Nexperia USA Inc. 74HC238PW,112

Overview

74HC238PW,112 from Nexperia USA Inc. is a high-speed CMOS 3-to-8 line decoder/demultiplexer with active HIGH outputs, designed for address decoding, peripheral selection, logic expansion, demultiplexing, and embedded digital control applications. The device decodes three binary weighted address inputs into eight mutually exclusive outputs and is supplied in a compact 16-lead TSSOP package.

As part of the Nexperia 74HC logic portfolio, 74HC238PW,112 combines a 2.0V to 6.0V supply range, CMOS low power dissipation, high noise immunity, three enable inputs, demultiplexing capability, and clamp-diode input protection for flexible digital logic integration. For engineers reviewing the 74HC238PW,112 datasheet, 74HC238PW,112 pinout, 74HC238PW,112 application, or 74HC238PW,112 equivalent, this device is widely used in memory address decoding, microcontroller peripheral selection, digital control logic, demultiplexer circuits, embedded systems, industrial boards, and general-purpose CMOS logic designs.

Technical Context

In digital systems, 74HC238PW,112 operates as a 1-of-8 decoder by translating the three address inputs A0, A1, and A2 into one selected output among Y0 to Y7. Unlike the 74HC138 family, which provides active LOW outputs, the 74HC238 family provides active HIGH outputs; the selected output goes HIGH when the device is correctly enabled, while all non-selected outputs remain LOW.

The device has three enable inputs. Decoding is active only when E1 and E2 are LOW and E3 is HIGH. This multiple-enable structure supports address gating, strobe qualification, decoder expansion, and demultiplexer operation without requiring a large number of external gates.

74HC238PW,112 is the HC CMOS-input version of the 74HC/HCT238 family. Compared with HCT versions, it is intended for CMOS-level input thresholds across a wider 2.0V to 6.0V supply range, making it suitable for standard CMOS logic systems, low-voltage embedded boards, and 5V digital platforms where HC-level compatibility is required.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The 74HC238PW,112 pinout follows the standard 16-pin decoder layout in the TSSOP16 PW package. Address inputs A0, A1, and A2 select one of eight decoded outputs, while enable inputs E1, E2, and E3 determine whether decoding is active. The eight outputs Y0 to Y7 are active HIGH, so downstream logic must be checked for correct polarity.

For PCB implementation, VCC should be bypassed close to the package, address and enable inputs should be routed with clean logic edges, and output loading should remain within logic-family limits. Because the 74HC238 uses active HIGH outputs, it is typically selected when positive-true select signals are required, while the 74HC138 is used when active LOW chip-select signals are required.

Key Features

• 3-to-8 line decoder/demultiplexer with active HIGH mutually exclusive outputs.
• Three binary address inputs decode one of eight output lines.
• Three enable inputs support gating, cascading, and decoder expansion.
• Can be used as an eight-output demultiplexer with one active-low enable used as data input.
• Wide 2.0V to 6.0V operating supply range for CMOS logic systems.
• CMOS low power dissipation and high noise immunity.
• Input clamp diodes support interfacing through current-limiting resistors.
• Multiple enable inputs allow expansion to larger decoder structures.
• Useful when positive-true decoded outputs are required.
• 16-lead TSSOP package supports compact surface-mount PCB designs.

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

When evaluating 74HC238PW,112 equivalent devices, engineers should compare logic family, output polarity, input threshold type, supply-voltage range, package footprint, propagation delay, temperature range, ESD rating, and pin-to-pin compatibility.

Compared with 74HCT238PW, 74HC238PW,112 is optimized for CMOS-input logic systems and wider 2.0V to 6.0V operation rather than TTL-level 5V input compatibility. 74HC238PW,112 vs 74HC138PW selection depends primarily on output polarity: use 74HC238PW,112 for active HIGH decoded outputs and 74HC138PW for active LOW decoded outputs.

Quality

74HC238PW,112 should be sourced as original Nexperia components through traceable and controlled supply channels. Quality verification procedures may include package inspection, top-mark validation, solderability testing, pin continuity checks, input threshold verification, functional truth-table testing, output-level measurement, and incoming inspection according to digital logic production requirements.

Because the device is often used for address decoding and control-line generation, system reliability depends on correct enable polarity, stable supply decoupling, clean input timing, valid output loading, and confirmation that active HIGH outputs match the downstream logic. Traceable sourcing supports manufacturing quality and reduces counterfeit supply-chain risk for standard logic production programs.

Availability

74HC238PW,112 available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for positive-true address decoding, peripheral selection, demultiplexer circuits, embedded digital logic, industrial control boards, communication modules, and general-purpose CMOS logic systems requiring stable component supply and repeatable production support.

Supply support may include scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement support, BOM continuity assistance, traceable sourcing management, and long-term availability support for OEM manufacturers, embedded-system developers, industrial-control designers, logic-board builders, and electronics production programs.

For production deployment, confirming logic family, supply voltage, input threshold compatibility, output polarity, package footprint, temperature range, and sourcing continuity helps reduce procurement risk and improve manufacturing stability.

Manufacturer

Nexperia USA Inc. is part of Nexperia, a semiconductor manufacturer specializing in standard logic, ESD protection devices, MOSFETs, bipolar transistors, diodes, analog switches, power discretes, and interface components for automotive, industrial, communication, computing, and consumer electronics.

The Nexperia standard logic portfolio focuses on CMOS logic families, compact package options, broad voltage support, low power dissipation, high noise immunity, automotive and industrial-grade availability, and long-term supply continuity for embedded logic, interface control, level-compatible systems, and board-level digital designs.

FAQ

What is 74HC238PW,112 used for?

74HC238PW,112 is used for positive-true 3-to-8 address decoding, peripheral selection, demultiplexing, logic expansion, control-line generation, and general-purpose CMOS digital control circuits.

Where can I find the 74HC238PW,112 datasheet download?

The 74HC238PW,112 datasheet is available from Nexperia and includes the functional diagram, pinout, truth table, operating conditions, static characteristics, switching specifications, package data, and application information.

What should be considered in 74HC238PW,112 PCB design?

PCB implementation should provide close VCC decoupling, clean address and enable routing, correct active-high output polarity, controlled output loading, and suitable grounding for reliable CMOS logic operation.

Are the outputs of 74HC238PW,112 active HIGH?

Yes. 74HC238PW,112 has eight mutually exclusive active HIGH outputs. When the device is correctly enabled, one selected output goes HIGH while the other outputs remain LOW.

What are common 74HC238PW,112 equivalent solutions?

Common alternatives include 74HCT238PW, 74HC238D, SN74HC238PWR, and 74HC138PW depending on input threshold requirements, package footprint, supply voltage, timing, output polarity, manufacturer approval, and sourcing continuity.