Texas Instruments SN74LVTH244ADWE4

Overview

SN74LVTH244ADWE4 from Texas Instruments is a 3.3-V ABT octal buffer/driver with 3-state outputs, designed for mixed-mode signal operation (5-V inputs/outputs with 3.3-V V_CC). It features bus-hold on all data inputs, I_off and power-up 3-state for hot insertion, and supports unregulated battery operation down to 2.7 V. Used in industrial backplane interfaces and legacy bus bridging where level translation and bus isolation are required.

For engineers reviewing the SN74LVTH244ADWE4 datasheet, SN74LVTH244ADWE4 pinout, SN74LVTH244ADWE4 application, or SN74LVTH244ADWE4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 20-pin SOIC-DW package, 3.3-V V_CC operation with 5-V tolerant inputs, ±100 µA I_off, bus-hold circuitry eliminating external resistors, and guaranteed t_PZH/t_PZL ≤ 5.3 ns at V_CC = 3.3 V.

Technical Context

The SN74LVTH244ADWE4 implements two independent 4-bit noninverting buffers, each controlled by a dedicated output-enable (OE) input. When OE is low, data passes from A inputs to Y outputs; when high, outputs enter high-impedance state. Active bus-hold circuitry maintains valid logic levels on floating inputs without external pullup/pulldown resistors.

Its ABT (Advanced BiCMOS Technology) architecture enables TTL-compatible output drive (I_OL = 64 mA, I_OHL = −32 mA at V_CC = 3.3 V) while operating from a 2.7–3.6 V supply. I_off protection and power-up 3-state prevent current backflow and driver conflict during hot insertion or power sequencing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SN74LVTH244ADWE4 is housed in a 20-pin SOIC (DW) package, 7.5 mm × 12.8 mm body size, 1.27 mm pitch, with standard JEDEC MO-153 outline and RoHS-compliant NiPdAu lead finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74LVC244APWR and SN74ALVC244PWR, the SN74LVTH244ADWE4 uniquely combines 5-V input tolerance, integrated bus-hold, I_off, and power-up 3-state-making it the only option among the three qualified for mixed-voltage hot-swap bus interfaces without supplemental circuitry.

Availability

SN74LVTH244ADWE4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial backplane interfaces, legacy bus bridging, hot-swappable module control, and embedded system power sequencing requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for SN74LVTH244ADWE4 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 technologies, with decades of experience in industrial, automotive, and communications IC design.

The SN74LVTH244ADWE4 belongs to TI's ABT logic family, engineered for robust mixed-voltage interfacing in mission-critical industrial and telecom infrastructure where reliability, hot-swap capability, and bus integrity are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum supply voltage for SN74LVTH244ADWE4?

The absolute maximum supply voltage (V_CC) for SN74LVTH244ADWE4 is 4.6 V, but the recommended operating range is 2.7 V to 3.6 V. Operation beyond 3.6 V risks exceeding electrical specifications and may compromise reliability or violate thermal limits. Always maintain V_CC within the recommended range for guaranteed performance and lifetime compliance.

Does SN74LVTH244ADWE4 require external pullup resistors on its inputs?

No, SN74LVTH244ADWE4 does not require external pullup or pulldown resistors on its data inputs because it integrates active bus-hold circuitry. This feature maintains unused or floating inputs at valid logic levels automatically. Using external resistors with bus-hold enabled is explicitly discouraged in the datasheet, as it can cause excessive current draw or logic instability.

Can SN74LVTH244ADWE4 safely interface with 5-V logic devices?

Yes, SN74LVTH244ADWE4 supports mixed-mode signal operation: its inputs tolerate up to 5.5 V, and its outputs drive 5-V TTL-compatible levels when loaded appropriately. This allows direct connection to 5-V systems while powered from 3.3 V, eliminating the need for external level translators in many industrial and legacy interface applications.

What is the purpose of the I_off specification for SN74LVTH244ADWE4?

The I_off specification (±100 µA max) ensures that when SN74LVTH244ADWE4 is powered down (V_CC = 0 V), its outputs remain effectively disconnected from the bus - preventing damaging current backflow from live 5-V traces into the unpowered device. This is essential for safe hot insertion and removal in modular backplane systems.

How does the power-up 3-state feature benefit system design with SN74LVTH244ADWE4?

The power-up 3-state feature ensures SN74LVTH244ADWE4 outputs remain in high-impedance during power ramp-up and ramp-down, preventing bus conflicts or unintended signal assertions before the device is fully initialized. This eliminates the need for external reset sequencing or OE control logic, simplifying design and improving system robustness in applications like industrial PLCs and telecom line cards.