Nexperia USA Inc. 74HC237PWJ

Overview

74HC237PWJ from Nexperia is a 3-to-8 line decoder/demultiplexer with integrated address latches, operating across 2.0 V to 6.0 V supply. It features active LOW outputs, dual enable inputs (E1 active LOW, E2 active HIGH), and latch-enable control (LE) for stored-address operation in bus-oriented systems. Used in non-overlapping decoder implementations and strobe-based memory or peripheral selection.

For engineers reviewing the 74HC237PWJ datasheet, 74HC237PWJ pinout, 74HC237PWJ application, or 74HC237PWJ equivalent, key selection criteria include latch timing (tsu = 9 ns @ VCC = 6.0 V), propagation delay (tpd = 15 ns @ VCC = 6.0 V, CL = 50 pF), output drive capability (±4.0 mA @ VCC = 4.5 V), and industrial temperature range (-40 °C to +125 °C).

Technical Context

The 74HC237PWJ implements a synchronous 3-bit address latch combined with a 3-to-8 decoder core. Latch behavior is edge-triggered on LE rising edge, capturing A0–A2 inputs and holding them regardless of subsequent address changes while LE remains HIGH.

Output state is independently controlled by E1 (active LOW) and E2 (active HIGH): all Y0–Y7 outputs are HIGH unless E1 = LOW and E2 = HIGH, enabling flexible enable logic for system-level bus arbitration and hierarchical decoding.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP16 package (SOT403-1): plastic thin shrink small outline, 16 leads, 4.4 mm body width, 0.65 mm pitch, lead-free and RoHS compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 3-to-8 decoder-with-latch applications.

Compared with 74HC237PWJ, the 74HC238PW removes latch overhead for simpler timing but adds design complexity for stored addressing, while the SN74LV138APW trades latch integration for superior speed and low-voltage compatibility-making 74HC237PWJ optimal when latch+decoder consolidation and wide-supply flexibility are primary requirements.

Availability

74HC237PWJ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC I/O expansion, automotive body control modules, medical diagnostic backplanes, and test instrumentation requiring stable component supply across -40 °C to +125 °C operation.

Supply support for 74HC237PWJ includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Nexperia is a global semiconductor expert focused on high-volume, high-reliability logic, discrete, and MOSFET solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The 74HC series targets robust, low-power, wide-supply CMOS logic for general-purpose digital systems where noise immunity, latch-up resistance, and long-term stability are essential.

FAQ

What is the function of the LE pin on the 74HC237PWJ?

The LE (Latch Enable) pin controls data capture: when LE transitions from LOW to HIGH, the current states of A0–A2 are stored in internal latches and held regardless of further address changes. While LE remains HIGH, the decoder operates on the latched values-not live inputs-enabling strobed address operation in asynchronous bus systems.

Can the 74HC237PWJ operate at 3.3 V supply?

Yes. The 74HC237PWJ is fully specified from 2.0 V to 6.0 V, including 3.3 V operation. At VCC = 3.3 V, VIH is guaranteed ≥ 2.1 V and VIL ≤ 1.35 V, ensuring reliable interfacing with standard 3.3 V microcontrollers and FPGAs without level translation.

How do E1 and E2 interact to control outputs?

E1 (active LOW) and E2 (active HIGH) form a two-input AND gate controlling output enable: only when E1 = LOW *and* E2 = HIGH do the decoded outputs Y0–Y7 become active (one LOW, rest HIGH). All outputs default HIGH otherwise, allowing independent gating of decoder activity without affecting address or latch logic.

Is the 74HC237PWJ pin-compatible with other 74HC237 packages?

Yes. The 74HC237PWJ (TSSOP16, SOT403-1) shares identical pin numbering and function mapping with the SO16 (74HC237D, SOT109-1) and SSOP16 variants. Layout adaptation is required for footprint differences, but schematic design, netlist, and firmware remain unchanged across packages.