What this octal buffer does on your bus
The IDT74FCT244TPY is an octal buffer and line driver from the FCT logic family — non-inverting, with 3-state outputs that let you float the bus when the chip is deselected. Two independent 4-bit elements each have their own output-enable pin, so you can gate half the bus without extra logic. Output drive is rated at 15mA source and 64mA sink per channel. That 64mA sink is enough to drive a standard TTL load or a handful of LED indicators, but don't plan on driving a long backplane trace without a series terminator — the edge rate on FCT parts is fast enough to cause reflections on unterminated lines over a few inches. Industrial temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) covers most factory-floor, outdoor telecom, and unvented enclosure environments. Not rated for under-hood automotive or extended high-temperature hot spots.
Lifecycle and compliance note
Product status is Active — no last-time-buy notice, no NRND flag. Still a valid line item for new production builds and field spares. The RoHS compliance status is non-compliant, meaning this variant contains lead (Pb) in the solder finish or die-attach. If your assembly line or end-market requires RoHS exemption documentation (e.g., EU RoHS Annex III exemption 7a for lead in high-melting-temperature solders), make sure your quality team has the supplier declaration on file.