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Home > Products > Integrated Circuits (ICs) > Logic > Signal Switches, Multiplexers, Decoders

Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage 74HC238D

Name: 74HC238D
Brand: Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage
SKU: 74HC238D
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: 74HC238D

Manufacturer:: Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

Category:: Signal Switches, Multiplexers, Decoders

Package:: 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)

Datasheet:: 74HC238D.pdf

Description:: IC DECODER 1 X 3:8 16SOIC

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Product details

Overview

74HC238D from Toshiba is a high-speed CMOS 3-to-8 line decoder fabricated with silicon gate C2MOS technology, operating across 2.0–6.0 V supply voltage. It features three binary select inputs (A, B, C), three enable inputs (G1, G2A, G2B), and eight active-high decoded outputs (Y0–Y7), with typical propagation delay of 14 ns at 5 V. It is used in memory address decoding, multiplexing control, and digital logic selection circuits.

For engineers reviewing the 74HC238D datasheet, 74HC238D pinout, 74HC238D application, or 74HC238D equivalent, key selection criteria include its wide V_CC range (2.0–6.0 V), low ICC (≤4.0 µA max at 25 °C), balanced t_PLH/t_PHL, SOIC16 package compatibility, and cascade-enabled triple-enable architecture for hierarchical decoding.

Technical Context

The 74HC238D implements combinational logic decoding with synchronous enable gating: all outputs go low when G1 is low OR either G2A or G2B is high - enabling flexible cascading in multi-level address decoding trees. Its C2MOS process ensures LSTTL-compatible speed while maintaining CMOS power efficiency.

Input protection circuits guard against ESD and transient overvoltage on all pins, and the device supports operation from −40 °C to +125 °C with guaranteed DC/AC performance across the full voltage range (2.0–6.0 V), including VIH ≥ 3.15 V and VIL ≤ 1.35 V at V_CC = 4.5 V.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Function	3-to-8 line decoder with active-high outputs and three independent enable inputs (G1, G2A, G2B)
Propagation delay (typ.)	14 ns at V_CC = 5 V, C_L = 15 pF - enables high-speed address decoding in microcontroller peripheral interfaces
Supply voltage range	2.0 V to 6.0 V - supports mixed-voltage system interfacing (e.g., 3.3 V logic driving 5 V peripherals)
Quiescent current (max)	4.0 µA at T_A = 25 °C - ensures ultra-low static power in battery-backed or always-on decode paths
Operating temperature	−40 °C to +125 °C - qualified for industrial and automotive under-hood applications
Output drive (I_OL/I_OH)	±5.2 mA at V_CC = 6.0 V - sufficient to directly drive LED indicators or TTL-compatible inputs without buffers

Pinout & Package

74HC238D is housed in a 16-pin Small Outline Integrated Circuit (SOIC16) package, 7.5 mm wide, with standard 1.27 mm pitch and gull-wing leads. Pin numbering follows JEDEC MS-012, with Pin 1 marked by a notch or dot.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
G1	Enable input (active-low)	Primary global enable; decoding disabled when low - used for chip-select assertion in memory maps
G2A, G2B	Enable inputs (G2A active-high, G2B active-high)	Secondary enables; decoding inhibited if either is high - enables hierarchical decoding with upstream decoders
A, B, C	Binary address inputs	3-bit input bus selecting one of eight outputs (Y0–Y7); latched only by enable state, not clocked
Y0–Y7	Active-high decoded outputs	Each output asserts high only when corresponding A:B:C code matches AND all enables are satisfied
V_CC, GND	Power supply terminals	V_CC (Pin 16), GND (Pin 8) - decoupling capacitor placement near these pins critical for noise immunity

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
High-speed decoding	14 ns typical propagation delay at 5 V enables sub-70 MHz address decode timing in FPGA/CPU peripheral subsystems
Triple-enable architecture	G1 (active-low), G2A/G2B (active-high) allow flexible cascade configurations without external logic gates
Wide supply range	2.0–6.0 V operation permits direct interface with 3.3 V microcontrollers and 5 V legacy peripherals
ESD-protected inputs	All inputs include built-in protection diodes - eliminates need for external TVS in moderate-noise industrial environments

