SN74HCS238DR Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SN74HCS238DR is a 3-to-8 line decoder/demultiplexer manufactured by Texas Instruments, classified as a logic component in the 74HCS series. This device decodes three binary input lines into eight mutually exclusive output lines and operates as a demultiplexer for digital signal routing applications. The part is Active in product status and available in high volume inventory (2854 pcs). Substitute parts are necessary when addressing specific application requirements such as automotive-grade qualification, alternative sourcing needs, or inventory constraints across different manufacturing variants within the same functional family.

Substiute Parts

SN74HCS238DR
Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 2940SN74HCS238DR Datasheet
SN74HCS238DR
Current Part
SN74HCS137DR
Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 2785SN74HCS137DR Datasheet
SN74HCS137DR
Parametric Equivalent
SN74HCS137QDRQ1
Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 5284SN74HCS137QDRQ1 Datasheet
SN74HCS137QDRQ1
Parametric Equivalent
SN74HCS138DR
Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 5904SN74HCS138DR Datasheet
SN74HCS138DR
Parametric Equivalent
SN74HCS138QDRQ1
Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 3424SN74HCS138QDRQ1 Datasheet
SN74HCS138QDRQ1
Parametric Equivalent
SN74HCS237DR
Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 3219SN74HCS237DR Datasheet
SN74HCS237DR
Parametric Equivalent
SN74HCS237QDRQ1
Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 3313SN74HCS237QDRQ1 Datasheet
SN74HCS237QDRQ1
Parametric Equivalent
SN74HCS238QDRQ1
Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 3099SN74HCS238QDRQ1 Datasheet
SN74HCS238QDRQ1
Parametric Equivalent

Key Parameters

Parameter Value
Type Decoder/Demultiplexer
Circuit Configuration 1 x 3:8
Output Current (High/Low) 7.8mA / 7.8mA
Supply Voltage Range 2V to 6V
Operating Temperature Range -40°C to 125°C
Package Type 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
Mounting Type Surface Mount
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SN74HCS238DR is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters: decoder/demultiplexer type, 1 x 3:8 circuit configuration, 7.8mA output current capability (both high and low), 2V to 6V supply voltage range, -40°C to 125°C operating temperature, 16-SOIC surface mount package, ROHS3 compliance, and MSL 1 rating. All substitute parts listed maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications to the main part number.

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: standard industrial-grade variants (SN74HCS137DR, SN74HCS138DR, SN74HCS237DR) and automotive-grade variants with AEC-Q100 qualification (SN74HCS137QDRQ1, SN74HCS138QDRQ1, SN74HCS237QDRQ1, SN74HCS238QDRQ1). The automotive-grade variants are functionally equivalent but include additional qualification testing and are suitable for applications requiring automotive-level reliability assurance.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number Manufacturer Series Type Circuit Output Current (mA) Supply Voltage Temp Range (°C) Package Grade Inventory (pcs)
SN74HCS238DR Texas Instruments 74HCS Decoder/Demultiplexer 1 x 3:8 7.8 / 7.8 2V ~ 6V -40 to 125 16-SOIC Industrial 2854
SN74HCS137DR Texas Instruments 74HCS Decoder/Demultiplexer 1 x 3:8 7.8 / 7.8 2V ~ 6V -40 to 125 16-SOIC Industrial 2770
SN74HCS137QDRQ1 Texas Instruments 74HCS Decoder/Demultiplexer 1 x 3:8 7.8 / 7.8 2V ~ 6V -40 to 125 16-SOIC Automotive (AEC-Q100) 5200
SN74HCS138DR Texas Instruments 74HCS Decoder/Demultiplexer 1 x 3:8 7.8 / 7.8 2V ~ 6V -40 to 125 16-SOIC Industrial 5838
SN74HCS138QDRQ1 Texas Instruments 74HCS Decoder/Demultiplexer 1 x 3:8 7.8 / 7.8 2V ~ 6V -40 to 125 16-SOIC Automotive (AEC-Q100) 3314
SN74HCS237DR Texas Instruments 74HCS Decoder/Demultiplexer 1 x 3:8 7.8 / 7.8 2V ~ 6V -40 to 125 16-SOIC Industrial 3197
SN74HCS237QDRQ1 Texas Instruments 74HCS Decoder/Demultiplexer 1 x 3:8 7.8 / 7.8 2V ~ 6V -40 to 125 16-SOIC Automotive (AEC-Q100) 3207
SN74HCS238QDRQ1 Texas Instruments 74HCS Decoder/Demultiplexer 1 x 3:8 7.8 / 7.8 2V ~ 6V -40 to 125 16-SOIC Automotive (AEC-Q100) 3066

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All listed substitute parts maintain full electrical and mechanical compatibility with the SN74HCS238DR. Selection between industrial-grade and automotive-grade variants depends on application requirements:

Industrial-Grade Selection (SN74HCS137DR, SN74HCS138DR, SN74HCS237DR): These parts are suitable for general-purpose logic applications where automotive qualification is not required. All maintain Active product status and ROHS3 compliance. The SN74HCS138DR offers the highest inventory availability (5838 pcs) among industrial variants.

Automotive-Grade Selection (SN74HCS137QDRQ1, SN74HCS138QDRQ1, SN74HCS237QDRQ1, SN74HCS238QDRQ1): These parts carry AEC-Q100 qualification and are required for automotive applications or systems requiring automotive-level reliability assurance. The SN74HCS137QDRQ1 provides the highest inventory availability (5200 pcs) among automotive variants. The SN74HCS238QDRQ1 maintains the same base product number as the main part while adding automotive qualification.

All substitute parts are Active in product status, ROHS3 compliant, and carry MSL 1 rating. Selection should be based on application grade requirements and inventory availability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SN74HCS137DR be used as a direct replacement for SN74HCS238DR?

A: Yes. Both parts are 3-to-8 line decoder/demultiplexers with identical electrical specifications (7.8mA output current, 2V to 6V supply, -40°C to 125°C operating range) and identical 16-SOIC packaging. They are functionally equivalent for applications not requiring automotive qualification.

Q: What is the difference between industrial-grade and automotive-grade variants?

A: Automotive-grade variants (identified by QDRQ1 suffix) include AEC-Q100 qualification, which certifies additional reliability testing and quality assurance requirements for automotive applications. Electrical and mechanical specifications remain identical. Industrial-grade variants are suitable for non-automotive applications.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in the same package?

A: Yes. All substitute parts use the 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width) surface mount package. No package conversion or PCB redesign is required for substitution.

Q: Which substitute part has the highest inventory availability?

A: SN74HCS138DR offers the highest inventory among industrial variants with 5838 pcs. SN74HCS137QDRQ1 offers the highest inventory among automotive variants with 5200 pcs.

Q: Do all substitute parts meet RoHS and REACH compliance?

A: Yes. All substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, matching the compliance status of the main part number SN74HCS238DR.

Q: Can automotive-grade parts be used in non-automotive applications?

A: Yes. Automotive-grade parts (QDRQ1 variants) are fully compatible with non-automotive applications. They maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications and can be substituted in any application where the industrial-grade equivalent is suitable.

Q: What is the moisture sensitivity level for all parts?

A: All parts carry MSL 1 (Unlimited), indicating no moisture sensitivity restrictions during storage or handling.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)