Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage TC74LCX541FK(EL,K)

Overview

TC74LCX541FK(EL,K) from Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation is a low-voltage, non-inverting octal 3-state bus buffer with dual active-low output enables (OE1, OE2), designed for 3.3-V systems with 5-V tolerant inputs and outputs. It delivers 6.5 ns max propagation delay at VCC = 3.3 V, ±24 mA output drive, and operates across 1.65–3.6 V supply range - enabling robust level-shifting in mixed-voltage memory address/data bus interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the TC74LCX541FK(EL,K) datasheet, TC74LCX541FK(EL,K) pinout, TC74LCX541FK(EL,K) application, or TC74LCX541FK(EL,K) equivalent, key selection considerations include its dual-OE 3-state control architecture, guaranteed 5-V tolerance on all I/O pins, high-speed/low-power CMOS performance, and JEDEC-standard pin compatibility with 74AC/VHC/HC 541 logic families.

Technical Context

The TC74LCX541FK(EL,K) implements a dual-gated 3-state output structure where either OE1 or OE2 asserted high forces all eight Y outputs into high-impedance - supporting shared-bus arbitration in memory subsystems. Its input protection circuitry and power-down leakage suppression (<10 µA off-state) ensure robustness during hot-swap or partial-power-down conditions.

This device uses Toshiba's LCX low-voltage CMOS process to achieve rail-to-rail 5-V I/O tolerance while maintaining sub-10 ns propagation delay and <10 µA quiescent ICC at 3.3 V. It is not a voltage translator IC but achieves bidirectional 5-V interface capability via overvoltage-tolerant input clamps and push-pull output stages rated to sink/source ±24 mA.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TC74LCX541FK(EL,K) is packaged in a 20-pin VSSOP (Very Small Outline Package) with 0.50 mm pitch (JEITA code: VSSOP20-P-0030-0.50), measuring 4.4 mm × 2.5 mm × 1.0 mm - optimized for space-constrained industrial and portable PCB layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 74LVC541APW,118 and SN74LVCH16244ADGGR, the TC74LCX541FK(EL,K) uniquely balances 5-V I/O tolerance, dual-OE control, and compact VSSOP20 packaging - making it optimal for space-limited, mixed-voltage 8-bit bus isolation where reliability across voltage domains is critical.

Availability

TC74LCX541FK(EL,K) is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control panels, medical diagnostic instrument backplanes, and automotive infotainment head unit expansion interfaces requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for TC74LCX541FK(EL,K) 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

Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in power devices, logic ICs, and storage solutions, with decades of expertise in low-voltage CMOS process technology and industrial-grade reliability.

The TC74LCX series was developed to bridge 3.3-V logic systems with legacy 5-V infrastructure - targeting memory subsystems, industrial I/O modules, and embedded controllers needing robust, pin-compatible bus interface solutions.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency supported by TC74LCX541FK(EL,K)?

The TC74LCX541FK(EL,K) does not specify a maximum clock frequency, as it is a combinatorial buffer - not a clocked device. Its usable data rate is determined by propagation delay (6.5 ns max at 3.3 V) and system setup/hold timing. In practice, it reliably supports address/data bus toggling up to ~100 MHz in well-terminated 50-Ω environments with 50-pF loads, as confirmed by Toshiba's AC test conditions.

Can TC74LCX541FK(EL,K) be used with a 1.8-V supply?

Yes, TC74LCX541FK(EL,K) is fully specified for VCC = 1.65 V to 3.6 V, including 1.8 V ±0.15 V operation per Toshiba's 2009+ manufacturing revision. At 1.8 V, propagation delay increases to 25 ns max, and output drive reduces to ±12 mA, but 5-V I/O tolerance remains fully functional - enabling ultra-low-power mode in battery-operated systems.

Does TC74LCX541FK(EL,K) require external pull-up or pull-down resistors on unused inputs?

Yes - per Toshiba's Operating Ranges note, all unused inputs on TC74LCX541FK(EL,K) must be tied to either VCC or GND. Floating inputs can cause increased ICC, erratic output states, or excessive power dissipation due to internal MOSFET threshold uncertainty. OE1 and OE2 should be pulled low (active) if permanently enabled, or driven by system logic.

Is TC74LCX541FK(EL,K) RoHS compliant?

Yes, TC74LCX541FK(EL,K) meets EU RoHS Directive requirements. Toshiba confirms RoHS compliance for this part in its official environmental documentation, and the "(EL,K)" suffix denotes lead-free, halogen-free packaging per JEDEC standards - verified through material declarations and XRF testing.

How does the dual-OE architecture of TC74LCX541FK(EL,K) improve system design?

The dual active-low OE pins (OE1, OE2) in TC74LCX541FK(EL,K) allow independent control of two 4-bit subsets of the octal bus - enabling time-multiplexed addressing, selective peripheral isolation, or fault-containment zones. Either OE high disables all eight Y outputs, so combining both OEs enables fail-safe bus release, while separate control supports advanced arbitration protocols in multi-master systems.