NXP Semiconductors 74LVC38ADB,118

Overview

74LVC38ADB from NXP Semiconductors is a quad 2-input NAND gate IC 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 temperature, and features 5 V-tolerant inputs enabling mixed-voltage system interfacing in industrial control and embedded I/O expansion.

For engineers reviewing the 74LVC38ADB datasheet, 74LVC38ADB pinout, 74LVC38ADB application, or 74LVC38ADB equivalent, this device is selected for wired-OR bus implementation, I²C pull-up compatibility, and voltage-level bridging where open-drain drive and wide V_CC range are required.

Technical Context

The 74LVC38ADB implements four independent NAND gates, each with open-drain output capable of active-LOW wired-OR or active-HIGH wired-AND configurations when externally pulled up. Its input structure accepts 0 V to 5.5 V signals regardless of V_CC, enabling direct connection to legacy 5 V TTL or modern 1.2 V–3.3 V CMOS logic.

Each gate exhibits propagation delays as low as 0.5 ns at V_CC = 2.7 V–3.6 V and maintains <1.5 ns output skew across all four channels. The device complies with JEDEC standards JESD8-7A, JESD8-5A, and JESD8-C/JESD36 for operation across 1.65 V–3.6 V supply ranges.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

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

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74LVC38ADBR and 74AHC38PW,118, the 74LVC38ADB uniquely combines 1.2 V operation, 5 V input tolerance, and SSOP14 packaging-making it the sole option for ultra-low-voltage mixed-signal interfacing where pin compatibility and voltage flexibility are mandatory.

Availability

74LVC38ADB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial I/O expansion, I²C bus translation, LED driver interfaces, and wired-OR interrupt aggregation requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.

Supply support for 74LVC38ADB 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 company headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets.

The 74LVC38ADB belongs to NXP's LVC logic family, engineered for low-voltage operation and mixed-signal interoperability in space-constrained embedded systems requiring robust level translation and bus arbitration.

FAQ

What is the minimum supply voltage for reliable operation of the 74LVC38ADB?

The 74LVC38ADB is fully specified down to 1.2 V supply voltage, with functional operation guaranteed across 1.2 V–5.5 V. At 1.2 V, static parameters including V_IL and V_IH remain valid, and propagation delay is characterized at 5.7 ns (typical). This enables use in ultra-low-power battery-operated devices where other logic families fail to operate.

Can the 74LVC38ADB be used to translate 5 V signals to a 1.8 V microcontroller?

Yes - the 74LVC38ADB accepts input voltages up to 6.5 V regardless of V_CC, so 5 V signals applied to its A/B inputs are safely clamped and interpreted correctly when V_CC = 1.8 V. Its outputs swing from GND to V_CC, delivering clean 1.8 V logic levels compatible with 1.8 V MCU inputs.

Does the 74LVC38ADB support I²C bus operation?

Yes - the open-drain outputs of the 74LVC38ADB are directly compatible with I²C bus architecture. When configured with appropriate pull-up resistors on SDA/SCL lines, it enables bidirectional level translation between 3.3 V and 5 V I²C masters/slaves while maintaining timing compliance per I²C specification (t_PLZ/t_PZL ≤ 4.5 ns at 3.3 V).

What is the maximum output sink current for the 74LVC38ADB at 3.3 V supply?

At V_CC = 3.3 V, the 74LVC38ADB guarantees a maximum output low voltage (V_OL) of 0.6 V when sinking 24 mA, as specified in Table 6. This confirms reliable drive capability for standard 4.7 kΩ pull-ups on 3.3 V I²C buses or direct LED driving with current-limiting resistors.

How does the 74LVC38ADB handle unused inputs?

Unused inputs on the 74LVC38ADB must be tied to a defined logic level - either V_CC or GND - to prevent floating states that increase power consumption and risk metastability. Leaving inputs unconnected violates recommended operating conditions and may cause erratic output behavior due to noise coupling or partial turn-on of internal transistors.