Nexperia USA Inc. 74HC238DB,112

Overview

74HC238DB,112 from Nexperia is a 3-to-8 line decoder/demultiplexer in SO16 (SOT109-1) package, featuring three binary address inputs (A0–A2), eight active-HIGH mutually exclusive outputs (Y0–Y7), and three enable inputs (E1, E2 active LOW; E3 active HIGH). It operates from 2.0 V to 6.0 V, delivers propagation delay as low as 14 ns at VCC = 6.0 V, and supports memory chip select decoding in industrial control systems.

For engineers reviewing the 74HC238DB,112 datasheet, 74HC238DB,112 pinout, 74HC238DB,112 application, or 74HC238DB,112 equivalent, this device is selected for precise address decoding where low-power CMOS logic, wide supply tolerance, and parallel expansion capability (e.g., 1-of-32 decoding with four ICs + inverter) are required.

Technical Context

The 74HC238DB,112 implements combinational logic decoding with strict mutual exclusivity: only one output goes LOW when all enables are satisfied (E1 = E2 = LOW, E3 = HIGH) and a unique 3-bit address is applied. Its enable architecture supports hierarchical expansion without external gating logic.

Input clamp diodes allow safe interfacing to voltages exceeding VCC when used with current-limiting resistors. The device complies with JEDEC JESD7A (2.0–6.0 V) and JESD8C (2.7–3.6 V), and exhibits latch-up immunity >100 mA per JESD78 Class II Level B.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

74HC238DB,112 is housed in a plastic small outline package (SO16, SOT109-1) with 16 leads, 3.9 mm body width, and standard 1.27 mm lead pitch. Pin 1 is marked by a notch or index area on the package top edge.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 74HC238DB,112, the 74HCT238DB,112 offers improved noise margin in mixed-logic systems but trades marginal power efficiency, while SN74HC238N sacrifices surface-mount compatibility for mechanical robustness and ease of manual rework.

Availability

74HC238DB,112 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, embedded instrumentation, and programmable logic peripheral selection requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.

Supply support for 74HC238DB,112 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 essential efficiency technologies, delivering high-performance logic, analog, and MOSFET solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The 74HC238DB,112 belongs to Nexperia's HC-series high-speed CMOS logic family, engineered for low-power, wide-voltage-operation decoding in space-constrained industrial and computing applications.

FAQ

Can 74HC238DB,112 operate reliably at 3.3 V supply?

Yes. The 74HC238DB,112 is fully specified from 2.0 V to 6.0 V, with guaranteed VIH = 1.5 V and VOL ≤ 0.26 V at VCC = 3.3 V and IO = 4.0 mA. Propagation delay remains below 25 ns, making it suitable for 3.3 V microcontroller peripheral decoding without level translation.

What is the maximum clock/data rate supported when using E3 as a demultiplexer input?

When configured as a demultiplexer with E3 as data input, the device supports input transition rates up to 12 MHz (83 ns/V at VCC = 6.0 V). Measured tpd from E3 to any Yn is 15 ns (max) at VCC = 6.0 V, enabling reliable 1:8 distribution of digital control signals up to 33 MHz toggle frequency.

Does 74HC238DB,112 require external pull-up or pull-down resistors on enable inputs?

No. All inputs are CMOS-compatible with high impedance and built-in clamp diodes. E1 and E2 are active LOW and may be tied directly to GND for permanent enable; E3 is active HIGH and can be hard-wired to VCC. Pull resistors are unnecessary unless implementing wired-OR logic or open-drain interfaces.

How does thermal performance differ between SO16 and TSSOP16 packages?

The SO16 (SOT109-1) package has a Ptot derating slope of 12.4 mW/K above 110 °C, while TSSOP16 (SOT403-1) derates at 8.5 mW/K above 91 °C. At 125 °C ambient, SO16 retains ~310 mW usable power versus ~220 mW for TSSOP16 - making SO16 preferable for high-power-density industrial layouts with limited airflow.