Texas Instruments SN74LVTH241DBR

Overview

SN74LVTH241DBR from Texas Instruments is an octal noninverting buffer/driver IC designed for 3.3-V V_CC operation with 5-V tolerant inputs and outputs, supporting mixed-mode signal interfacing between 3.3-V and 5-V systems. It features dual 4-bit channels with independent output-enable controls (1OE, 2OE), bus-hold circuitry on all data inputs, I_off and power-up 3-state for hot insertion, and operates down to 2.7 V supply voltage. It is used in backplane interface, legacy bus bridging, and industrial control I/O expansion.

For engineers reviewing the SN74LVTH241DBR datasheet, SN74LVTH241DBR pinout, SN74LVTH241DBR application, or SN74LVTH241DBR equivalent, key selection considerations include its 20-pin SSOP package, 3.3-V core with 5-V I/O tolerance, ±64 mA output drive capability, bus-hold input retention, and compliance with JESD 17 latch-up and JESD 22 ESD standards.

Technical Context

The SN74LVTH241DBR implements two independent 4-bit noninverting buffer sections, each with separate active-low (1OE) and active-high (2OE) output-enable controls. Its TTL-compatible input thresholds (V_IL = 0.8 V, V_VIH = 2.0 V) and 5-V-tolerant input structure allow direct connection to 5-V logic while powered from 3.3 V.

Internal bus-hold circuitry maintains valid logic states on undriven inputs without external resistors, and I_off protection disables outputs during power-down to prevent current backflow. The device enters high-impedance state when V_CC < 1.5 V or when OE signals are asserted, with power-up 3-state ensuring safe insertion into live backplanes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SN74LVTH241DBR is housed in a 20-pin Small Outline Shrink Plastic (SSOP) package (DB), 7.5 mm × 5.6 mm, 0.65 mm lead pitch, 2.0 mm max height, RoHS-compliant NIPDAU finish, MSL Level-1.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar octal noninverting buffer applications.

Compared with SN74LVC244APWR and SN74AHCT244N, the SN74LVTH241DBR uniquely combines 5-V I/O tolerance, integrated bus-hold, hot-insertion support, and 3.3-V operation-making it the sole option for robust, drop-in replacement in mixed-voltage industrial backplanes without layout changes.

Availability

SN74LVTH241DBR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial backplane interface, legacy bus bridging, and hot-swappable module control requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and voltage ranges.

Supply support for SN74LVTH241DBR 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 logic solutions, with decades of expertise in industrial-grade interface ICs and high-reliability timing products.

The SN74LVTH241DBR belongs to TI's LVTH logic family, engineered specifically for mixed-voltage system interoperability, hot-plug resilience, and reduced external component count in industrial and telecom infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for SN74LVTH241DBR?

The SN74LVTH241DBR supports input voltages up to 5.5 V across its entire operating range, enabling direct connection to 5-V TTL or CMOS buses while powered from a 3.3-V supply. This 5-V tolerance is maintained regardless of V_CC level (2.7–3.6 V) and is specified in the absolute maximum ratings table of the SCAS352K datasheet.

Does SN74LVTH241DBR require external pullup resistors on its inputs?

No, SN74LVTH241DBR does not require external pullup or pulldown resistors because it integrates active bus-hold circuitry on all data inputs (1A1–1A4, 2A1–2A4). This circuitry maintains a valid logic state on undriven or floating inputs, eliminating BOM overhead and layout complexity associated with discrete biasing networks.

Can SN74LVTH241DBR be used in hot-insertion applications?

Yes, SN74LVTH241DBR is explicitly designed for hot-insertion use cases via dual protection mechanisms: I_off circuitry disables outputs when V_CC = 0 V to prevent damaging current backflow, and power-up 3-state forces outputs into high-impedance during power ramp-up/down, avoiding bus contention in live backplane environments.

What is the thermal resistance (θ_JA) of the SN74LVTH241DBR package?

The SN74LVTH241DBR in its SSOP-20 (DB) package has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (θ_JA) of 70°C/W, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings section of the SCAS352K datasheet. This value assumes standard JEDEC 2-layer board conditions and informs thermal design for continuous 64-mA output loading.

How does the output-enable logic work on SN74LVTH241DBR?

SN74LVTH241DBR features two independent output-enable controls: 1OE (active-low) and 2OE (active-high). When 1OE is low OR 2OE is high, the corresponding 4-bit channel passes noninverted data from A inputs to Y outputs. When 1OE is high AND 2OE is low, both channels enter high-impedance state - enabling flexible, asymmetric channel control in real-time systems.