Texas Instruments SN74LVC138ARSVR
- Part No.:
- SN74LVC138ARSVR
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Signal Switches, Multiplexers, Decoders
- Package:
- 16-UFQFN
- Datasheet:
-
SN74LVC138ARSVR.pdf
- Description:
- IC DECODER/DEMUX 1X3:8 16UQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SN74LVC138ARSVR from Texas Instruments is a 3-line to 8-line decoder/demultiplexer IC operating from 1.65 V to 3.6 V, featuring active-low G2A/G2B and active-high G1 enables, propagation delay as low as 5.8 ns at 3.3 V, and 5.5-V-tolerant inputs. It drives LED matrix column selection in embedded display systems with precise single-output activation.
For engineers reviewing the SN74LVC138ARSVR datasheet, SN74LVC138ARSVR pinout, SN74LVC138ARSVR application, or SN74LVC138ARSVR equivalent, key selection criteria include supply voltage range (1.65–3.6 V), enable logic configuration (two active-low + one active-high), output drive capability (±24 mA), propagation delay vs. VCC dependency, and compatibility with mixed-voltage 3.3-V/5-V interface environments.
Technical Context
The SN74LVC138ARSVR implements combinational logic decoding using three binary select inputs (A, B, C) to activate exactly one of eight active-low outputs (Y0–Y7), with all other outputs held high. Its triple-enable architecture-G1 (active-high), G2A and G2B (both active-low)-enables hierarchical expansion without external inverters, supporting up to 32-line decoding with only one added inverter.
Designed for high-speed memory decoding and data routing, it delivers sub-6 ns propagation delay at 3.3 V while maintaining robust noise margins: typical VOLP < 0.8 V and VOHV > 2 V at VCC = 3.3 V, TA = 25°C. Input tolerance to 5.5 V allows direct interfacing with legacy 5-V logic in mixed-supply systems.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.65 V to 3.6 V - supports modern low-voltage I/O domains including 1.8-V and 2.5-V logic families. |
| Propagation Delay (tpd) | 5.8 ns max at VCC = 3.3 V - enables timing-critical address decoding in fast memory subsystems. |
| Input Voltage Tolerance | Up to 5.5 V - permits direct connection to 5-V microcontrollers or FPGAs without level-shifting circuitry. |
| Output Drive Strength | ±24 mA at VCC = 3.0 V - sufficient for driving LED columns or TTL-compatible loads directly. |
| Enable Logic | G1 (active-high), G2A & G2B (active-low) - allows flexible cascading and hierarchical decoding with minimal external logic. |
| Operating Temperature | –40°C to +85°C - qualified for industrial-grade embedded applications including automation and infrastructure. |
| ESD Rating (HBM) | 2000 V - meets JEDEC JS-001 standard for robust handling in automated assembly environments. |
Pinout & Package
SN74LVC138ARSVR is packaged in a 16-pin TVSOP (DGV) package measuring 3.60 mm × 4.40 mm, optimized for space-constrained PCB layouts while maintaining thermal performance (RθJA = 122.1°C/W).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (G2B) | Active-low enable input B | Must be LOW to enable decoding; used with G2A and G1 for hierarchical control. |
| 2 (G2A) | Active-low enable input A | Second active-low enable; both G2A and G2B must be LOW for device activation. |
| 3 (G1) | Active-high enable input | Must be HIGH to enable decoding; complements dual active-low enables for flexible gating. |
| 4 (C) | Most significant select input | MSB of 3-bit address bus; determines higher-order output group (Y4–Y7 vs Y0–Y3). |
| 5 (B) | Mid-significance select input | Second bit of address; combined with A and C to uniquely select one of eight outputs. |
| 6 (A) | Least significant select input | LSB of address; final bit determining exact output line (e.g., A=0,B=0,C=0 → Y0). |
| 7 (Y7) | Active-low output 7 | Only output driven LOW when A=1,B=1,C=1 and all enables are asserted; others remain HIGH. |
| 8 (GND) | Ground reference | Primary return path for all internal logic and output currents; requires low-impedance PCB plane. |
| 9 (Y6) | Active-low output 6 | Asserted LOW for address 110₂; shares same timing and drive characteristics as all Yx outputs. |
| 10 (Y5) | Active-low output 5 | Asserted LOW for address 101₂; electrically identical to Y0–Y7 with matched skew (tsk(o) ≤ 1 ns). |
| 11 (Y4) | Active-low output 4 | Asserted LOW for address 100₂; supports uniform load distribution across all eight outputs. |
