NXP Semiconductors 74HCT238N,652
- Part No.:
- 74HCT238N,652
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- Signal Switches, Multiplexers, Decoders
- Package:
- 16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
74HCT238N,652.pdf
- Description:
- IC DECODER/DEMUX 1X3:8 16DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
74HCT238N,652 from Nexperia is a 3-to-8 line decoder/demultiplexer with TTL-compatible inputs, active-HIGH mutually exclusive outputs, three enable inputs (E1, E2 active LOW; E3 active HIGH), and operation across 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply. It decodes binary address inputs A0–A2 into eight independent outputs Y0–Y7 and supports parallel expansion to 1-of-32 decoding. It is used in memory chip select logic for microcontroller-based embedded systems.
For engineers reviewing the 74HCT238N,652 datasheet, 74HCT238N,652 pinout, 74HCT238N,652 application, or 74HCT238N,652 equivalent, this page delivers verified functional behavior, exact pin mapping for SO16 package, propagation delay (19–53 ns at VCC = 4.5–5.0 V), output drive capability (±4.0 mA), and validated alternatives for memory decoding and demux roles.
Technical Context
The 74HCT238N,652 implements combinational logic decoding using standard CMOS transistor architecture with TTL-level input thresholds (VIH = 2.0 V min, VIL = 0.8 V max at VCC = 4.5–5.5 V). Its triple-enable structure (E1/E2 LOW + E3 HIGH) enables hierarchical addressing and cascading without external logic.
It operates over -40 °C to +125 °C, complies with JEDEC JESD7A and JESD8C standards, and features input clamp diodes allowing safe interfacing to voltages exceeding VCC when current-limited. Output transition times range from 7 ns to 22 ns under 15 pF load.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V - ensures compatibility with 5 V TTL and mixed-voltage 3.3/5 V system interfaces |
| Propagation delay (An→Yn) | 18 ns typical at VCC = 4.5 V, CL = 15 pF - supports ≤25 MHz address decode timing in memory subsystems |
| Output drive | ±4.0 mA - sufficient to directly drive LED indicators or enable inputs of multiple downstream ICs |
| Input threshold (TTL) | VIH ≥ 2.0 V, VIL ≤ 0.8 V - guarantees reliable recognition of legacy 5 V logic signals without level shifters |
| Operating temperature | -40 °C to +125 °C - qualified for industrial and extended-temperature embedded control applications |
| Power dissipation capacitance | 76 pF - enables accurate dynamic power estimation (PD = CPD × VCC² × fi × N) in clocked systems |
Pinout & Package
74HCT238N,652 is supplied in SO16 (SOT109-1) plastic small outline package: 16-pin, 3.9 mm body width, 1.27 mm pitch, gull-wing leads. Pin 1 index located at top-left corner with notch or dot marking.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (A0) | Address input | LSB of 3-bit binary address; sampled synchronously with enable conditions to select one of eight outputs |
| 2 (VCC) | Supply voltage | Primary 4.5–5.5 V power rail; bypass capacitor recommended within 10 mm of this pin |
| 3 (A1) | Address input | Mid-bit of 3-bit address; determines output group selection in conjunction with A0 and A2 |
| 4 (E1) | Enable input (active LOW) | Global enable gate; device disabled if HIGH, overriding all other inputs |
| 5 (E2) | Enable input (active LOW) | Secondary enable; both E1 and E2 must be LOW for decode to proceed |
| 6 (E3) | Enable input (active HIGH) | Third enable; must be HIGH alongside E1/E2 LOW to activate outputs |
| 7 (Y7) | Output | Active-HIGH decoded output corresponding to A2A1A0 = 111; sinks or sources up to 4 mA |
| 8 (GND) | Ground | 0 V reference plane; connects to PCB ground plane with low-inductance path |
| 9 (Y6) | Output | Active-HIGH output for A2A1A0 = 110; electrically identical to Y0–Y7 in drive strength and timing |
| 10 (Y5) | Output | Active-HIGH output for A2A1A0 = 101; shares same DC and AC characteristics across all eight outputs |
| 11 (Y4) | Output | Active-HIGH output for A2A1A0 = 100; no internal inversion - direct decoded assertion |
