3:8 decoder for address decoding and signal routing
The Toshiba 74HC238D is a 1-of-8 decoder/demultiplexer in the 74HC high-speed CMOS logic family, accepting a 3-bit binary input and asserting one of eight active-high outputs. The 1 x 3:8 circuit maps directly to address decoding in memory-mapped systems or demultiplexing serial data streams to parallel channels. The industrial temperature grade from -40°C to 125°C suits outdoor telecom, automotive cabin, and factory-floor control boards where ambient temperature swings are wide.
Output drive and package fit
The 74HC238D sources and sinks 5.2mA per output — sufficient to drive standard CMOS logic inputs, LED indicators through a series resistor, or the gate of a small-signal MOSFET. For heavier loads, the outputs should be buffered. The 16-SOIC package (0.154" body width, 3.90mm) is a common surface-mount footprint that reflows on a standard JEDEC profile and shares land patterns with many 74HC-series SOIC-16 parts. The single-supply architecture simplifies power routing — no separate VCC for input and output sections. The independent circuit count of 1 means the entire 3:8 decoding function is contained in one package, occupying a single board position.