What this 74F544SPC does on the bus
The 74F544SPC is a single-element 8-bit inverting transceiver from the 74F family, with 3-state outputs that let multiple devices share a data bus without contention. It runs on a 4.5V to 5.5V supply — standard 5V TTL logic — and the inverting path means data comes out flipped relative to the input, which can simplify bus polarity matching in legacy backplanes. Sink current is 64 mA, source is 15 mA — the sink side is unusually strong for a 74F part, so it can drive a heavily loaded bus or multiple TTL inputs without external buffers. The 3-state outputs are controlled per element, not per bit, so the whole byte goes high-Z together.
Package and mounting
Housed in a 24-pin DIP with 0.300-inch body width (7.62 mm) and through-hole leads — 24-PDIP supplier package. This is a hand-solderable, hot-air-friendly package: the leads are 0.100-inch pitch, wide enough for a standard iron tip, and the plastic body handles 260°C peak reflow for a few seconds. Not rated for the engine bay or an unvented enclosure in summer.
RoHS status and BOM compliance
If your BOM requires RoHS, this part needs an exemption justification or a lead-free equivalent.
