The CDx4HC(T)138 and '238 are high speed silicon gate CMOS decoders well suited to memory address decoding or data routing applications. They contain a single 3:8 decoder.

The CDx4HC(T)138 and '238 have three address select inputs (A₂, A₁, and A₀). The circuit functions as a normal one-of-eight decoder.

Three strobe inputs (G₂, G₁ and G₀) are provided to simplify cascading and to facilitate demultiplexing. When any input strobe is active, all outputs are forced into the high state for the '138 function. When any input strobe is active, all outputs are forced into the low state for the '238 function.

The demultiplexing function is accomplished by first using the select inputs to choose the desired output, and then using one of the strobe inputs as the data input.

The outputs for the CDx4HC(T)138 are normally low when selected. The outputs for the CDxHC(T)238 are normally high when selected.