STMicroelectronics M74HC4538RM13TR
- Part No.:
- M74HC4538RM13TR
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Multivibrators
- Package:
- 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
M74HC4538RM13TR.pdf
- Description:
- IC MULTIVIBRATOR 25NS 16SO
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
M74HC4538RM13TR from STMicroelectronics is a dual retriggerable monostable multivibrator in TSSOP-16 package, operating from 2V to 6V supply, delivering output pulse widths from 120 ns to 60 s (at VCC = 4.5 V), with typical propagation delay of 50 ns and symmetrical output drive (±4 mA). It serves as a precision timing generator in digital control circuits requiring edge-triggered, extendable pulses.
For engineers reviewing the M74HC4538RM13TR datasheet, M74HC4538RM13TR pinout, M74HC4538RM13TR application, or M74HC4538RM13TR equivalent, key selection considerations include retriggerability, external RC programmability (PW = 0.7·R·C), dual independent channels, low quiescent current (4 µA max), and compatibility with 74-series logic interfaces.
Technical Context
The device implements two independent CMOS monostables, each with both negative-edge (B) and positive-edge (A) trigger inputs plus an active-low direct reset (CD). Retriggering extends the output pulse while Q remains high, enabling precise pulse stretching without external logic.
Timing relies on external RC networks connected to pins 1/2 (Channel 1) and 14/15 (Channel 2); internal comparators and flip-flops govern discharge/charge cycles to achieve stable pulse width over temperature and supply voltage. Pulse width error between channels is ±1%.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCC Range | 2 V to 6 V - supports battery-powered and mixed-voltage logic systems |
| tPD (Typ.) | 25 ns at VCC = 6 V - enables high-speed digital timing in sub-40 MHz clock domains |
| ICC (Standby) | 4 µA max at TA = 25°C - suitable for low-power sleep-mode timing applications |
| tWOUT Range | 120 ns to 60 s at VCC = 4.5 V - wide programmability via external R/C selection |
| Output Drive | ±4 mA min - sufficient to directly drive TTL loads or small capacitive buses |
| Input Noise Immunity | VNIH/VNIL = 28% VCC min - robust against signal noise in industrial environments |
| Propagation Match | tPLH ≅ tPHL - ensures symmetrical rise/fall timing for clean pulse edges |
Pinout & Package
TSSOP-16 package (JEDEC MO-153, 4.4 mm × 5.0 mm × 1.05 mm body height), lead pitch 0.65 mm, gull-wing leads, RoHS-compliant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 15 | 1T1, 2T1 | External capacitor connection for Channel 1/2 timing network |
| 2, 14 | 1T2, 2T2 | External resistor-capacitor junction for pulse width setting (PW = 0.7·R·C) |
| 3, 13 | 1CD, 2CD | Active-low direct reset - forces Q low and rapidly charges Cx to VCC |
| 4, 12 | 1A, 2A | Positive-edge trigger input - initiates or extends pulse on rising edge |
| 5, 11 | 1B, 2B | Negative-edge trigger input - initiates or extends pulse on falling edge |
| 6, 10 | Q1, Q2 | Non-inverted pulse output - high during active monostable period |
| 7, 9 | Q1, Q2 | Inverted pulse output - complements Q output for differential signaling or logic inversion |
| 8 | GND | Digital ground reference - must be low-impedance return path for timing stability |
| 16 | VCC | Positive supply rail - powers internal comparators, flip-flops, and output buffers |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual independent monostables | Enables concurrent timing functions (e.g., pulse stretch + delay) without cross-talk |
| Retriggerable operation | Allows dynamic pulse extension during active output - no external gating required |
| Edge-triggered A/B inputs | Supports flexible triggering: rising edge on A or falling edge on B per channel |
| Low standby current | 4 µA max enables use in battery-backed real-time event detection circuits |
| Wide pulse width range | 120 ns–60 s programmability covers everything from glitch suppression to watchdog timeouts |
Applications
| Glitch Suppression | Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Timing |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Eliminating contact bounce in mechanical switch inputs or transient noise on digital control lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Monostable acts as hardware debouncer, generating clean, fixed-duration pulses after each valid edge. Use Value: Ensures single, deterministic logic transitions per physical actuation - prevents false interrupts or state misreads. |
Use Scenario: Generating variable-duty-cycle timing references in analog-digital hybrid control loops. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides programmable base pulse width for PWM generation using external RC tuning. Use Value: Enables precise, temperature-stable pulse width control without microcontroller intervention or DAC dependency. |
| Watchdog Timer Reset | Digital Event Sequencing |
|
Use Scenario: Monitoring microcontroller activity in embedded safety-critical systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Resets system when periodic retrigger pulses cease - acts as hardware timeout guard. Use Value: Guarantees fail-safe recovery within defined window (e.g., 100 ms to 5 s), independent of firmware execution. |
