NXP Semiconductors 74LVC38ADB,112

Overview

74LVC38ADB,112 from NXP Semiconductors is a quad 2-input NAND gate with open-drain outputs, designed for level translation between 3.3 V and 5 V logic domains. It operates across 1.2 V to 5.5 V supply voltage, supports −40 °C to +125 °C ambient range, and features 5 V-tolerant inputs enabling mixed-voltage system interfacing in industrial control and I²C bus pull-up applications.

For engineers reviewing the 74LVC38ADB,112 datasheet, 74LVC38ADB,112 pinout, 74LVC38ADB,112 application, or 74LVC38ADB,112 equivalent, this device delivers verified open-drain wired-OR capability, JEDEC-compliant voltage-level interoperability (JESD8-7A/5A/C), and ESD robustness exceeding 2000 V HBM - critical for reliable signal conditioning in mixed-supply digital interfaces.

Technical Context

The 74LVC38ADB,112 implements four independent NAND gates whose outputs remain in high-impedance state unless both inputs are HIGH, producing active-LOW output logic. Its open-drain architecture enables direct connection to shared bus lines without external logic gating.

Input thresholds scale with VCC per JEDEC standards (e.g., VIH = 0.65×VCC at 1.65–1.95 V), while VOL remains ≤0.3 V at IO = 100 µA across 1.65–5.5 V - ensuring predictable low-state drive into varied load conditions including I²C pull-up resistors and LED drivers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

74LVC38ADB,112 uses SSOP14 (SOT337-1) package: plastic shrink small outline, 14 leads, body width 5.3 mm, 0.65 mm pitch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NAND gate applications.

Compared with SN74LVC38AQPWRQ1, the 74LVC38ADB,112 offers identical logic function and open-drain behavior at lower cost and without automotive qualification overhead; versus 74LVC00AD,112, it provides essential wired-OR capability absent in the push-pull variant - making it irreplaceable in multi-source bus architectures.

Availability

74LVC38ADB,112 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, embedded sensor hubs, and I²C peripheral expansion requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and mixed-voltage designs.

Supply support for 74LVC38ADB,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

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor leader focused on secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with deep expertise in logic, interface, and power management ICs.

The 74LVC38ADB,112 belongs to NXP's LVC (Low-Voltage CMOS) logic family, engineered for interoperability across voltage domains and robust operation in harsh environments - targeting mixed-supply digital systems needing reliable signal conditioning and bus arbitration.

FAQ

What logic function does the 74LVC38ADB,112 implement?

The 74LVC38ADB,112 implements four independent 2-input NAND gates, each with an open-drain output. When both inputs are HIGH, the output pulls LOW; otherwise, the output remains in high-impedance state. This behavior enables wired-OR configurations and level translation - a core capability confirmed in NXP's functional description and truth table (Table 3).

Can the 74LVC38ADB,112 interface between 3.3 V and 5 V logic systems?

Yes, the 74LVC38ADB,112 supports mixed-voltage operation via 5 V-tolerant inputs and a wide 1.2 V to 5.5 V supply range. Inputs accept 0–5.5 V signals regardless of VCC setting, allowing a 3.3 V-powered 74LVC38ADB,112 to safely read 5 V logic levels - a feature explicitly stated in the "Features and benefits" section and validated in Table 5 (VI max = 5.5 V).

What is the maximum output sink current for the 74LVC38ADB,112?

The 74LVC38ADB,112 guarantees 32 mA sink capability at VCC = 4.5 V (Table 6, VOL test condition). At lower voltages, it supports 24 mA at 3.0 V and 12 mA at 2.7 V. These values define the maximum current each open-drain output can safely sink while maintaining VOL ≤ 0.8 V - critical for driving pull-up resistors or small-signal loads.

Does the 74LVC38ADB,112 require external pull-up resistors?

Yes, the 74LVC38ADB,112 requires external pull-up resistors on all open-drain outputs (1Y–4Y) to establish a valid HIGH logic level. Because the outputs lack internal pull-ups and cannot source current, external resistors (e.g., 1–10 kΩ to VCC or another rail) are mandatory for wired-OR/AND functionality - a requirement directly implied by the "open-drain" designation in the ordering information and functional description.

Is the 74LVC38ADB,112 suitable for automotive applications?

No, the 74LVC38ADB,112 is not automotive-qualified. The datasheet explicitly states in Section 15.4: "Unless this data sheet expressly states that this specific NXP Semiconductors product is automotive qualified, the product is not suitable for automotive use." For automotive use, select the SN74LVC38AQPWRQ1 variant, which carries AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification.