STMicroelectronics M74HC238RM13TR
- Part No.:
- M74HC238RM13TR
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Signal Switches, Multiplexers, Decoders
- Package:
- 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
M74HC238RM13TR.pdf
- Description:
- IC DECODER/DEMUX 1 X 3:8 16SO
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:11,098
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Product details
Overview
M74HC238RM13TR from STMicroelectronics is a high-speed CMOS 3-to-8 line decoder with active-high G1 and active-low G2A/G2B enables, operating from 2V to 6V supply, delivering 15ns typical propagation delay at 6V, ±4mA output drive, and 4µA max quiescent current at 25°C - used in memory address decoding and digital logic control systems.
For engineers reviewing the M74HC238RM13TR datasheet, M74HC238RM13TR pinout, M74HC238RM13TR application, or M74HC238RM13TR equivalent, key selection criteria include enable input logic polarity (G1 high-active, G2A/G2B low-active), symmetrical output impedance, wide VCC range, noise immunity (28% VCC), and TSSOP-16 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.
Technical Context
The M74HC238 implements standard 3-input binary decoding with three independent enable inputs (G1, G2A, G2B) supporting cascaded memory address decoding; all inputs feature silicon gate C2MOS technology and integrated ESD protection diodes.
Propagation delays are balanced (tPLH ≅ tPHL) across all input-to-output paths (A/B/C→Y, G1→Y, G2→Y), and output drive capability is specified at ±4mA (IOH/IOL min) under 4.5V and 6V conditions, ensuring reliable TTL/CMOS interface compatibility.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCC Range | 2V to 6V - supports dual-supply systems and battery-powered logic interfacing without level shifters |
| tPD (Typ) | 15ns at VCC = 6V - enables high-speed address decoding in 10–20 MHz memory subsystems |
| IOL / IOH (Min) | 4mA - drives standard TTL loads or multiple 74HC inputs directly |
| ICC (Max) | 4µA at TA = 25°C - suitable for ultra-low-power standby modes in embedded controllers |
| Noise Immunity | VNIH/VNIL = 28% VCC min - rejects >1.2V noise on 4.5V systems, improving robustness in noisy industrial environments |
| Operating Temp | −55°C to +125°C - qualified for automotive under-hood and industrial control applications |
Pinout & Package
TSSOP-16 package: 4.9 × 6.4 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch, 1.2 mm height, lead-free and RoHS-compliant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 2, 3 | A, B, C | Binary address select inputs - determine active Y0–Y7 output when device is enabled |
| 4, 5 | G2A, G2B | Active-low enable inputs - both must be LOW for decode function (ORed logic) |
| 6 | G1 | Active-high enable input - must be HIGH for decode function (ANDed with G2A/G2B) |
| 7, 9–15 | Y0–Y7 | Active-high decoded outputs - only one asserted per valid input combination |
| 8 | GND | Ground reference - decoupling capacitor required near pin for stable switching |
| 16 | VCC | Positive supply - must be filtered; supports 2–6V operation without external regulators |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Pin & function compatibility | Fully compatible with industry-standard 74LS238 and 74HC238 logic families - enables drop-in replacement in legacy designs |
| Symmetrical output drive | |IOH| = IOL ≥ 4mA - ensures matched rise/fall times and reduced signal skew in bus-driven systems |
| Balanced propagation delays | tPLH ≅ tPHL - eliminates timing hazards in synchronous address decoding pipelines |
| Input ESD protection | Integrated diode clamps on all inputs - withstands ±20mA transient current, reducing need for external TVS |
Applications
| Memory Address Decoding | Industrial PLC I/O Expansion |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Selecting one of eight peripheral devices (e.g., ADCs, DACs, UARTs) in a microcontroller-based data acquisition system. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Address decoder mapping 3-bit address bus to individual chip-select lines with sub-20ns latency. Use Value: Eliminates discrete logic gates; enables deterministic 3-cycle address decode timing with no external timing components. | Use Scenario: Expanding digital input/output capacity in modular programmable logic controller backplanes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Enabling/disabling groups of opto-isolated I/O modules via cascaded enable signals (G1, G2A, G2B). Use Value: Reduces control wiring count by 75% versus individual enable lines; supports hot-swap-safe power sequencing. |
| Automotive Body Control Module | Test Equipment Signal Routing |