| 12 (Y3) | Output | Active-HIGH output for A2A1A0 = 011; asserted only when all enable conditions met and address matches |
| 13 (Y2) | Output | Active-HIGH output for A2A1A0 = 010; remains LOW during disable or mismatched address |
| 14 (Y1) | Output | Active-HIGH output for A2A1A0 = 001; transitions within 19–53 ns after valid input change |
| 15 (Y0) | Output | Active-HIGH output for A2A1A0 = 000; LSB output, commonly used as default or boot-select line |
| 16 (A2) | Address input | MSB of 3-bit address; combined with A0/A1 to fully define one of eight output lines |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| TTL-compatible inputs | Accepts standard 5 V logic thresholds (VIH ≥ 2.0 V, VIL ≤ 0.8 V), eliminating need for level translation in legacy 5 V systems |
| Triple enable architecture | E1/E2 (active LOW) + E3 (active HIGH) allows hierarchical decoding and seamless 1-of-32 expansion using four ICs and one inverter |
| Demultiplexing mode | One enable input (e.g., E1) serves as data input while others act as strobes - enabling 1-to-8 signal routing without additional logic |
| Clamp diode protection | Internal input diodes permit safe interface to voltages > VCC when series current-limiting resistors are used |
| Industrial temperature range | Specified from -40 °C to +125 °C - suitable for motor control, PLC, and outdoor industrial electronics |
Applications
| Memory Chip Select Decoding | Microcontroller Peripheral Addressing |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Selecting one of eight SRAM, EPROM, or I/O devices connected to an 8-bit microcontroller address bus. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: 3-bit address decoder generating active-HIGH chip select signals synchronized to address and enable strobes. Use Value: Reduces external logic count; enables full 8-device decode with deterministic 19–53 ns latency and ±4 mA drive per CS line. |
Use Scenario: Routing UART, SPI, or GPIO peripheral registers in a custom ASIC/FPGA companion board. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Address-space partitioner converting upper address bits into dedicated peripheral enable signals. Use Value: Eliminates FPGA LUT usage for decode logic; provides deterministic timing and noise-immune TTL-level inputs. |
| LED Display Multiplexing Control | Industrial Sensor Hub Selection |
Use Scenario: Driving common-anode 7-segment or 8-LED arrays where each output controls one digit/anode. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Active-HIGH output demultiplexer routing segment data to individual display positions. Use Value: Directly sources LED current up to 4 mA per segment; avoids external transistors in low-current displays. |
Use Scenario: Enabling one of eight analog sensor front-ends (e.g., thermocouple, RTD, pressure) in a modular measurement unit. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision enable controller sequencing sensor activation to prevent crosstalk and supply sag. Use Value: Guarantees mutually exclusive activation via hardware logic; supports hot-swap-safe enable timing at -40 °C to +125 °C. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 74HCT138D,653 | Active-LOW outputs; different enable polarity (E1 HIGH, E2/E3 LOW); identical pinout and timing | Requires inverted logic in downstream circuitry; better suited for NAND-gated enable trees | Select when existing design uses active-LOW chip selects or requires match with legacy 74HCT138 footprint |
| SN74HCT238N | Same function and pinout; manufactured by Texas Instruments; wider availability in DIP-16 through distributors | No functional difference; may exhibit minor variance in propagation delay (21 ns typ vs. 18 ns typ) | Choose for prototyping with through-hole breadboards or when TI-sourced parts are preferred in BOM |
Compared with 74HCT238N,652, the 74HCT138D,653 offers inverted outputs ideal for NAND-based enable architectures, while SN74HCT238N provides identical functionality in DIP-16 for manual assembly - neither is pin-compatible without layout revision due to differing package types (SO16 vs. SO16/DIP).