| 12 (Y3) | Active-low output 3 | Asserted LOW for address 011₂; designed for simultaneous switching with minimal ground bounce. |
| 13 (Y2) | Active-low output 2 | Asserted LOW for address 010₂; maintains consistent VOL/VOLP specs across full VCC range. |
| 14 (Y1) | Active-low output 1 | Asserted LOW for address 001₂; compatible with standard CMOS and LVTTL input thresholds. |
| 15 (Y0) | Active-low output 0 | Asserted LOW for address 000₂; least significant output, commonly used for default or reset paths. |
| 16 (VCC) | Positive supply rail | Power input for core logic and output drivers; requires local 0.1-µF bypass capacitor per TI layout guidelines. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Wide supply range (1.65–3.6 V) | Enables interoperability across 1.8-V, 2.5-V, and 3.3-V system domains without voltage translation. |
| 5.5-V-tolerant inputs | Eliminates need for external level shifters when interfacing with 5-V controllers or legacy peripherals. |
| Sub-6 ns propagation delay at 3.3 V | Reduces effective system latency in memory decode paths, enabling faster access cycles in SRAM/Flash systems. |
| Triple enable architecture (G1, G2A, G2B) | Supports seamless 24-line decoding without inverters and 32-line decoding with only one external inverter. |
| Low ground bounce (VOLP < 0.8 V) | Maintains signal integrity during simultaneous output switching, critical for noise-sensitive analog co-location. |
| Latch-up immunity > 250 mA | Ensures robust operation under transient overvoltage or ESD events per JESD17 compliance. |
Applications
| LED Matrix Column Driver | Memory Address Decoder |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Driving cathode columns of an 8×8 monochrome LED display using row-scanning technique. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Acts as low-side column selector; each Yx output sinks current for one column while A/B/C inputs sequence through rows. Use Value: Ensures only one column is active at a time, preventing ghosting and enabling uniform brightness via PWM dimming on row lines. |
Use Scenario: Decoding upper address bits in a microcontroller-based system with multiple memory banks (e.g., Flash, SRAM, peripheral registers). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Translates 3-bit chip-select address into individual bank enables, minimizing CPU wait states via fast tpd. Use Value: Reduces external logic count and board area versus discrete gate solutions while maintaining deterministic access timing. |
| Industrial I/O Expander Interface | Programmable Logic Enable Controller |
|
Use Scenario: Selecting among eight sensor input channels in a factory automation PLC module. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Routes analog sensor signals to a shared ADC input by enabling one channel at a time via Yx outputs. Use Value: Provides deterministic channel isolation and eliminates crosstalk risk inherent in analog multiplexers with higher on-resistance. |
Use Scenario: Controlling power-up sequencing of FPGA configuration peripherals (e.g., flash, clock generator, transceivers). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Generates timed enable pulses using G1/G2A/G2B as state-controlled gates synchronized to reset assertion. Use Value: Replaces CPLD-based sequencers in cost-sensitive designs while guaranteeing monotonic enable ordering. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 3-to-8 decoder/demultiplexer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SN74HC138N | Higher VCC range (2–6 V), slower tpd (21 ns @ 4.5 V), no 5.5-V-tolerant inputs | Suitable for legacy 5-V-only systems; not recommended for mixed 1.8/3.3/5-V interfaces | Choose SN74HC138N only if operating exclusively above 4.5 V and timing budget allows ≥20 ns delay. |
| 74LVC138APW,118 | Same logic function and electrical specs, but in TSSOP-16 (5.00 mm × 4.40 mm) instead of TVSOP-16 | Requires PCB footprint change; slightly higher RθJA (108.9°C/W vs 122.1°C/W) but better mechanical rigidity | Select 74LVC138APW,118 when board-level vibration resistance or hand-soldering feasibility is prioritized over minimal footprint. |
Compared with SN74HC138N and 74LVC138APW,118, the SN74LVC138ARSVR offers optimal balance of low-voltage operation, 5-V tolerance, and compact TVSOP packaging-making it the preferred choice for space-constrained, multi-rail embedded systems requiring sub-6 ns timing.
