4 open source boards using the 7438
Real designs built with the 7438, from public GitHub projects: a quick way to see how others power, decouple and connect it. Each board comes with its KiCad files, full parts list and a render — and you can simulate its firmware on HardLabs.
Northstar HD-5
abzman
190.6 × 172.4 mm154 parts2LUnlicense4
RP2040/RP2350Pico506
hmerrett
138 × 79 mm57 parts2LGPL-3.03
GIMIX DMA Floppy
roberto314
248.9 × 139.7 mm124 parts2LBSD-2-Clause1
GIMIX DMA SASI
249.9 × 140.7 mm71 parts2LBSD-2-Clause1
The 7438 in open source designs
The gallery holds 4 open source boards using the 7438 from 3 GitHub repositories; a typical one measures about 219.8 × 140.2 mm and carries around 98 components.
100% are two-layer designs, the rest use four layers or more, and 100% carry an open source license.
The most starred is Northstar HD-5 by abzman.
Microcontrollers on boards using the 7438
7438: common questions
Where can I find a 7438 reference design?
Each of the 4 boards on this page is a real design using the 7438. Open one to see how it is wired up, with the full BOM, a render of the layout and links to its KiCad files.
What parts are used alongside the 7438?
The 74LS123, 74LS161, 74LS273, 74LS393 and 74LS74 appear in the most repositories here.
Which microcontrollers do boards using the 7438 use?
Most are built on RP2040/RP2350 (1).
How big is a typical board using the 7438?
The median is 219.8 × 140.2 mm, and 100% are two-layer designs.
What is the most popular open source board using the 7438?
By GitHub stars, Northstar HD-5 by abzman, with 4 stars.
Can I simulate one of these boards using the 7438 before building it?
Yes. HardLabs turns a board's netlist and BOM into a working simulation, so you can boot and test firmware against it with no hardware on your desk.