-up to avoid undefined states?

To ensure high-impedance outputs at power-up, each OE pin (1OE, 2OE) must be tied to V_CC through an external pullup resistor. TI recommends a value ≤10 kΩ for typical applications; the minimum resistance is determined by the driver's current-sinking capability (≤10 µA leakage). Floating OE pins risk metastability, causing unintended bus contention or output glitches during supply ramp.

What is the purpose of the I_off feature in SN74LVC2G125?

The I_off feature disables all outputs and limits input/output leakage to ±10 µA when V_CC = 0 V. This prevents damaging current backflow during live insertion, partial-power-down sequencing, or system-level sleep modes-critical in modular test equipment, hot-swappable storage controllers, and redundant power architectures where subsystems power up/down independently.

Can SN74LVC2G125 drive an LED directly?

SN74LVC2G125 can drive small indicator LEDs with series resistors (e.g., 20-mA LED at 3.3 V requires ~165-Ω resistor), leveraging its ±24-mA output capability. However, it is not optimized for sustained high-current LED loads: continuous DC current must stay within Absolute Maximum Ratings (±50 mA per output, ±100 mA total), and thermal limits require derating above 85°C ambient. For dedicated LED driving, purpose-built LED drivers are preferred.