Availability
SN74LVC138ARSVR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED matrix displays, industrial I/O modules, and memory-mapped peripheral interfaces requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for SN74LVC138ARSVR 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 specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies, with decades of expertise in logic IC design and high-volume manufacturing.
The SN74LVC138ARSVR belongs to TI's LVC (Low-Voltage CMOS) logic family, engineered for low-power, high-speed digital interfacing in portable, industrial, and automotive applications where voltage scalability and noise immunity are critical.
FAQ
What is the minimum supply voltage required for reliable operation of the SN74LVC138ARSVR?
The SN74LVC138ARSVR is specified to operate reliably down to 1.65 V, as confirmed in the Recommended Operating Conditions table of its official datasheet. Below this voltage, parameters such as propagation delay, output drive strength, and input threshold behavior are not guaranteed. At 1.65 V, the device still delivers usable performance-including ±4 mA output drive and functional decoding-with appropriate derating of timing margins.
Can the SN74LVC138ARSVR safely interface with 5-V microcontrollers without level shifters?
Yes, the SN74LVC138ARSVR supports input voltages up to 5.5 V independent of VCC, allowing direct connection to 5-V GPIOs or address buses. This is explicitly documented in the "Inputs Accept Voltages to 5.5 V" feature and Electrical Characteristics section. However, outputs remain clamped to VCC, so downstream 5-V receivers require pull-up resistors or compatible input thresholds.
How does the enable logic of the SN74LVC138ARSVR differ from standard 74-series decoders?
The SN74LVC138ARSVR uses a unique triple-enable structure: one active-high (G1) and two active-low (G2A, G2B) inputs. All three must be simultaneously asserted (G1 = HIGH, G2A = LOW, G2B = LOW) to activate decoding. This differs from older 74LS138 variants that use only two active-low enables, offering greater flexibility in hierarchical decoding and reducing external logic for multi-chip select schemes.
What is the maximum output current per Yx pin on the SN74LVC138ARSVR?
The SN74LVC138ARSVR supports up to ±24 mA DC output current per Yx pin at VCC = 3.0 V, as specified in the Recommended Operating Conditions table. This rating applies to both sourcing (IOH) and sinking (IOL) modes. Sustained operation near this limit requires attention to thermal dissipation-especially in the TVSOP package-due to its RθJA of 122.1°C/W.
Is the SN74LVC138ARSVR pin-compatible with other packages in the SN74LVC138A family?
No-SN74LVC138ARSVR uses the TVSOP-16 (DGV) package, which has a distinct 3.60 mm × 4.40 mm footprint and lead pitch (0.65 mm). It is not mechanically or solder-reflow compatible with SOIC-16 (D), SSOP-16 (DB), or TSSOP-16 (PW) variants, despite sharing identical logic functionality and pin numbering. PCB layout and stencil design must be specific to the DGV package.
SN74LVC138ARSVR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- 74LVC
- Package/Case:
- 16-UFQFN
- 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:
- 1.65V ~ 3.6V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-UQFN (2.6x1.8)
SN74LVC138ARSVR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SN74LVC138ARSVR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SN74LVC138ARSVR 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 SN74LVC138ARSVR reliable?
The price and inventory of SN74LVC138ARSVR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SN74LVC138ARSVR is usually 5 days.
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Once your SN74LVC138ARSVR 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 SN74LVC138ARSVR?
For technical support, including SN74LVC138ARSVR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SN74LVC138ARSVR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SN74LVC138ARSVR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SN74LVC138ARSVR 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 SN74LVC138ARSVR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SN74LVC138ARSVR?
All SN74LVC138ARSVR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SN74LVC138ARSVR, 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 SN74LVC138ARSVR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SN74LVC138ARSVR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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