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Texas Instruments SN74AC238PWRQ1
- Part No.:
- SN74AC238PWRQ1
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Signal Switches, Multiplexers, Decoders
- Package:
- 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
SN74AC238PWRQ1.pdf
- Description:
- Automotive 1.5V to 6V, 3-Line t
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,949
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Product details
Overview
SN74AC238PWRQ1 from Texas Instruments is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 automotive 3-line-to-8-line decoder/demultiplexer with non-inverted outputs, operating from 1.5V to 6V supply, delivering ≤10ns propagation delay at 5V/50pF, and supporting ±24mA continuous output drive. It serves as a memory chip-select decoder in shared-bus automotive control modules.
For engineers reviewing the SN74AC238PWRQ1 datasheet, SN74AC238PWRQ1 pinout, SN74AC238PWRQ1 application, or SN74AC238PWRQ1 equivalent, key selection considerations include its triple strobe-enabled output gating (G0, G1, G2), wettable-flank TSSOP-16 package for AOI-compatible solder joint inspection, automotive temperature range (–40°C to +125°C), and CMOS push-pull output compatibility with 50Ω transmission lines.
Technical Context
The SN74AC238PWRQ1 implements a positive-logic 3:8 decoder with three active-low output strobes (G0, G1) and one active-high strobe (G2), enabling hierarchical cascading and demultiplexing functions. All outputs are forced low when any strobe is asserted, and only one output goes high per valid address combination (A2:A0).
Its balanced CMOS push-pull outputs support bidirectional current sourcing/sinking up to ±24mA continuously and ±75mA in short bursts, while input voltage tolerance extends to 6V regardless of VCC - allowing mixed-voltage interfacing. The device uses silicon-gate CMOS technology with standard CMOS inputs requiring fast edge rates (≤20 ns/V at 5V) to prevent oscillation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.5V to 6V - enables direct interface with 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V, and 5V logic domains without level shifters. |
| Propagation Delay (tpd) | ≤10ns at 5V/50pF - ensures timing-critical address decoding in high-speed microcontroller bus systems. |
| Output Drive (Continuous) | ±24mA at 5V - sufficient to directly drive multiple CMOS inputs or small-signal loads without external buffers. |
| ESD Rating (HBM) | ±2000V - meets AEC-Q100-002 Level 2 for robustness in automotive assembly and field environments. |
| Operating Temperature | –40°C to +125°C (Grade 1) - qualified for under-hood and powertrain control unit deployment. |
| Input Voltage Tolerance | Up to 6V independent of VCC - allows safe interfacing with higher-voltage control signals in mixed-supply systems. |
| Package Type | TSSOP-16 (PW) with wettable flanks - supports automated optical inspection (AOI) of solder joints for automotive manufacturing traceability. |
Pinout & Package
TSSOP-16 (PW) package: 5mm × 6.4mm body with 0.65mm pitch, wettable flank leads for AOI-compliant solder fillet inspection. Thermal pad not present - unlike WQFN variant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A0, A1, A2 | Address select inputs | Binary-encoded 3-bit input determining which of eight outputs (Y0–Y7) is asserted high. |
| G0, G1 | Active-low output strobes | When low, force all outputs low - used for enable/disable control and cascade chaining. |
| G2 | Active-high output strobe | When high, enables decoding; when low, disables all outputs - provides complementary gating flexibility. |
| Y0–Y7 | Non-inverted decoded outputs | Each output goes high only when selected by A2:A0 and all strobes are inactive - ideal for chip-select assertion. |
| VCC | Positive supply | Supplies power for internal logic and output drivers; must be bypassed with 0.1µF capacitor near pin. |
| GND | Ground reference | Return path for all output sink current and internal logic; requires low-impedance connection to minimize noise. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification | Validated for automotive use across –40°C to +125°C ambient, including HBM ±2000V and CDM ±1000V ESD robustness. |
| Triple strobe architecture (G0/G1/G2) | Enables flexible output gating: two active-low and one active-high strobes allow hierarchical demux tree construction. |
| Wettable flank TSSOP package | Facilitates automated optical inspection of side solder fillets - critical for zero-defect automotive PCB assembly compliance. |
| 50Ω transmission line drive capability | Outputs are impedance-matched for clean signal routing on controlled-impedance traces without external termination. |
| Wide 1.5V–6V VCC range | Eliminates need for level translators when interfacing with legacy 5V controllers or modern low-voltage MCUs. |
Applications
| Memory Address Decoding | Multi-Device Bus Arbitration |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Microcontroller selects among eight flash memory or EEPROM devices sharing a common data bus in an ADAS domain controller. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SN74AC238PWRQ1 acts as a chip-select decoder, asserting one Yx output per A2:A0 address to enable only the targeted memory IC. Use Value: Reduces GPIO count required for memory selection from eight dedicated lines to three address + three strobe lines - saving MCU pins and simplifying layout. |
Use Scenario: Central gateway ECU routes CAN/FlexRay messages to eight peripheral sensor nodes via shared serial interface lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SN74AC238PWRQ1 functions as a demultiplexer, using strobes to gate data flow to individual sensor interfaces based on command address. Use Value: Enables single-controller arbitration over eight downstream devices without bus contention - improving system-level determinism and fault isolation. |
| Power Domain Sequencing Control | Diagnostic Output Multiplexing |
|