Applications

Memory Address Decoding	Peripheral Multiplexing
Use Scenario: Selecting one of eight RAM/ROM chips in a microcontroller-based embedded system with 16-bit address bus. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: 74HC238D acts as a hierarchical address decoder, using upper address bits (A13–A15) and chip-select signals to assert individual chip-enable lines. Use Value: Reduces address decoding latency to ≤14 ns and eliminates discrete gate count, improving board density and signal integrity.	Use Scenario: Routing UART, SPI, or GPIO signals to one of eight sensor modules on a shared bus. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: 74HC238D serves as a digital switch controller, enabling only the target peripheral's receive/transmit path via its Y0–Y7 outputs. Use Value: Enables deterministic, glitch-free peripheral selection with no software overhead and zero propagation skew between channels.
LED Display Row Selection	Industrial I/O Expansion
Use Scenario: Driving common-anode rows in an 8×8 LED matrix display controlled by an ARM Cortex-M0+ MCU. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: 74HC238D provides active-high row enable signals synchronized to column scan timing, with G1 tied to PWM-controlled brightness enable. Use Value: Delivers precise row activation timing (≤14 ns skew) and supports 5 V LED forward voltage without level-shifting components.	Use Scenario: Expanding discrete input/output capability in PLC backplane modules requiring isolated, noise-immune signal routing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: 74HC238D routes control signals from a main controller to eight isolated relay driver ICs, with G2A/G2B linked to status flags for fault-aware enable gating. Use Value: Provides deterministic, fail-safe output enable sequencing across temperature (−40 °C to +125 °C) with <4 µA standby current.

Memory Address Decoding

Peripheral Multiplexing

Use Scenario: Selecting one of eight RAM/ROM chips in a microcontroller-based embedded system with 16-bit address bus.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: 74HC238D acts as a hierarchical address decoder, using upper address bits (A13–A15) and chip-select signals to assert individual chip-enable lines.

Use Value: Reduces address decoding latency to ≤14 ns and eliminates discrete gate count, improving board density and signal integrity.

Use Scenario: Routing UART, SPI, or GPIO signals to one of eight sensor modules on a shared bus.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: 74HC238D serves as a digital switch controller, enabling only the target peripheral's receive/transmit path via its Y0–Y7 outputs.

Use Value: Enables deterministic, glitch-free peripheral selection with no software overhead and zero propagation skew between channels.

LED Display Row Selection

Industrial I/O Expansion

Use Scenario: Driving common-anode rows in an 8×8 LED matrix display controlled by an ARM Cortex-M0+ MCU.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: 74HC238D provides active-high row enable signals synchronized to column scan timing, with G1 tied to PWM-controlled brightness enable.

Use Value: Delivers precise row activation timing (≤14 ns skew) and supports 5 V LED forward voltage without level-shifting components.

Use Scenario: Expanding discrete input/output capability in PLC backplane modules requiring isolated, noise-immune signal routing.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: 74HC238D routes control signals from a main controller to eight isolated relay driver ICs, with G2A/G2B linked to status flags for fault-aware enable gating.

Use Value: Provides deterministic, fail-safe output enable sequencing across temperature (−40 °C to +125 °C) with <4 µA standby current.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
SN74HC238N	Dual-in-line package (PDIP16); identical AC/DC specs but higher thermal resistance and no moisture sensitivity rating	Suitable for prototyping or through-hole PCBs; not recommended for reflow-soldered industrial assemblies	Select SN74HC238N only when manual assembly or socketing is required; SOIC16 offers superior thermal and mechanical reliability.
74HCT238D	TTL-input compatible (VIH = 2.0 V min), same SOIC16 package; slightly higher ICC (≤8 µA) and identical t_pd	Better interoperability with legacy 5 V TTL systems; less suitable for mixed 3.3 V/5 V domains where HC-level thresholds reduce noise margin	Choose 74HCT238D when interfacing directly with 74LS-series logic; retain 74HC238D for pure CMOS or low-power designs.

