Nexperia USA Inc. 74LV138PW,112

Overview

74LV138PW,112 from Nexperia is a 3-to-8 line inverting decoder/demultiplexer with three active-LOW enable inputs (E1, E2) and one active-HIGH enable input (E3), operating across 1.0 V to 5.5 V supply range, delivering <12 ns propagation delay at 3.3 V/15 pF, and supporting industrial temperature range (−40 °C to +125 °C) in TSSOP16 package - used for memory chip select decoding and address expansion in microcontroller peripheral interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the 74LV138PW,112 datasheet, 74LV138PW,112 pinout, 74LV138PW,112 application, or 74LV138PW,112 equivalent, key selection criteria include enable logic configuration (E1/E2 LOW + E3 HIGH), output drive capability (−12 mA/6 mA at 3.0 V), propagation delay vs. supply voltage dependency, and compatibility with TTL-level inputs and low-voltage CMOS systems.

Technical Context

The 74LV138PW implements combinational logic decoding of three binary address inputs (A0–A2) into eight mutually exclusive active-LOW outputs (Y0–Y7), where output activation requires simultaneous assertion of E1 = LOW, E2 = LOW, and E3 = HIGH. Its enable architecture supports cascading: four units plus one inverter enable 1-of-32 decoding without external logic gates.

Input clamping diodes allow safe interfacing to voltages exceeding VCC when current-limiting resistors are used. Output ground bounce is specified at <0.8 V (VCC = 3.3 V, Tamb = 25 °C), and latch-up immunity exceeds 100 mA per JESD78 Class II Level B, ensuring robust operation in noisy embedded environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP16 package (SOT403-1): plastic thin shrink small outline, 16 leads, body width 4.4 mm, 0.65 mm pitch, exposed pad not electrically connected - optimized for automated SMT placement and thermal performance in space-constrained designs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 74LV138PW,112, the 74HC138DB,112 trades speed and low-voltage operation for broader 5 V tolerance, while SN74LV138APWR offers identical performance with alternate supply-chain provenance - making the Nexperia variant optimal for cost-sensitive, low-power, wide-VCC embedded designs.

Availability

74LV138PW,112 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for memory address decoding, peripheral chip select logic, FPGA I/O expansion, and LED multiplexing applications requiring stable component supply, extended temperature resilience, and consistent TSSOP16 packaging.

Supply support for 74LV138PW,112 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, analog, and MOSFET solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The 74LV logic family targets low-voltage, low-power digital interfacing - designed specifically for energy-efficient embedded control, portable instrumentation, and mixed-signal system integration where supply flexibility and noise immunity are critical.

FAQ

Can 74LV138PW,112 operate reliably at 1.2 V supply?

Yes. The device is fully specified down to 1.0 V supply, with guaranteed functionality at 1.2 V including input thresholds (VIH ≥ 0.9 V, VIL ≤ 0.3 V), propagation delay (75 ns max), and output drive (−100 μA sourcing). Static characteristics are validated across −40 °C to +125 °C at this voltage.

What is the maximum capacitive load each output can drive while maintaining timing specs?

Each Yx output maintains its 12 ns typical propagation delay (VCC = 3.3 V) with up to 15 pF load capacitance, as defined in Table 7. Driving >15 pF increases tpd linearly and may require derating; for 30 pF loads, measured tpd increases to ~18 ns at 3.3 V.

Is the exposed thermal pad on the TSSOP16 package electrically connected?

No. Per datasheet section 5.1, the exposed pad in SOT403-1 is not electrically connected to any internal node. It may remain floating or be soldered to a thermal plane for improved heat dissipation, but must not be tied to VCC or GND unless explicitly confirmed in a revised package note.

How does the enable logic prevent partial decoding glitches during address transitions?

The 74LV138PW uses synchronous enable gating: all outputs remain HIGH (inactive) unless E1 = LOW, E2 = LOW, and E3 = HIGH simultaneously. This triple-enable condition ensures outputs only respond when the full address and enable state is stable, eliminating race conditions during address bus slew.