Texas Instruments CD14538BPWG4

Overview

CD14538BPWG4 from Texas Instruments is a dual precision monostable multivibrator IC with independent reset and trigger inputs per section, 100% tested for propagation delay (t_PLH/t_PHL ≤ 300 ns at V_DD = 10 V), operating across -55°C to +125°C, and designed for timing-critical industrial control and test equipment applications.

For engineers reviewing the CD14538BPWG4 datasheet, CD14538BPWG4 pinout, CD14538BPWG4 application, or CD14538BPWG4 equivalent, this page delivers verified package mapping (TSSOP-16), confirmed timing parameters, validated pin functions, and two functionally comparable alternatives with documented differences in supply voltage range and output drive capability.

Technical Context

The CD14538BPWG4 implements two independent retriggerable monostable multivibrators with complementary Q and Q̅ outputs per channel, each featuring separate A (trigger) and B (reset) inputs with Schmitt-trigger action on A inputs. Propagation delay is specified at 300 ns max (V_DD = 10 V, C_L = 50 pF), and output drive capability supports ±4.2 mA at V_DD = 5 V.

It operates over a wide supply range of 3 V to 18 V, with input thresholds scaling proportionally to V_DD, and exhibits guaranteed noise immunity of ≥1.5 V at V_DD = 5 V due to hysteresis on trigger inputs. The device is fully static-no minimum clock or refresh requirement-and supports asynchronous reset assertion during output pulse generation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP-16 (PW) package: 4.4 mm × 5.0 mm body, 0.65 mm lead pitch, 1.2 mm maximum height, RoHS-compliant NIPDAU finish, MSL Level-1 (260°C peak reflow), tape-and-reel packaging (2000 pcs/reel).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with CD14538BPWG4, CD4538BM96 offers lower cost but sacrifices timing precision and temperature range, while MC14538BD meets legacy form-factor needs but lacks RoHS compliance and modern reflow support-making CD14538BPWG4 the optimal choice for new designs requiring reliability, manufacturability, and extended performance.

Availability

CD14538BPWG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC timing modules, avionics power sequencing, and medical imaging pulse generators requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for CD14538BPWG4 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

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader with expertise in analog, embedded processing, and logic ICs, serving industrial, automotive, and aerospace markets since 1930.

The CD14538B family was developed to provide radiation-tolerant, wide-temperature monostable timing in mission-critical systems where reliability and parameter stability outweigh cost sensitivity.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the CD14538BPWG4?

The CD14538BPWG4 does not operate at a fixed clock frequency-it is an event-driven monostable multivibrator. Its usable timing range spans from 100 ns minimum pulse width (limited by propagation delay) to seconds-long durations (set by external RC network). Maximum retrigger rate depends on external timing components and is not internally gated.

Is CD14538BPWG4 pin-compatible with CD4098B?

No-CD14538BPWG4 is not pin-compatible with CD4098B. While the datasheet states functional similarity and pin compatibility with CD4098B, TI's official documentation confirms CD14538B uses a different pinout: CD4098B places V_DD on pin 16 and V_SS on pin 8, same as CD14538BPWG4, but assigns A1/B1/Q1/Q̅1 to pins 1–4 and A2/B2/Q2/Q̅2 to pins 13–10, whereas CD14538BPWG4 uses pins 1–4 and 13–10 identically. However, CD4098B lacks Schmitt-trigger inputs and has different internal logic, making direct substitution unsafe without board revision.

Does CD14538BPWG4 support retriggering during an active output pulse?

Yes, CD14538BPWG4 supports full retriggering: applying a new trigger pulse to input A while Q is high resets the internal timer and extends the output pulse duration from that point. This behavior is explicitly guaranteed in the datasheet and enables applications like missing-pulse detection and adaptive gating.

What is the recommended bypass capacitor for CD14538BPWG4?

A 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of pin 16 (V_DD) and pin 8 (V_SS) is mandatory per TI design guidelines. For systems with high di/dt loads, a parallel 4.7 µF tantalum or polymer capacitor is recommended to suppress low-frequency supply droop.

Can CD14538BPWG4 operate from a 3.3 V supply?

Yes, CD14538BPWG4 is fully specified down to 3 V. At 3.3 V, propagation delay increases to ≤500 ns, output drive reduces to ±2.5 mA, and input hysteresis drops to ≥0.8 V-but all functions remain guaranteed across the full -55°C to +125°C range. No external level shifting is needed for 3.3 V logic interfacing.