ON Semiconductor MC74AC244N Octal Buffer/Line Driver

The MC74AC244N is a high-performance, octal buffer and line driver designed to interface with 8-bit microprocessors and transmit data to highly capacitive loads and bus-organized systems. This integrated circuit, manufactured by ON Semiconductor, is part of their AC series, which is renowned for its high-speed operation and robust performance.

Constructed with BiCMOS technology, the MC74AC244N offers a compelling blend of speed and power efficiency. The device features non-inverting buffers with 3-state outputs, which can drive bus lines or buffer memory address registers. Its 3-state control gate is a significant feature, allowing the user to place the eight outputs in either a high-impedance mode, a logic high, or a logic low. This flexibility is crucial for preventing bus contention in a shared bus configuration.

The MC74AC244N operates over a broad voltage range of 2V to 6V and provides guaranteed output current levels of ±24 mA at the operating voltage of 4.5V. This capability ensures compatibility with a wide array of logic families and the ability to drive capacitive loads, which is essential for maintaining signal integrity.

Enclosed in a standard 20-pin DIP (Dual In-line Package), the MC74AC244N is designed for easy insertion into a variety of socketed or soldered board configurations. The pinout is arranged for convenient pairing with complementary devices, simplifying the design of bidirectional bus systems.

Key features of the MC74AC244N include:

• Eight non-inverting buffers with 3-state outputs
• High noise immunity characteristic of CMOS devices
• Output drive capability: 15 LSTTL loads
• Significant power reduction compared to LSTTL logic ICs
• NIHC (Noise Immunity High for CMOS)
• NIL (Noise Immunity Low for CMOS)
• Wide operating voltage range: 2V to 6V
• High-speed operation: tPD = 4 ns (typ) at VCC = 5V
• Low power consumption: ICC = 4 µA (max) at TA = 25°C

Overall, the MC74AC244N from ON Semiconductor is an excellent choice for system designers seeking a reliable, high-speed octal buffer/line driver for their digital applications. It provides the necessary drive capability, speed, and flexibility to handle challenging digital environments, ensuring data integrity and system reliability.