74HC244 Octal Buffer IC

The 74HC244 is an 8-bit buffer/line driver with 3-state outputs. The device can be used as two 4-bit buffers or one 8-bit buffer. The device features two output enables (1OE and 2OE), each controlling four of the 3-state outputs. A HIGH on OE causes the outputs to assume a high-impedance OFF-state. Inputs include clamp diodes that enable the use of current limiting resistors to interface inputs to voltages in excess of VCC. A buffer is simply a unity-gain amplifier, usually with a very high input impedance and a very low output impedance. It allows a designer to connect a source which cannot tolerate being heavily loaded (i.e., cannot produce a lot of current without changing its voltage) to another load which requires a lot of current (e.g., a capacitive load). It is used to "isolate" one device from another by eliminating loading effects. It provides a "buffer" between the two devices. The term 'octal,' of course, simply means eight, since there are eight independent amplifiers in the chip. You can use it in motors drivers, Network Switches, LED Displays and Servers etc.
Specifications
Supply Voltage Range: 2V-6V
Input Voltage: 7V
Can be used with both 5 and 3.3V systems
Switching Speed is 10nS at 6V
8-bit 3 states buffer