Use Scenario: Body control module sequences activation of eight subsystems (e.g., lighting zones, HVAC actuators) during vehicle power-up. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SN74AC238PWRQ1 decodes wake-up command bits to assert individual enable signals, synchronized with power rail ramp timing. Use Value: Provides deterministic, glitch-free power sequencing with minimal firmware overhead - avoiding race conditions during cold start. |
Use Scenario: Engine control unit multiplexes eight diagnostic LED indicators onto a single status reporting line for dashboard feedback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SN74AC238PWRQ1 routes diagnostic pulses from internal logic to discrete Yx outputs driving LEDs or optocouplers. Use Value: Supports real-time visual diagnostics without adding microcontroller I/O or external logic - reducing BOM cost and board area. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SN74LV238APWR | Lower voltage range (1.65V–5.5V); slower max tpd (13.5ns @ 3.3V); no AEC-Q100 qualification. | Targeted at industrial/commercial systems without automotive reliability requirements. | Choose for cost-sensitive non-automotive designs where Grade 1 temp range and AEC-Q100 are unnecessary. |
| 74AC138SCX | Same AC logic family but non-automotive; lacks wettable flanks and AEC-Q100 test documentation. | Used in legacy automotive programs where qualification evidence is managed externally. | Acceptable only if full AEC-Q100 documentation and wettable flank AOI support are not contractually mandated. |
Compared with SN74LV238APWR and 74AC138SCX, the SN74AC238PWRQ1 uniquely combines automotive qualification, wettable flank packaging, and 10ns propagation at 5V - making it the sole option for new AEC-Q100-compliant designs requiring production-ready AOI traceability and high-speed decoding.
Availability
SN74AC238PWRQ1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ADAS control units, powertrain ECUs, and body electronics modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for SN74AC238PWRQ1 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 company specializing in analog, embedded processing, and automotive-grade logic solutions with decades of automotive qualification expertise.
The SN74AC238PWRQ1 belongs to TI's automotive-qualified AC logic family, designed specifically for high-reliability address decoding and signal routing in safety-critical vehicle subsystems operating from –40°C to +125°C.
FAQ
What is the maximum propagation delay of the SN74AC238PWRQ1 at 3.3V operation?
The SN74AC238PWRQ1 exhibits a maximum propagation delay (tpd) of 13.8ns at 3.3V with 50pF load, as specified in the Switching Characteristics table. This value applies to transitions from any address or strobe input to any Y output under worst-case temperature and voltage conditions across the –40°C to +125°C range. The typical value is 9.2ns.
Does the SN74AC238PWRQ1 support 1.8V logic interfaces?
Yes, the SN74AC238PWRQ1 supports 1.8V operation: its recommended VCC range includes 1.8V, and input thresholds (VIH = 1.26V min, VIL = 0.54V max) are compatible with standard 1.8V CMOS logic levels. Output VOH/VOL specifications are guaranteed at 1.8V with appropriate load conditions.
Can unused inputs on the SN74AC238PWRQ1 be left floating?
No, unused inputs on the SN74AC238PWRQ1 must never be left floating. Standard CMOS inputs require termination to VCC or GND - either directly or via a 10kΩ pull-up/down resistor - to prevent excessive power consumption, oscillation, or undefined output states. This is explicitly required per TI's design guidelines.
Is the SN74AC238PWRQ1 pin-compatible with the commercial SN74AC238PWR?
No - the SN74AC238PWRQ1 and SN74AC238PWR share identical pinout and function but differ in qualification: SN74AC238PWRQ1 is AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified with automotive-specific test reports and wettable flank packaging, whereas SN74AC238PWR is commercial-grade. Pin compatibility exists, but automotive use requires the Q1 suffix part.
What thermal metrics apply to the SN74AC238PWRQ1 in TSSOP-16 package?
The SN74AC238PWRQ1 in PW (TSSOP-16) package has RθJA = 141.8°C/W, RθJC(top) = 74°C/W, and RθJB = 87.1°C/W. These values define junction-to-ambient, junction-to-case (top), and junction-to-board thermal resistance respectively - essential for calculating temperature rise under expected power dissipation in automotive mounting configurations.
SN74AC238PWRQ1 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- 74AC
- Package/Case:
- 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Decoder/Demultiplexer
- Circuit:
- 1 x 3:8
- Independent Circuits:
- 1
- Current - Output High, Low:
- 24mA, 24mA
- Voltage Supply Source:
- Single Supply
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.5V ~ 6V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q100
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-TSSOP
SN74AC238PWRQ1 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SN74AC238PWRQ1 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SN74AC238PWRQ1 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 SN74AC238PWRQ1 reliable?
The price and inventory of SN74AC238PWRQ1 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SN74AC238PWRQ1 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SN74AC238PWRQ1?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SN74AC238PWRQ1 transactions.
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4.How is shipping managed for SN74AC238PWRQ1?
SN74AC238PWRQ1 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SN74AC238PWRQ1 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 SN74AC238PWRQ1?
For technical support, including SN74AC238PWRQ1 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SN74AC238PWRQ1 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SN74AC238PWRQ1 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SN74AC238PWRQ1 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 SN74AC238PWRQ1 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SN74AC238PWRQ1?
All SN74AC238PWRQ1 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SN74AC238PWRQ1, 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 SN74AC238PWRQ1 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SN74AC238PWRQ1:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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