What this buffer does and where it fits
The CD74HC244M is a non-inverting octal buffer with 3-state outputs from the 74HC family. It takes in a 2V to 6V supply, making it a natural fit for mixed 3.3V and 5V logic systems where you need to drive a bus without adding a dedicated level translator. The two independent 4-bit elements let you split a byte-wide data path or gate control signals separately. Output drive is 7.8 mA per line in both high and low states — enough to fan out to multiple CMOS loads or a few low-current LEDs, but not for relays or motors. The 20-SOIC wide-body package (0.295" body width, 7.50 mm) is a common footprint; most PCB layouts for an octal buffer already have the land pattern for this.
Temperature range and environment
Rated -55°C to 125°C ambient, this part covers the full military temperature grade. That puts it in play for avionics black boxes, satellite payloads, downhole instrumentation, and outdoor telecom cabinets where the board sees both arctic cold and solar heat soak. The 74HC logic family is well-characterised across this span — propagation delay shifts predictably with temperature, so timing closure at hot and cold corners is straightforward if you budget for the datasheet derating.
Sourcing and lifecycle
TI lists the CD74HC244M as Active and ROHS3 compliant. The part is available through independent distribution; we source and quote to order against an RFQ, confirming availability and current pricing at quote time. The 74HC series has broad second-source coverage — TI's SN74HC244N (DIP) and SN74HC244DW (SOIC) are pin-compatible alternatives for dual-sourcing, though the CD74HC244M is the specific wide-body SOIC variant.