Availability
74HCT238N,652 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for memory decoding, microcontroller peripheral selection, LED multiplexing, and industrial sensor hub applications requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.
Supply support for 74HCT238N,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
Nexperia is a leading semiconductor manufacturer specializing in high-performance logic, analog, and discrete components, with global R&D and manufacturing operations focused on reliability and energy efficiency.
The 74HCT238N,652 belongs to Nexperia's 74HCT logic family, engineered for robust TTL-compatible interfacing in industrial, automotive (non-safety), and computing applications where noise immunity and wide operating margins are critical.
FAQ
What is the supply voltage range for the 74HCT238N,652?
The 74HCT238N,652 operates from 4.5 V to 5.5 V. This range ensures compatibility with standard 5 V TTL systems and provides margin against ripple and drop-out. Operation outside this range - including below 4.5 V or above 5.5 V - is not guaranteed and may result in incorrect logic states or increased ICC. The 74HCT238N,652 does not support 3.3 V operation; for that, the 74HC238 variant should be considered.
How does the enable logic work on the 74HCT238N,652?
The 74HCT238N,652 requires E1 and E2 to be LOW and E3 to be HIGH for any output Y0–Y7 to go HIGH. If any enable condition fails, all outputs remain LOW. This triple-input enable scheme allows daisy-chaining multiple 74HCT238N,652 ICs - for example, using one device's Y outputs to control E1/E2 of downstream units - enabling scalable 1-of-32 decoding. The 74HCT238N,652 implements this entirely in hardwired logic with no internal state or clocks.
Can the 74HCT238N,652 be used as a demultiplexer?
Yes, the 74HCT238N,652 can function as a 1-to-8 demultiplexer by using one enable input (e.g., E1) as the data input and the remaining enables (E2, E3) as strobes. When E2 and E3 are held at valid levels (E2 = LOW, E3 = HIGH), the signal applied to E1 appears at the selected Y output determined by A0–A2. This mode leverages the same internal decode path as normal operation and maintains the 74HCT238N,652's specified timing and drive strength.
What is the maximum output current rating for the 74HCT238N,652?
The 74HCT238N,652 is rated for ±4.0 mA per output (Y0–Y7) under recommended operating conditions (VCC = 4.5 V, Tamb = -40 °C to +125 °C). This applies to both sourcing (HIGH) and sinking (LOW) modes. Exceeding ±4.0 mA risks violating VOL/VOL specs or increasing propagation delay. Total device output current should remain within the absolute maximum IO limit of ±25 mA, meaning simultaneous drive of more than six outputs near full rating is not advised. The 74HCT238N,652 includes output short-circuit protection but is not designed for continuous overload.
Is the 74HCT238N,652 suitable for automotive applications?
The 74HCT238N,652 is qualified for operation from -40 °C to +125 °C and meets JEDEC standards, but it is not AEC-Q100 qualified and is explicitly designated as non-automotive by Nexperia. It lacks automotive-specific stress testing, failure-in-time (FIT) reporting, and PPAP documentation. For automotive use - especially in safety-critical or powertrain systems - a formally qualified alternative must be selected. The 74HCT238N,652 may be used in infotainment or body electronics only after full system-level validation by the customer.
74HCT238N,652 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- 74HCT
- 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:
- 4mA, 4mA
- Voltage Supply Source:
- Single Supply
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.5V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-DIP
74HCT238N,652 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 74HCT238N,652 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 74HCT238N,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 74HCT238N,652 reliable?
The price and inventory of 74HCT238N,652 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 74HCT238N,652 is usually 5 days.
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5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for 74HCT238N,652?
For technical support, including 74HCT238N,652 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 74HCT238N,652 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 74HCT238N,652 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 74HCT238N,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 74HCT238N,652 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 74HCT238N,652?
All 74HCT238N,652 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 74HCT238N,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 74HCT238N,652 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 74HCT238N,652:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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