NXP Semiconductors 74HC238N,652
- Part No.:
- 74HC238N,652
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- Signal Switches, Multiplexers, Decoders
- Package:
- 16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
74HC238N,652.pdf
- Description:
- IC DECODER/DEMUX 1X3:8 16DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,804
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Product details
Overview
74HC238N,652 from NXP Semiconductors is a high-speed CMOS 3-to-8 line decoder/demultiplexer with non-inverting active-HIGH outputs, three binary address inputs (A0–A2), and three enable inputs (E1, E2 active LOW; E3 active HIGH). It operates from 2.0 V to 6.0 V, delivers propagation delays as low as 14 ns at VCC = 6.0 V, and supports industrial temperature range (−40 °C to +125 °C) in DIP16 package. It is used for memory chip select decoding and parallel expansion to 1-to-32 decoding.
For engineers reviewing the 74HC238N,652 datasheet, 74HC238N,652 pinout, 74HC238N,652 application, or 74HC238N,652 equivalent, this page provides verified functional behavior, validated pin-level circuit roles, confirmed operating margins across voltage/temperature, and real-world demultiplexing and decoder use cases - all specific to the DIP16-packaged 74HC238N variant.
Technical Context
The 74HC238N,652 implements a combinational logic decoder with mutually exclusive active-HIGH outputs (Y0–Y7), where output activation requires simultaneous assertion of both E1 and E2 (LOW) and E3 (HIGH). Its architecture enables direct use as an 8-output demultiplexer by routing data through one active-LOW enable input while strobing the others.
Unlike the 74HC138, it features non-inverting outputs and full compatibility with LSTTL logic levels. It complies with JEDEC standard no. 7A, includes HBM ESD protection >2000 V, and is specified for operation across −40 °C to +125 °C with supply voltage ranging from 2.0 V to 6.0 V.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Function | 3-to-8 line decoder / 1-to-8 demultiplexer with non-inverting outputs |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 6.0 V - supports mixed-voltage system interfacing and battery-powered designs |
| Propagation Delay (tpd) | 14 ns typical at VCC = 6.0 V - enables reliable timing in high-speed address decoding up to ~35 MHz |
| Output Drive | ±25 mA - sufficient to directly drive TTL loads or multiple CMOS inputs without buffering |
| Operating Temperature | −40 °C to +125 °C - qualified for under-hood automotive, industrial control, and extended-environment applications |
| ESD Protection | HBM >2000 V, MM >200 V - meets robustness requirements for manual handling and board-level assembly |
| Input Compatibility | LSTTL-pin-compatible - allows drop-in replacement in legacy TTL-based systems with no logic redesign |
Pinout & Package
DIP16 plastic dual in-line package (300 mil), 16-pin through-hole mount with 0.1-inch lead pitch; body dimensions 19.5 mm × 6.5 mm × 4.2 mm; RoHS-compliant, lead-free finish.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 2, 3 (A0, A1, A2) | Binary address inputs | Select one of eight outputs (Y0–Y7); LSB-to-MSB mapping determines decoded output index |
| 4 (E1), 5 (E2) | Active-LOW enable inputs | Both must be LOW to activate decoding; enables hierarchical expansion with other 74HC238 devices |
| 6 (E3) | Active-HIGH enable input | Must be HIGH for any output to assert; used as primary global enable or data input in demux mode |
| 7, 9–15 (Y7, Y6, Y5, Y4, Y3, Y2, Y1, Y0) | Active-HIGH decoded outputs | Only one output HIGH per valid address/enable combination; outputs remain LOW otherwise |
| 8 (GND) | Ground reference | 0 V return path for all internal logic and output current; must be low-impedance for noise immunity |
| 16 (VCC) | Positive supply rail | Power source for internal gates and output drivers; decoupling capacitor required near pin |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Non-inverting active-HIGH outputs | Eliminates need for external inverters in systems requiring asserted-true decode signals (e.g., memory CS lines) |
| Three independent enable inputs | Enables cascading up to 32 outputs using only four ICs and one inverter - reduces component count vs. discrete logic |
| Demultiplexer capability | One active-LOW enable (E1 or E2) accepts serial data; remaining enables act as strobes - simplifies data routing in bus architectures |
| Wide supply voltage range (2.0–6.0 V) | Supports direct interface with 3.3 V microcontrollers and 5 V legacy peripherals without level shifters |
| JEDEC 7A compliance & robust ESD | Ensures interoperability with industry-standard logic families and withstands assembly-line electrostatic discharge events |
Applications
| Memory Address Decoding | Industrial I/O Expansion |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Selecting one of eight SRAM or EEPROM chips in a microcontroller-based data logger with limited address lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: 3-bit address decoder generating chip-select signals; synchronizes with CPU address strobe and clock edges. Use Value: Reduces FPGA or CPLD resource usage; eliminates need for custom logic synthesis and timing closure on dense PCB layouts. |
Use Scenario: Expanding GPIO count on a PLC controller to drive relays, sensors, and status LEDs across multiple modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Demultiplexer routing control commands from a shared data bus to individual peripheral drivers. Use Value: Enables single-controller management of 8 discrete loads with deterministic 14 ns propagation delay - critical for cycle-accurate sequencing. |
| Automotive Body Control | Legacy System Interfacing |
|
Use Scenario: Controlling lighting zones (headlights, fog lamps, interior LEDs) in a vehicle ECU with thermal derating constraints. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability decoder asserting enable lines for LED driver ICs; operates continuously at 125 °C ambient. Use Value: Qualified for extended temperature range and rated for 25 mA output drive - avoids thermal shutdown during sustained load activation. |
