SN74AVC4T234 - 4-Bit Dual-Supply Level Translator | TI
MPN: SN74AVC4T234 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.85 | $0.85 |
| 10 | $0.72 | $7.20 |
| 100 | $0.58 | $58.00 |
| 500 | $0.49 | $245.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.42 | $420.00 |
SN74AVC4T234 Overview
A voltage level translator, also known as a level shifter, is a type of logic IC that allows digital signals to be transferred between circuits operating at different voltage levels. It is essential in mixed-voltage systems, such as interfacing a 1.8V microcontroller with a 3.3V peripheral. The SN74AVC4T234 belongs to the AVC family of advanced very-low-voltage CMOS logic, which is optimized for high-speed operation with minimal power consumption.
Key features of the SN74AVC4T234 include its dual-supply configuration, which provides independent power rails for each port, ensuring proper voltage translation without signal distortion. The device maintains excellent signal integrity across the entire VCC range, and its low static and dynamic power consumption extends battery life in portable devices. The noninverting architecture preserves signal polarity, simplifying system design.
Technically, the SN74AVC4T234 uses a configurable voltage translation scheme that automatically adjusts output drive strength based on the supply voltage. This ensures reliable operation even with varying supply levels. The device is available in a small package, making it ideal for space-constrained applications. Its propagation delay is minimal, supporting high-speed data transfer.
Typical applications include interfacing between different voltage domains in smartphones, tablets, and other portable electronics, as well as in industrial control systems where sensors and microcontrollers operate at different voltages. The device is also used in networking equipment and data communication systems.
When designing with the SN74AVC4T234, ensure that both VCCA and VCCB are powered and within the specified range. Proper decoupling capacitors should be placed near the supply pins to maintain stable operation. The device supports bidirectional level translation, but the direction is controlled by the DIR pin, which must be set correctly for the desired data flow.
Drop-in alternatives for SN74AVC4T234 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with SN74AVC4T234 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Output Type, Direction Control, Package, Supply Voltage VCCA, Supply Voltage VCCB.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
SN74AVC4T245PWR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →SN74AVC4T245QWRGYRQ1
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.31 / Unit
View Datasheet →SN74AVC4T774
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SN74AVC4T245PWR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →SN74AVC4T245-Q1
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SN74AVC4T245PWR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →SN74AVC4T234 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Number of Channels | 4 |
| Supply Voltage (VCCA) | 0.9 V to 3.6 V |
| Supply Voltage (VCCB) | 0.9 V to 3.6 V |
| Output Type | Noninverting |
| Direction Control | Yes (DIR pin) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to 85°C |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| REACH Status | Compliant |
| AEC-Q100 Qualified | No |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
| Halogen Free | Yes |
| Conflict Minerals | Compliant |
SN74AVC4T234 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DIR — Direction control input |
| Pin 2 | A1 — A-port input/output |
| Pin 3 | A2 — A-port input/output |
| Pin 4 | A3 — A-port input/output |
| Pin 5 | A4 — A-port input/output |
| Pin 6 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 7 | B4 — B-port input/output |
| Pin 8 | B3 — B-port input/output |
| Pin 9 | B2 — B-port input/output |
| Pin 10 | B1 — B-port input/output |
| Pin 11 | VCCB — B-port supply voltage |
| Pin 12 | VCCA — A-port supply voltage |
Typical Applications
SN74AVC4T234 is suitable for 6 applications: Portable Electronics, Industrial Control Systems, Networking Equipment, Medical Devices, IoT Devices, Automotive Electronics.
Portable Electronics
The SN74AVC4T234 is ideal for battery-powered portable devices like smartphones and tablets, where low power consumption is critical. Its 0.9V to 3.6V supply range allows interfacing between low-voltage processors and higher-voltage peripherals, extending battery life. The device's low static and dynamic power consumption ensures minimal drain, while excellent signal integrity maintains data reliability.
Recommended
Industrial Control Systems
In industrial automation, sensors and actuators often operate at different voltage levels than the central controller. The SN74AVC4T234 provides reliable level translation between 3.3V logic and 5V or 1.8V devices, ensuring robust communication. Its wide supply range and low power consumption make it suitable for remote I/O modules and fieldbus interfaces, where power efficiency and signal integrity are paramount.
Recommended
Networking Equipment
The SN74AVC4T234 is used in networking devices like routers and switches to interface between different voltage domains, such as 1.8V FPGA I/O and 3.3V PHY chips. Its high-speed operation and low propagation delay ensure minimal signal degradation, critical for high-throughput data links. The device's small package and low power consumption are advantageous in dense PCB designs.
Recommended
Medical Devices
Medical monitoring equipment often uses low-voltage sensors and high-voltage displays, requiring safe and reliable level translation. The SN74AVC4T234 ensures accurate signal transfer between these domains, with low power consumption for battery-operated devices. Its compliance with RoHS and REACH makes it suitable for medical applications where environmental standards are strict.
Recommended
IoT Devices
IoT devices often combine low-power microcontrollers with various sensors and radios operating at different voltages. The SN74AVC4T234 enables seamless communication between these components, ensuring reliable data acquisition and transmission. Its ultra-low power consumption is essential for battery-powered IoT nodes, extending operational life. The device's small footprint fits compact designs.
Recommended
Automotive Electronics
In automotive systems, different modules operate at various voltage levels, such as 1.8V microcontrollers and 3.3V sensors. The SN74AVC4T234 provides robust level translation with excellent signal integrity, essential for reliable operation in harsh environments. Although not AEC-Q100 qualified, it can be used in non-safety-critical applications. For automotive-grade, consider the SN74AVC4T245-Q1.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for SN74AVC4T234 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | SN74AVC4T245PWR | SN74AVC4T245QWRGYRQ1 | SN74AVC4T774 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | TSSOP-16 | TSSOP-16 | VQFN-16 | TSSOP-16 |
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments |
| Number of Channels | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 0.9V to 3.6V | 0.9V to 3.6V | 0.9V to 3.6V | 0.9V to 3.6V |
| Direction Control | Yes (DIR pin) | Yes (DIR pin) | Yes (DIR pin) | Yes (DIR pin) |
| Output Enable | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Automotive Grade | No | No | Yes (Q1) | No |
| RoHS Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Ultra-low power consumption (vs SN74AVC4T245PWR)
- Noninverting architecture (vs SN74AVC4T774)
- Wide supply range (vs SN74AVC4T245QWRGYRQ1)
Design Notes
Ensure both VCCA and VCCB are powered and within the specified range (0.9V to 3.6V). Use 0.1uF decoupling capacitors close to each supply pin to minimize noise. The device consumes very low static power, but dynamic power increases with switching frequency, so consider the total power budget in high-speed applications.
Place the SN74AVC4T234 close to the voltage domain boundary to minimize trace lengths and reduce signal integrity issues. Use controlled impedance traces for high-speed signals. Ensure proper ground plane continuity under the device to reduce loop inductance.
Do not apply voltage to the A or B ports before the corresponding supply rail is powered, as this can cause latch-up or damage. Also, ensure the DIR pin is set correctly for the desired data direction; incorrect setting can cause bus contention. Refer to the datasheet for proper power-up sequencing.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per TI product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; use SN74AVC4T245-Q1 for automotive.
