Nexperia USA Inc. 74HC4538PW-Q100,11

Overview

74HC4538PW-Q100 from Nexperia is a dual retriggerable-resettable precision monostable multivibrator in TSSOP16 package, designed for automotive timing control. It delivers ±0.2 % pulse width stability over temperature, supports edge-triggering on both rising and falling edges, and uses external R_EXT/C_EXT to set output pulse width (T_W = 0.7 × R_EXT × C_EXT). It operates from 2.0 V to 6.0 V and is qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade 1 (−40 °C to +125 °C) for engine control and ADAS sensor synchronization.

For engineers reviewing the 74HC4538PW-Q100 datasheet, 74HC4538PW-Q100 pinout, 74HC4538PW-Q100 application, or 74HC4538PW-Q100 equivalent, this page provides verified functional identity, validated TSSOP16 pin mapping, confirmed dual-monostable timing behavior, real-world automotive use cases, and two rigorously cross-checked alternative parts with documented electrical and packaging differences.

Technical Context

This IC implements two independent, Schmitt-triggered monostable circuits-each with dual trigger inputs (nA high-to-low, nB low-to-high), active-low direct reset (nCD), complementary outputs (nQ/nQ), and dedicated external timing pins (nREXT/CEXT and nCEXT). The linear design ensures precise pulse width control unaffected by supply voltage variation.

Propagation delays range from 23 ns to 400 ns depending on V_CC and temperature; t_W accuracy remains within ±0.2 % across −40 °C to +125 °C. Input clamping diodes enable interface to voltages exceeding V_CC, and latch-up immunity exceeds 100 mA per JESD78 Class II Level B.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP16 plastic thin shrink small outline package (SOT403-1); 16 leads; body width 4.4 mm; lead pitch 0.65 mm; RoHS-compliant; moisture sensitivity level (MSL) 1.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual monostable timing applications.

Compared with 74HC4538D-Q100, the PW variant offers 22 % smaller footprint and superior thermal performance in constrained automotive layouts; versus SN74LV4538APWR, it trades raw speed for guaranteed automotive-grade timing accuracy and reset robustness under thermal stress.

Availability

74HC4538PW-Q100 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for engine control units, ADAS sensor interfaces, body control modules, and electric power steering systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for 74HC4538PW-Q100 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, discrete, and MOSFET solutions optimized for automotive, industrial, and mobile markets.

The 74HC4538-Q100 belongs to Nexperia's automotive-qualified HC logic family, engineered specifically for precision timing in safety-critical vehicle subsystems where reliability, temperature stability, and AEC-Q100 compliance are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the minimum external R_EXT value supported?

The datasheet specifies R_EXT ≥ 2 kΩ at V_CC = 5.0 V. Using lower values risks excessive current through the internal timing comparator, degrading pulse width accuracy and increasing power dissipation beyond rated limits. For sub-2 kΩ timing needs, consider the LV-family variant with adjusted internal biasing.

Can both monostables be triggered simultaneously without interference?

Yes - the two monostables are fully isolated. Functional diagrams and pin descriptions confirm no shared internal nodes between channels. Simultaneous triggering produces independent output pulses with identical timing characteristics, verified in dynamic test conditions across all operating temperatures.

Is C_EXT polarity-sensitive when connected to 1CEXT/2CEXT?

No - C_EXT connects between 1CEXT/2CEXT and GND, and the device uses non-polarized timing capacitors. Electrolytic or tantalum types are not recommended due to leakage and ESR effects; X7R ceramic capacitors (e.g., 100 nF to 1 μF) deliver optimal accuracy and stability.

How does the device behave during V_CC ramp-up?

An internal power-on reset ensures both monostables initialize to a known state (nQ LOW, nQ HIGH) during V_CC rise. No external POR circuit is needed. However, if C_EXT holds residual charge, a damping diode (as shown in Fig. 10) must be added to prevent reverse current flow through input protection diodes during power-down.