Use Scenario: Integrating modern 3.3 V MCU into existing 5 V TTL-based instrumentation rack with minimal board rework. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Level-tolerant decoder bridging voltage domains; accepts TTL input thresholds while driving CMOS loads. Use Value: Pin- and function-compatible with 74LS238 - permits direct substitution without modifying PCB layout or firmware timing. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 3-to-8 decoder/demultiplexer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 74HC138N,652 | Inverting outputs; identical pinout and enable structure but Y0–Y7 assert LOW when selected | Requires external inverters for active-HIGH chip selects; unsuitable where true-asserted signals are mandatory | Choose only if system design already accommodates inverted outputs or uses pull-up networks |
| SN74LS238N | Bipolar TTL technology; 4.75–5.25 V supply only; higher ICC (25 mA typical); slower tpd (~25 ns) | Consumes more power and generates more heat; incompatible with 3.3 V logic; not rated beyond +70 °C | Select only for legacy 5 V TTL-only systems where CMOS power savings or extended temperature are not required |
Compared with 74HC138N,652 and SN74LS238N, the 74HC238N,652 uniquely delivers non-inverting outputs with wide-voltage operation and extended temperature support - making it the sole choice for new designs requiring true-asserted decoding in mixed-voltage or harsh-environment applications.
Availability
74HC238N,652 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for memory address decoding, industrial I/O expansion, automotive body control, and legacy system interfacing requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.
Supply support for 74HC238N,652 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
NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.
The 74HC238N,652 belongs to NXP's legacy HC logic family, designed for high-noise-immunity, low-power, pin-compatible upgrades to TTL systems - emphasizing reliability, broad voltage operation, and seamless integration into cost-sensitive embedded control systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum supply voltage rating for the 74HC238N,652?
The absolute maximum supply voltage (VCC) for the 74HC238N,652 is +7.0 V, but the recommended operating range is 2.0 V to 6.0 V. Operating consistently above 6.0 V risks exceeding internal oxide breakdown limits and may cause permanent device failure. The 74HC238N,652 is rated for continuous operation at 6.0 V across its full −40 °C to +125 °C temperature range.
Can the 74HC238N,652 be used as a demultiplexer, and how is that configured?
Yes, the 74HC238N,652 can operate as a 1-to-8 demultiplexer. To configure it, apply the serial data signal to either E1 or E2 (active-LOW enables), hold the other enable LOW, and drive E3 HIGH. Address inputs A0–A2 then route the data to the selected output Y0–Y7. Unused enable inputs must be tied to their active state (E1/E2 to GND, E3 to VCC) to prevent floating conditions.
Does the 74HC238N,652 have the same pinout as the 74HC138N,652?
Yes, the 74HC238N,652 shares identical pinout and package (DIP16) with the 74HC138N,652, including address inputs (pins 1–3), enables (pins 4–6), outputs (pins 7, 9–15), GND (pin 8), and VCC (pin 16). However, output polarity differs: 74HC238N,652 asserts Y0–Y7 HIGH on selection, whereas 74HC138N,652 asserts them LOW - a functional difference requiring schematic review before substitution.
What is the propagation delay of the 74HC238N,652 at 5.0 V supply?
At VCC = 5.0 V with CL = 15 pF, the 74HC238N,652 exhibits a typical propagation delay (tpd) of 14 ns from address input (A0–A2) to output (Y0–Y7), and 16 ns from E3 to output. These values are measured under standard test conditions per Figure 6 in the NXP datasheet and represent worst-case timing for synchronous address decoding in microcontroller peripheral interfaces.
Is the 74HC238N,652 suitable for automotive under-hood applications?
Yes, the 74HC238N,652 is qualified for operation from −40 °C to +125 °C and packaged in a DIP16 (SOT38-4) format with JEDEC 7A compliance and >2000 V HBM ESD protection. Its 6.0 V max supply and 25 mA output drive meet common under-hood requirements for lighting control, sensor multiplexing, and power distribution modules where thermal stability and latch-up immunity are critical.
74HC238N,652 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- 74HC
- Package/Case:
- 16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- 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:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-DIP
74HC238N,652 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 74HC238N,652 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 74HC238N,652 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 74HC238N,652 reliable?
The price and inventory of 74HC238N,652 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 74HC238N,652 is usually 5 days.
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Once your 74HC238N,652 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 74HC238N,652?
For technical support, including 74HC238N,652 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 74HC238N,652 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 74HC238N,652 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 74HC238N,652 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 74HC238N,652 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 74HC238N,652?
All 74HC238N,652 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 74HC238N,652, 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 74HC238N,652 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 74HC238N,652:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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