74HC541N Buffer IC: Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 74HC541N is a non-inverting buffer logic IC manufactured by NXP USA Inc., featuring 1 element with 8 bits per element and 3-state output capability. This device operates across a 2V to 6V supply voltage range and is housed in a 20-DIP package. The 74HC541N is classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent alternatives necessary for ongoing design support and procurement continuity. Substitute parts must maintain identical electrical characteristics and mechanical compatibility to ensure direct board-level replacement without design modification.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Specification
Logic Type	Buffer, Non-Inverting
Number of Elements	1
Number of Bits per Element	8
Output Type	3-State
Current - Output High, Low	7.8mA, 7.8mA
Voltage - Supply	2V ~ 6V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 125°C (TA)
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package / Case	20-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution validity for the 74HC541N is determined by strict equivalence across the following parameters:

Logic Type: Buffer, Non-Inverting (identical function)
Number of Elements: 1 (identical configuration)
Number of Bits per Element: 8 (identical bit width)
Output Type: 3-State (identical output control)
Current - Output High, Low: 7.8mA, 7.8mA (identical drive capability)
Voltage - Supply: 2V ~ 6V (identical supply range)
Package / Case: 20-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm) (identical physical footprint)
Series: 74HC (identical logic family)

All three substitute parts—CD74HC541E (Texas Instruments), SN74HC541N (Texas Instruments), and TC74HC541APF (Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage)—meet these criteria and are therefore direct functional equivalents suitable for board-level replacement.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	74HC541N (NXP)	CD74HC541E (TI)	SN74HC541N (TI)	TC74HC541APF (Toshiba)
Manufacturer	NXP USA Inc.	Texas Instruments	Texas Instruments	Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active
Logic Type	Buffer, Non-Inverting	Buffer, Non-Inverting	Buffer, Non-Inverting	Buffer, Non-Inverting
Number of Elements	1	1	1	1
Number of Bits per Element	8	8	8	8
Output Type	3-State	3-State	3-State	3-State
Current - Output High, Low	7.8mA, 7.8mA	7.8mA, 7.8mA	7.8mA, 7.8mA	7.8mA, 7.8mA
Voltage - Supply	2V ~ 6V	2V ~ 6V	2V ~ 6V	2V ~ 6V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 125°C	-55°C ~ 125°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Package / Case	20-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)	20-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)	20-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)	20-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All three substitute parts are active products with current manufacturing status, providing supply continuity advantages over the obsolete 74HC541N. Selection among CD74HC541E, SN74HC541N, and TC74HC541APF should be based on:

Product Availability: CD74HC541E (1225 pcs), SN74HC541N (2200 pcs), and TC74HC541APF (1041 pcs) are all in stock. SN74HC541N offers the highest inventory level.

Compliance Certification: All three parts are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements.

Operating Temperature Range: CD74HC541E supports -55°C to 125°C, providing the widest temperature envelope. SN74HC541N and TC74HC541APF both support -40°C to 85°C, which is narrower than the original 74HC541N specification of -40°C to 125°C. Applications requiring the full -40°C to 125°C range should prioritize CD74HC541E.

Packaging Format: CD74HC541E and SN74HC541N are supplied in tube packaging, while TC74HC541APF is also supplied in tube packaging. All maintain identical 20-DIP physical form factor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can CD74HC541E, SN74HC541N, and TC74HC541APF be used interchangeably with 74HC541N?

A: Yes. All three parts are direct functional equivalents meeting identical electrical and mechanical specifications for logic type, bit configuration, output type, drive current, supply voltage, and package form factor. Board-level replacement requires no design modification.

Q: What is the key difference between the substitute parts?

A: Operating temperature range and product availability differ. CD74HC541E supports -55°C to 125°C (widest range), while SN74HC541N and TC74HC541APF support -40°C to 85°C. The original 74HC541N specification is -40°C to 125°C. For applications requiring full temperature coverage, CD74HC541E is the appropriate selection.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. CD74HC541E, SN74HC541N, and TC74HC541APF are all ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected.

Q: Does the 20-DIP package form factor remain identical across all parts?

A: Yes. All parts, including the original 74HC541N and all three substitutes, use the 20-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm) package with identical pin configuration and mechanical footprint.

Q: Which substitute part should be selected for new designs?

A: For new designs, any of the three active products (CD74HC541E, SN74HC541N, TC74HC541APF) are acceptable. Selection should prioritize availability and operating temperature requirements. SN74HC541N offers the highest current inventory. CD74HC541E is preferred for applications requiring extended low-temperature operation (-55°C minimum).

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message