Compared with SN74HC238N and 74HCT238D, the 74HC238D delivers optimal balance of low quiescent current (≤4 µA), wide V_CC range (2.0–6.0 V), and SOIC16 reliability - making it preferred for volume-manufactured industrial and automotive control modules.

Availability

74HC238D is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for memory address decoding, peripheral multiplexing, LED matrix row selection, and industrial I/O expansion requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for 74HC238D 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

Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation designs and manufactures high-reliability semiconductor solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications, with emphasis on energy efficiency and system integration.

The 74HC238D belongs to Toshiba's HC-series high-speed CMOS logic family, engineered for drop-in replacement of legacy TTL decoders while delivering ultra-low static power and robust operation across harsh environmental conditions.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature for the 74HC238D?

The 74HC238D is fully specified from −40 °C to +125 °C. At +125 °C, DC parameters such as VOH remain ≥3.7 V (V_CC = 6.0 V) and propagation delay increases to ≤22 ns (A/B/C → Y), ensuring reliable operation in under-hood automotive and industrial motor-control environments where ambient heat exceeds 100 °C.

Does the 74HC238D support 3.3 V logic systems?

Yes, the 74HC238D operates down to 2.0 V and is fully compatible with 3.3 V systems. At V_CC = 3.3 V, VIH is guaranteed ≥2.31 V and VIL ≤ 0.99 V, providing >0.5 V noise margin. Its 14 ns typical propagation delay at 5 V scales predictably to ~18 ns at 3.3 V, maintaining timing integrity in mixed-voltage microcontroller peripherals.

How does the enable logic work on the 74HC238D?

The 74HC238D uses three independent enables: G1 (active-low), G2A (active-high), and G2B (active-high). Decoding is enabled only when G1 = HIGH AND G2A = LOW AND G2B = LOW. If any enable condition fails, all Y0–Y7 outputs force LOW - a design that simplifies multi-stage decoding without external NAND gates.

Can the 74HC238D drive LEDs directly?

Yes, each Y0–Y7 output can sink or source up to ±5.2 mA at V_CC = 6.0 V, sufficient to drive standard 2 mA LEDs with appropriate series resistors. For example, with V_CC = 5 V and a red LED (V_F ≈ 1.8 V), a 1.0 kΩ resistor limits current to ~3.2 mA - well within 74HC238D's rated output capability and avoids thermal derating.

Is the 74HC238D pin-compatible with other 74HC238 variants?

Yes, all 74HC238 variants - including 74HC238D (SOIC16), 74HC238N (PDIP16), and 74HC238PW (TSSOP16) - share identical pinout per JEDEC MS-012. The 74HC238D's SOIC16 footprint allows direct PCB substitution with the others, though thermal and moisture sensitivity profiles differ due to package construction.

74HC238D Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

Series:: 74HC

Package/Case:: 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)

Packaging:: Tape & Reel (TR)

Product Status:: Active

Type:: Decoder/Demultiplexer

Circuit:: 1 x 3:8

Independent Circuits:: 1

Current - Output High, Low:: 5.2mA, 5.2mA

Voltage Supply Source:: Single Supply

Voltage - Supply:: 2V ~ 6V

Operating Temperature:: -40°C ~ 125°C

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Surface Mount

Supplier Device Package:: 16-SOIC

74HC238D FAQ

1.How can I place an order for 74HC238D through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 74HC238D on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.

2.Are the price and stock information for 74HC238D reliable?

The price and inventory of 74HC238D are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 74HC238D is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for 74HC238D?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 74HC238D transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for 74HC238D?

74HC238D orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your 74HC238D order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.

Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.

5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for 74HC238D?

For technical support, including 74HC238D datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 74HC238D requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that 74HC238D is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All 74HC238D products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that 74HC238D meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of 74HC238D?

All 74HC238D units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 74HC238D, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:

1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.

2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.

3.The 74HC238D part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for 74HC238D:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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