The 74HC42 is a one of ten BCD to decimal decoder. It accepts four BCD inputs (0A to 3A) and provides ten mutually exclusive outputs (0Y to 9Y). The logic design ensures that all outputs are HIGH when binary codes greater than nine are applied to the inputs. The most significant input (3A) produces an useful inhibit function when the device is used as a 1-of-8 decoder. The 3A input can also be used as the data input in an 8-output demultiplexer application. Inputs include clamp diodes. This enables the use of current limiting resistors to interface inputs to voltages in excess of V_CC.