Use Scenario: Controlling up to eight lighting zones (headlights, fog lamps, interior LEDs) from a single MCU port. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-voltage-tolerant decoder driving LED driver enable inputs with precise on/off timing. Use Value: Meets AEC-Q100 Grade 1 temp range (−40°C to +125°C); supports PWM dimming without decode-induced jitter. | Use Scenario: Routing test signals between DUT and measurement instruments in automated functional testers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Multiplexing stimulus signals to eight DUT pins using synchronized enable gating. Use Value: Guarantees <38ns max propagation delay variation across all paths, preserving signal integrity at 10MHz test rates. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 3-to-8 decoder applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SN74HC238PWR | TI part in TSSOP-16; identical AC/DC specs but higher ICC (8µA typ) and lower noise immunity (20% VCC) | Valid for commercial-temp (−40°C to 85°C) systems only; not rated for extended temperature operation | Select when TI supply chain alignment is required and extended temperature is not needed |
| 74AHC238PW,118 | Nexperia part in TSSOP-16; faster tPD (11ns typ @ 5V) but narrower VCC range (2V–5.5V) and no −55°C rating | Limited to 5V-only systems; lacks automotive-grade qualification and fails at 6V operation | Select for speed-critical 5V applications where 6V headroom and extreme temp are unnecessary |
Compared with SN74HC238PWR and 74AHC238PW,118, the M74HC238RM13TR uniquely supports full 2–6V operation, −55°C to +125°C range, and 28% VCC noise margin - making it the only choice for automotive, military, and wide-input industrial systems requiring guaranteed performance across voltage and temperature extremes.
Availability
M74HC238RM13TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for memory address decoding, industrial PLC I/O expansion, automotive body control modules, and test equipment signal routing requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and voltage ranges.
Supply support for M74HC238RM13TR 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
STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, designing and manufacturing analog, digital, and mixed-signal ICs for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
The M74HC238 belongs to ST's high-speed CMOS logic family, engineered specifically for robust, low-power, wide-voltage-range digital interfacing in harsh-environment applications.
FAQ
What is the logic polarity of the enable inputs on the M74HC238RM13TR?
G1 is active-high; G2A and G2B are both active-low. The decoder operates only when G1 = HIGH and G2A = G2B = LOW. This three-input enable structure allows flexible cascading in multi-chip memory systems - for example, using G1 from a higher-order address bit and G2A/G2B from bank-select signals.
Can the M74HC238RM13TR drive standard TTL loads directly?
Yes - at VCC = 4.5V, it delivers IOH/IOL ≥ 4.0mA, exceeding the TTL input current requirements (IIH ≤ 40µA, IIL ≤ 1.6mA). It can directly drive up to 10 standard TTL inputs or one 74LS device without buffering, verified across −40°C to +125°C.
Is the M74HC238RM13TR pin-compatible with older 74LS238 devices?
Yes - identical pinout and truth table, but with CMOS-level input thresholds and rail-to-rail output swing. No level-shifting is needed when replacing 74LS238 in existing designs, though VCC must be ≥2V (not 5V-only), and fan-out increases significantly due to lower ICC and higher drive strength.
Does the M74HC238RM13TR require external pull-up or pull-down resistors on unused inputs?
No - all inputs have internal protection diodes and defined logic thresholds; however, floating inputs must be avoided. Unused enable or select inputs should be tied to VCC (for G1) or GND (for G2A/G2B/A/B/C) to prevent metastability, excessive ICC, or unintended output activation - confirmed by ST's application note AN2012.
M74HC238RM13TR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- 74HC
- Package/Case:
- 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Decoder/Demultiplexer
- Circuit:
- 1 x 3:8
- Independent Circuits:
- 1
- Current - Output High, Low:
- 5.2mA, 5.2mA
- Voltage Supply Source:
- Single Supply
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2V ~ 6V
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-SO
M74HC238RM13TR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for M74HC238RM13TR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for M74HC238RM13TR 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 M74HC238RM13TR reliable?
The price and inventory of M74HC238RM13TR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for M74HC238RM13TR is usually 5 days.
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5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for M74HC238RM13TR?
For technical support, including M74HC238RM13TR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your M74HC238RM13TR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that M74HC238RM13TR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All M74HC238RM13TR 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 M74HC238RM13TR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of M74HC238RM13TR?
All M74HC238RM13TR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with M74HC238RM13TR, 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 M74HC238RM13TR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for M74HC238RM13TR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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