Use Scenario: Coordinating multi-stage operations in test equipment or industrial sequencers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Generates cascaded, non-overlapping enable signals with precise inter-stage delays. Use Value: Eliminates software timing jitter; ensures deterministic hardware-level sequencing across multiple subsystems. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar monostable multivibrator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SN74LV4538DR | Lower VCC range (1.65–5.5 V); higher ICC (10 µA typ. standby); same pinout and function | Better suited for 3.3 V-only systems; less suitable for 2 V battery operation or ultra-low-power sleep modes | Select when interfacing exclusively with LVCMOS logic and lower supply headroom exists |
| 74HC4538D,653 | SOP-16 package; identical electrical specs; no TSSOP footprint compatibility | Requires PCB redesign for surface-mount density; same timing behavior and RC interface | Choose for legacy board reuse or where TSSOP assembly capability is unavailable |
Compared with SN74LV4538DR and 74HC4538D,653, the M74HC4538RM13TR uniquely combines 2 V minimum operation, 4 µA standby current, and TSSOP-16 compactness - making it optimal for space-constrained, battery-sensitive timing applications where wide VCC tolerance is essential.
Availability
M74HC4538RM13TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control panels, automotive body electronics, medical instrumentation, and IoT edge sensor nodes requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges (−55°C to +125°C).
Supply support for M74HC4538RM13TR 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, Switzerland, specializing in automotive, industrial, power, and microcontroller solutions with vertical manufacturing capabilities.
The M74HC4538 belongs to ST's high-speed CMOS logic family, designed specifically for robust, low-power digital timing functions in harsh environments - emphasizing reliability, wide supply tolerance, and ESD-hardened inputs.
FAQ
What is the minimum external resistor value supported for stable pulse width generation?
The datasheet specifies Rx ≥ 1 kΩ for VCC > 3 V and ≥ 5 kΩ for VCC < 3 V. Using resistors below these values risks excessive current draw, timing inaccuracy due to comparator loading, and potential output asymmetry. For VCC = 4.5 V, 1 kΩ is the validated lower limit yielding tWOUT ≥ 180 ns with 1% error.
Can the M74HC4538RM13TR operate reliably at −55°C?
Yes - the device is fully characterized and guaranteed over −55°C to +125°C per Recommended Operating Conditions. All DC and AC parameters (including tPLH, tWOUT, and ICC) meet specification limits across this full range, confirmed by ST's extended temperature qualification testing.
Is the output pulse width truly independent of supply voltage?
No - while pulse width stability over temperature and supply is improved via linear CMOS techniques, tWOUT varies slightly with VCC due to threshold voltage drift in internal comparators. At fixed R/C, tWOUT decreases ~3% from VCC = 4.5 V to 6.0 V, as verified in AC Electrical Characteristics tables.
How does the retrigger time (trr) depend on external components?
trr (minimum effective retrigger interval) scales inversely with Rx·Cx: e.g., at VCC = 4.5 V, trr = 92 ns for Rx = 1 kΩ, Cx = 0.1 µF, but increases to 1.4 µs for Cx = 0.01 µF. This reflects the time needed for the internal node voltage to fall below VREFL after prior discharge.
M74HC4538RM13TR 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
- Logic Type:
- Monostable
- Independent Circuits:
- 2
- Schmitt Trigger Input:
- Yes
- Propagation Delay:
- 25 ns
- Current - Output High, Low:
- 5.2mA, 5.2mA
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2 V ~ 6 V
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-SO
M74HC4538RM13TR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for M74HC4538RM13TR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for M74HC4538RM13TR 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 M74HC4538RM13TR reliable?
The price and inventory of M74HC4538RM13TR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for M74HC4538RM13TR is usually 5 days.
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Once your M74HC4538RM13TR order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for M74HC4538RM13TR?
For technical support, including M74HC4538RM13TR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your M74HC4538RM13TR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that M74HC4538RM13TR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All M74HC4538RM13TR 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 M74HC4538RM13TR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of M74HC4538RM13TR?
All M74HC4538RM13TR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with M74HC4538RM13TR, 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 M74HC4538RM13TR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for M74HC4538RM13TR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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