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The IC 74LS138 is a ____.
  • a)
    8 bit adder
  • b)
    8 line demultiplexer
  • c)
    8 bit subtractor
  • d)
    8 line multiplexer
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
The IC 74LS138 is a ____.a)8 bit adderb)8 line demultiplexerc)8 bit su...
The IC 74LS138 is an 8-line demultiplexer. Let's break down the answer and understand why option 'B' is the correct answer.

1. What is a demultiplexer?
- A demultiplexer, also known as a demux, is a combinational logic circuit that takes a single input and distributes it to one of several possible outputs based on the control signals.

2. Understanding the IC 74LS138:
- The IC 74LS138 is a specific type of demultiplexer that is commonly used in digital circuits.
- It has 3 input pins, A, B, and C, which are used to select the output line.
- The demultiplexer has 8 output pins, Y0 to Y7, which correspond to 8 possible outputs.
- The demultiplexer also has an active low enable input, called E1, which is used to enable or disable the demultiplexer operation.

3. Function of the IC 74LS138:
- The demultiplexer takes in a 3-bit binary input (A, B, and C) and uses these inputs to select one of the 8 output lines.
- The selected output line is then activated, while all other output lines remain inactive.
- The demultiplexer operates based on the combination of the input signals and the enable input.
- When the enable input (E1) is low (0), the demultiplexer is enabled and the selected output line is activated.
- When the enable input is high (1), the demultiplexer is disabled and none of the output lines are activated.

4. Applications of the IC 74LS138:
- The demultiplexer is widely used in digital circuits for various applications such as data routing, address decoding, memory interfacing, and signal distribution.
- It is commonly used in microprocessors and microcontrollers to decode address lines and select specific memory or peripheral devices.
- It can be used to implement complex logic functions by combining multiple demultiplexers.

In conclusion, the IC 74LS138 is an 8-line demultiplexer that takes a 3-bit binary input and selects one of the 8 output lines based on the input signals and the enable input. It is widely used in digital circuits for various applications including address decoding and data routing.
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Community Answer
The IC 74LS138 is a ____.a)8 bit adderb)8 line demultiplexerc)8 bit su...
  • The IC 74LS138 is a 3 to 8 line decoder integrated circuit from the 74xx family. 
  • The main function of this IC is to decode otherwise demultiplex the applications.
  • The decoder 74LS138 IC uses advanced technology like silicon (Si) gate TTL technology.
  • 74LS138 IC has 3 binary select inputs like A, B & C. If the IC is activated, then these input pins will decide which of the 8 usually HIGH outputs will go LOW.
  • As this IC includes three enable pins (where two pins are active low and one is active high) the necessity of outside gates is not there. 
  • These are suitable for applications like memory address decoding, data routing, etc. 
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