74241 Octal Buffer/Line Driver with 3-State Outputs

Overview

The 74241 (M54/74HC240, HC241, and HC244 series) is a high-speed octal buffer and line driver designed with 3-state outputs. This component is part of the 74HC family, which utilizes silicon-gate CMOS technology to achieve operating speeds similar to LSTTL while maintaining low power consumption. The 74241 is ideal for applications requiring bus interfacing, memory address driving, and clock distribution due to its high drive capability and 3-state outputs.

This device is organized as two 4-bit buffers/line drivers with separate output enable (OE) inputs. When OE is active, the outputs are in a high-impedance state, allowing multiple devices to share a common bus without interference. The 74241 is available in multiple package options, including DIP, SOIC, and TSSOP, making it suitable for various PCB layouts and space constraints.

Features

• High-Speed Operation: Comparable to LSTTL logic families, with propagation delays as low as 8 ns.
• Low Power Consumption: CMOS technology ensures minimal power dissipation, typically 20 µA at 25°C.
• 3-State Outputs: Allows multiple devices to share a common bus without contention.
• Wide Operating Voltage Range: Supports 2 V to 6 V, making it compatible with TTL and other logic levels.
• High Noise Immunity: Typical noise margin of 30% of V_CC ensures reliable operation in noisy environments.
• Balanced Propagation Delays: Symmetrical rise and fall times for improved signal integrity.
• ESD Protection: Exceeds 2000 V per JESD22-A114, enhancing durability in harsh conditions.

Applications

The 74241 is widely used in digital systems where buffering and line driving are required. Key applications include:

• Bus Driving: Used in microprocessor and microcontroller systems to drive data and address buses.
• Memory Interfacing: Provides signal buffering between memory modules and controllers.
• Clock Distribution: Ensures clean clock signal distribution across multiple ICs.
• Industrial Control Systems: Interfaces between low-power control logic and high-current peripherals.
• Communication Systems: Buffers signals in UART, SPI, and I2C interfaces.

Electrical Characteristics

Absolute Maximum Ratings

• Supply Voltage (V_CC): -0.5 V to +7 V
• Input Voltage (V_IN): -0.5 V to V_CC + 0.5 V
• Output Voltage (V_OUT): -0.5 V to V_CC + 0.5 V
• Operating Temperature Range: -55°C to +125°C
• Storage Temperature Range: -65°C to +150°C

Recommended Operating Conditions

• Supply Voltage (V_CC): 2 V to 6 V
• Input High Voltage (V_IH): 3.15 V (min) at V_CC = 4.5 V
• Input Low Voltage (V_IL): 1.35 V (max) at V_CC = 4.5 V
• Output Current (I_OH/I_OL): ±25 mA (max)

Switching Characteristics

• Propagation Delay (t_PD): 8 ns (typ) at V_CC = 4.5 V
• Output Enable Time (t_EN): 12 ns (max) at V_CC = 4.5 V
• Output Disable Time (t_DIS): 15 ns (max) at V_CC = 4.5 V

Package Information

The 74241 is available in multiple package options to accommodate different design requirements:

• 20-Pin DIP (Dual In-Line Package):
  • Package Code: 74241N
  • Dimensions: 25.4 mm x 6.35 mm
  • Pin Pitch: 2.54 mm
• 20-Pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit):
  • Package Code: 74241DW
  • Dimensions: 12.8 mm x 7.5 mm
  • Pin Pitch: 1.27 mm
• 20-Pin TSSOP (Thin Shrink Small Outline Package):
  • Package Code: 74241PW
  • Dimensions: 6.5 mm x 4.4 mm
  • Pin Pitch: 0.65 mm

Conclusion

The 74241 octal buffer/line driver is a versatile and reliable component for digital systems requiring high-speed signal buffering and bus interfacing. Its 3-state outputs, low power consumption, and robust electrical characteristics make it suitable for a wide range of applications, from industrial controls to communication systems. With multiple package options, designers can select the best fit for their PCB layout and space constraints.