SN74LVC138APWE4 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SN74LVC138APWE4 is a Decoder/Demultiplexer logic IC manufactured by Texas Instruments, featuring a 1 x 3:8 circuit configuration in a 16-TSSOP surface mount package. This part is discontinued at DiGi Electronics, making equivalent substitute parts necessary for ongoing design requirements and production continuity. The device operates across a single supply voltage range of 1.65V to 3.6V with output currents of 24mA for both high and low states, suitable for low-voltage logic applications requiring address decoding or demultiplexing functions.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Type	Decoder/Demultiplexer
Circuit Configuration	1 x 3:8
Output Current (High/Low)	24mA / 24mA
Supply Voltage Range	1.65V ~ 3.6V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C
Package Type	16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SN74LVC138APWE4 is determined by the following critical parameters: identical circuit configuration (1 x 3:8 decoder/demultiplexer), matching package type (16-TSSOP), compatible supply voltage range, equivalent output current specifications, and surface mount mounting type. All substitute parts listed maintain these core electrical and mechanical characteristics, ensuring functional interchangeability within the specified operating conditions.

The substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on supply voltage specifications: parts with 1.65V minimum supply voltage (Texas Instruments and Nexperia series) and parts with 2V minimum supply voltage (onsemi 74LCX series). Both categories support the full 3.6V maximum supply voltage and maintain identical output current ratings and package dimensions.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Series	Supply Voltage	Operating Temp	Output Current (H/L)	Package	Product Status
SN74LVC138APWE4	Texas Instruments	74LVC	1.65V ~ 3.6V	-40°C ~ 85°C	24mA / 24mA	16-TSSOP	Discontinued at DiGi Electronics
SN74LVC138APW	Texas Instruments	74LVC	1.65V ~ 3.6V	-40°C ~ 85°C	24mA / 24mA	16-TSSOP	Active
SN74LVC138APWG4	Texas Instruments	74LVC	1.65V ~ 3.6V	-40°C ~ 85°C	24mA / 24mA	16-TSSOP	Discontinued at DiGi Electronics
74LVC138APW,118	Nexperia USA Inc.	74LVC	1.2V ~ 3.6V	-40°C ~ 125°C	24mA / 24mA	16-TSSOP	Active
MC74LCX138DTR2G	onsemi	74LCX	2V ~ 3.6V	-40°C ~ 85°C	24mA / 24mA	16-TSSOP	Active
74LCX138MTCX	onsemi	74LCX	2V ~ 3.6V	-40°C ~ 85°C	24mA / 24mA	16-TSSOP	Active
MC74LCX138DTG	onsemi	74LCX	2V ~ 3.6V	-40°C ~ 85°C	24mA / 24mA	16-TSSOP	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For applications requiring direct replacement of the discontinued SN74LVC138APWE4, the SN74LVC138APW from Texas Instruments is the primary substitute, maintaining identical electrical specifications and active product status with high inventory availability (73,062 units in stock).

The 74LVC138APW,118 from Nexperia USA Inc. offers extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 125°C) and lower minimum supply voltage (1.2V), providing enhanced performance margins for temperature-sensitive applications while maintaining full compatibility with the original part's core specifications.

The onsemi 74LCX series (MC74LCX138DTR2G, 74LCX138MTCX, MC74LCX138DTG) provides active alternatives with 2V minimum supply voltage specification. These parts are suitable for applications operating above 2V and offer multiple packaging options (Tape & Reel, Cut Tape, and Tube) to match procurement requirements.

All substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance, MSL Level 1 rating, and identical package dimensions, ensuring mechanical and environmental compatibility with existing PCB designs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the SN74LVC138APW directly replace the SN74LVC138APWE4?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical circuit configuration (1 x 3:8), output current ratings (24mA), supply voltage range (1.65V ~ 3.6V), operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C), and 16-TSSOP package specifications. The primary difference is product status: SN74LVC138APW is active with substantial inventory availability.

Q: What is the difference between the 74LVC and 74LCX series substitutes?

A: The 74LVC series (Texas Instruments and Nexperia) supports 1.65V minimum supply voltage, while the 74LCX series (onsemi) specifies 2V minimum supply voltage. Both series maintain identical output current, package type, and circuit configuration. Selection depends on application supply voltage requirements.

Q: Are there packaging differences among the substitute parts?

A: Yes. While all parts use the 16-TSSOP package type, they differ in supplier packaging: SN74LVC138APW is supplied in Tube, 74LVC138APW,118 in Cut Tape & Digi-Reel, MC74LCX138DTR2G in Tape & Reel, 74LCX138MTCX in Cut Tape & Digi-Reel, and MC74LCX138DTG in Tube. Package selection affects procurement and handling but does not impact electrical performance.

Q: Does the Nexperia 74LVC138APW,118 offer any advantages?

A: The Nexperia part extends the operating temperature range to 125°C (versus 85°C for other parts) and supports lower minimum supply voltage (1.2V versus 1.65V). These specifications provide additional design margin for temperature-sensitive or low-voltage applications while maintaining full functional compatibility.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and MSL Level 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity rating, matching the environmental and regulatory specifications of the original SN74LVC138APWE4.

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