Nexperia USA Inc. 74HC238DB,118

Overview

74HC238DB,118 from Nexperia is a 3-to-8 line decoder/demultiplexer in DHVQFN16 package with active-HIGH mutually exclusive outputs, three enable inputs (E1/E2 active LOW, E3 active HIGH), and CMOS-level input compatibility. 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 logic.

For engineers reviewing the 74HC238DB,118 datasheet, 74HC238DB,118 pinout, 74HC238DB,118 application, or 74HC238DB,118 equivalent, key selection criteria include enable-input logic polarity (E1/E2 LOW + E3 HIGH), output drive capability (±4.0 mA at VCC = 4.5 V), temperature range (–40 °C to +125 °C), and DHVQFN16 thermal performance for high-density PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The device implements combinational logic decoding of three binary address inputs (A0–A2) into eight active-HIGH outputs (Y0–Y7), with simultaneous evaluation of three independent enable signals. Its function table requires E1 = LOW, E2 = LOW, and E3 = HIGH for any output activation - enabling cascaded expansion to 1-of-32 decoding using four ICs and one inverter.

Input clamping diodes allow interface to voltages exceeding VCC when used with current-limiting resistors. Static characteristics confirm VIH = 4.2 V (min) and VOL = 0.26 V (max) at IO = 5.2 mA and VCC = 6.0 V, ensuring robust noise immunity and TTL-compatible output interfacing in mixed-signal systems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DHVQFN16 package (SOT763-1), 2.5 mm × 3.5 mm × 0.85 mm body, thermally enhanced, no leads, 16 terminals; exposed die pad (terminal 1 index area) electrically isolated unless connected to GND.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 74HC238DB,118, the 74HC237DB,118 adds latch control at the cost of demux flexibility, while SN74LS138DR trades CMOS efficiency and wide-voltage operation for legacy TTL interoperability - making the 74HC238DB,118 optimal for new industrial designs requiring low-power, multi-voltage, and expandable decoding.

Availability

74HC238DB,118 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for memory address decoding, industrial I/O expansion, LED matrix row selection, and test equipment signal routing requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.

Supply support for 74HC238DB,118 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 delivering high-performance logic, analog, and MOSFET solutions with focus on efficiency, reliability, and miniaturization for industrial and automotive markets.

The 74HC238DB,118 belongs to Nexperia's HC-series high-speed CMOS logic product line, engineered for low-power, wide-supply-voltage decoding in space-constrained industrial control and communication infrastructure.

FAQ

Can 74HC238DB,118 operate at 3.3 V supply?

Yes. The 74HC238DB,118 is fully specified from 2.0 V to 6.0 V, including 3.3 V operation. At VCC = 3.3 V, VIH(min) = 2.31 V and VOL(max) = 0.26 V (IO = 4.0 mA), ensuring reliable interfacing with 3.3 V microcontrollers and FPGAs without level translation.

What is the function of the exposed pad on the DHVQFN16 package?

The exposed pad (terminal 1 index area) is not electrically connected internally. It may remain floating or be soldered to the PCB ground plane to improve thermal dissipation and reduce junction-to-board thermal resistance by up to 30 °C/W - critical for sustained operation at +125 °C ambient.

How does the enable-input logic support cascading to 1-of-32 decoding?

By connecting E1/E2 of four 74HC238DB,118 devices to common address lines A3/A4, and feeding E3 of each device with unique combinations of A3/A4 through a single inverter, the system selects one of 32 outputs. This uses only one inverter and no additional gates - verified in the datasheet's parallel expansion diagram.

Is 74HC238DB,118 pin-compatible with 74HCT238DB,118?

No. While both share identical pinout and package (DHVQFN16), the 74HCT238DB,118 has TTL-compatible input thresholds (VIH = 2.0 V min at VCC = 5 V), whereas the 74HC238DB,118 requires CMOS-level inputs (VIH = 3.15 V min at VCC = 4.5 V). Swapping them risks logic misreads without input conditioning.