The SNx4HC138 devices are designed to
be used in high-performance memory-decoding or data-routing applications requiring
very short propagation delay times. In high-performance memory systems, these
decoders can be used to minimize the effects of system decoding. When employed with
high-speed memories using a fast enable circuit, the delay times of these decoders
and the enable time of the memory are usually less than the typical access time of
the memory. This means that the effective system delay introduced by the decoders is
negligible.