CD74HC4538E Texas Instruments Integrated Circuit (Dual-In-Line Packages) In Stock

CD74HC4538E is a dual retriggerable precision monostable multivibrator in the HC CMOS family, offering 2 independent one-shot channels in a 16-pin DIP package operating at 2 V to 6 V.

ACTIVEIntegrated CircuitVerified Jun 2026
Package / Visual Reference
CD74HC4538EDual-In-Line Packages
Quick Facts
Manufacturer
Texas Instruments
Package
Dual-In-Line Packages
Pin Count
16
Lifecycle
ACTIVE
Category
Integrated Circuit
Price
From $0.2526(MOQ 1)
Temp Range
-55.0°C to 125.0°C
RoHS
Compliant
Lead Time
3–7 business days
Shipping
DHL Express · Worldwide

Key Features

  • Dual independent retriggerable monostable channels allow overlapping pulse generation without resetting the output prematurely
  • Precision external RC network sets pulse width from nanoseconds to seconds with high timing accuracy
  • HC CMOS family provides 50 pF load drive at 2 V to 6 V supply with low quiescent current for power-sensitive systems

Applications

CD74HC4538E is used in embedded systems and industrial controllers to generate precise timing pulses for debouncing switch inputs, creating power-on reset delays, and producing missing-pulse detector windows. Each of the 2 monostable channels can be independently triggered from rising or falling edges, making it suitable for pulse-stretching and timeout generation in motor control sequencers. Its 16-pin DIP form factor simplifies through-hole prototyping and repair of legacy relay logic and PLC I/O interface boards.

Specifications

Pbfree CodeYes
YTEOL15
FamilyHC/UH
JESD-30 CodeR-PDIP-T16
JESD-609 Codee4
Load Capacitance (CL)50pF
Logic IC TypeMONOSTABLE MULTIVIBRATOR
Max I(ol)0.0052A
Number of Bits2
Number of Data/Clock Inputs2
Number of Functions2
Output PolarityCOMPLEMENTARY
Package Body MaterialPLASTIC/EPOXY
Package Equivalence CodeDIP16,.3
Package ShapeRECTANGULAR
Package StyleIN-LINE
Packing MethodTUBE
Power Supply Current-Max (ICC)0.08mA
Propagation Delay (tpd)375ns
Qualification StatusNot Qualified
Supply Voltage-Max (Vsup)6V
Supply Voltage-Min (Vsup)2V
Supply Voltage-Nom (Vsup)4.5V
Surface MountNO
TechnologyCMOS
Temperature GradeMILITARY
Terminal FinishNickel/Palladium/Gold (Ni/Pd/Au)
Terminal FormTHROUGH-HOLE
Terminal Pitch2.54mm
Terminal PositionDUAL
PackageDual-In-Line Packages

Compliance & Regulatory

RoHS StatusCompliant
Lead-FreeYes (Pb-Free)
ECCNEAR99
HTS Code8542.39.00.90
Country of OriginMalaysia, Mexico

Datasheet

CD74HC4538E Datasheet Download

Official datasheet from Texas Instruments

Alternate & Equivalent Parts

Compatible alternatives and drop-in replacements for CD74HC4538E:

CD74HC4538EE4Texas Instruments

Monostable Multivibrator, HC/UH Series, 2-Func, CMOS, PDIP16

View Part →

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the output pulse width set on CD74HC4538E and what component values are typically used?

The output pulse width on CD74HC4538E is determined by an external resistor and capacitor connected to the REXT and CEXT pins, following the relationship tw = 0.7 × R × C. A 100 kΩ resistor and 100 nF capacitor produce approximately 7 ms pulse width. Resistor values from 5 kΩ to 100 MΩ and capacitor values from 0 pF to several hundred microfarads allow pulse widths spanning nanoseconds to tens of seconds.

What advantage does the retriggerable characteristic of CD74HC4538E offer in a watchdog or missing-pulse detector circuit?

Because CD74HC4538E is retriggerable, each new input pulse before the timing period expires restarts the 16-pin device's output high interval without glitching. In a missing-pulse detector running at 50 Hz repetition, the output stays high as long as input pulses arrive within the set window of, for example, 25 ms. If a pulse is missed, the output transitions after the RC-programmed timeout, signaling a fault to a microcontroller interrupt pin.

When is CD74HC4538E a better choice than a microcontroller timer peripheral for pulse generation?

CD74HC4538E is preferred when a hardware one-shot is needed independent of software execution, such as generating a guaranteed 5 ms power-on reset pulse that must assert before the CPU clock starts. It draws only microamperes in standby at 3.3 V or 5 V supply, whereas keeping a microcontroller active solely for timing wastes milliamps continuously. For 2-channel needs with through-hole 16-pin DIP assembly, the CD74HC4538E is also significantly cheaper than adding an MCU.

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About Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments (TI) is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Dallas, Texas. TI designs and manufactures analog and embedded processing chips used in industrial, automotive, consumer, communications, and enterprise systems.

AvailabilityIn Stock
Reference Price (USD)
From $0.2526
Buy from 1pc · Factory-direct pricing
Qty.Unit PriceExt. Price
1+$0.7196$0.72
25+$0.2879$7.20
100000+$0.2526$25260.00
pcs
Unit price: $0.7196 · Total: $0.72

In Stock · 24h Response · Worldwide Shipping

Lead Time3-7 business days
MOQFrom 1 piece
ShippingDHL / FedEx / UPS
OriginChina (Authorized)

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