SN74HC238N Texas Instruments Integrated Circuit (Dual-In-Line Packages) In Stock
The SN74HC238N is a 3-line to 8-line decoder with active-high outputs in the high-speed HC CMOS logic family. It operates from 2 V to 6 V supply and decodes 3 binary address inputs into 8 mutually exclusive output lines with enable control. Available in a 16-pin DIP package for through-hole address decoding and memory bank selection.
- Manufacturer
- Texas Instruments
- Package
- Dual-In-Line Packages
- Pin Count
- 16
- Lifecycle
- OBSOLETE
- Datasheet
- SN74HC238N Datasheet PDF
- Category
- Integrated Circuit
- Temp Range
- -40.0°C to 85.0°C
- RoHS
- Compliant
- Lead Time
- 3–7 business days
- Shipping
- DHL Express · Worldwide
Key Features
- 3-to-8 line active-high decoding enabling direct chip-select generation without external inverters
- Wide 2 V to 6 V supply range compatible with 3.3 V and 5 V logic systems in the HC family
- Three enable inputs allowing cascading of multiple SN74HC238N devices to expand decoding up to 4-to-16 lines
Applications
The SN74HC238N is used in microprocessor memory address decoders, I/O port expanders, and bus demultiplexers for 8-bit and 16-bit embedded systems. Its three enable inputs allow designers to cascade two devices to decode 4 address bits into 16 chip-select lines, scaling address space in 6802 or Z80 type systems. Hobbyist and prototyping boards also rely on its 16-pin DIP footprint for easy breadboard and through-hole assembly without surface-mount equipment.
Specifications
| Pbfree Code | No |
| YTEOL | 0 |
| Family | HC/UH |
| Input Conditioning | STANDARD |
| JESD-30 Code | R-PDIP-T16 |
| Load Capacitance (CL) | 50pF |
| Logic IC Type | 3-LINE TO 8-LINE DECODER |
| Max I(ol) | 0.0052A |
| Number of Functions | 1 |
| Output Polarity | TRUE |
| Package Body Material | PLASTIC/EPOXY |
| Package Equivalence Code | DIP16,.3 |
| Package Shape | RECTANGULAR |
| Package Style | IN-LINE |
| Power Supply Current-Max (ICC) | 0.08mA |
| Prop. Delay@Nom-Sup | 45ns |
| Propagation Delay (tpd) | 225ns |
| Qualification Status | Not Qualified |
| Supply Voltage-Max (Vsup) | 6V |
| Supply Voltage-Min (Vsup) | 2V |
| Supply Voltage-Nom (Vsup) | 5V |
| Surface Mount | NO |
| Technology | CMOS |
| Temperature Grade | INDUSTRIAL |
| Terminal Form | THROUGH-HOLE |
| Terminal Pitch | 2.54mm |
| Terminal Position | DUAL |
| Package | Dual-In-Line Packages |
Compliance & Regulatory
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes (Pb-Free) |
| ECCN | EAR99 |
| HTS Code | 8542.39.00.60 |
Alternate & Equivalent Parts
No known alternates. Submit an RFQ and our team can suggest alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chip-select lines can be generated with a single SN74HC238N in a memory decoding circuit?
A single SN74HC238N decodes 3 binary address inputs into 8 mutually exclusive active-high outputs, generating 8 individual chip-select lines. Each output drives 5.2 mA maximum, sufficient to directly enable standard SRAM, EPROM, and peripheral chips without additional buffers in 5 V bus designs.
At what supply voltage does SN74HC238N operate, and can it interface with both 3.3 V and 5 V logic systems?
SN74HC238N operates from 2 V to 6 V, making it fully compatible with both 3.3 V CMOS and 5 V TTL logic levels. When powered at 3.3 V, its output HIGH level exceeds 2.4 V, satisfying the VOH requirement of standard HC-family devices, enabling direct level-compatible interfacing without translation circuits.
How do the three enable inputs of SN74HC238N support cascading to decode more than 8 address lines?
SN74HC238N has two active-low enable inputs and one active-high enable input. By connecting the fourth address bit to an enable pin and tying the other enable of a second SN74HC238N to the complement, designers create a 4-to-16 decoder using 2 devices, expanding chip-select capacity to 16 lines with no additional glue logic and under 10 ns propagation delay at 5 V.
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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.
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