74160 Datasheet | Next Electromics

74160 - Synchronous 4-Bit Decade Counter Technical Summary

Overview

The 74160 is a high-speed synchronous 4-bit decade counter from the 7400 series of integrated circuits. This component features fully synchronous operation, allowing all state changes to occur simultaneously on the rising edge of the clock pulse. Designed for counting applications in digital systems, the 74160 provides decade counting (0-9) with synchronous reset and parallel load capabilities.

As a member of the 74LS family (Low-power Schottky), the device combines high speed with reduced power consumption compared to standard TTL implementations. The synchronous design eliminates counting errors that can occur in ripple counters, making it suitable for precision timing and control applications.

Features

Synchronous Counting: All flip-flops are clocked simultaneously for reliable state transitions
Decade Counting Sequence: Natural BCD count from 0 (0000) to 9 (1001)
Parallel Load Capability: Allows presetting the counter to any value
Synchronous Reset: Master reset clears all flip-flops on next clock pulse
Carry Output: Provides look-ahead carry for easy cascading
High-Speed Operation: Typical propagation delay of 15ns
Low Power Consumption: 74LS version consumes approximately 20mW
Fully Buffered Outputs: High fan-out capability
Wide Operating Voltage: 4.75V to 5.25V

Applications

The 74160 finds use in numerous digital counting and timing applications including:

Frequency dividers and digital clocks
Industrial control systems
Automated test equipment
Digital panel meters
Event counters
Time delay generators
Sequence generators
Microprocessor-based systems
Communication equipment

Electrical Characteristics

Absolute Maximum Ratings

Supply Voltage (Vcc): 7V
Input Voltage (Vin): 7V
Operating Temperature Range: 0°C to +70°C
Storage Temperature Range: -65°C to +150°C

Recommended Operating Conditions

Supply Voltage (Vcc): 4.75V to 5.25V
High-Level Input Voltage (VIH): 2V min
Low-Level Input Voltage (VIL): 0.8V max
Operating Free-Air Temperature: 0°C to 70°C

DC Characteristics

High-Level Output Voltage (VOH): 2.7V min (IOH = -0.4mA)
Low-Level Output Voltage (VOL): 0.5V max (IOL = 8mA)
Input Clamp Voltage (VIK): -1.5V max (II = -18mA)
Power Supply Current (ICC): 4mA max (all outputs open)

AC Characteristics (VCC = 5V, TA = 25°C)

Maximum Clock Frequency: 25MHz typical
Propagation Delay (Clock to Output): 15ns typical
Propagation Delay (Reset to Output): 20ns typical
Propagation Delay (Load to Output): 20ns typical
Setup Time (Data Inputs): 20ns min
Hold Time (Data Inputs): 5ns min

Functional Description

The 74160 operates as a synchronous 4-bit decade counter with parallel load capability. The counting sequence follows the natural binary-coded decimal (BCD) count from 0000 (0) through 1001 (9). The device features four main control inputs:

CLK (Clock): Positive-edge triggered clock input
MR (Master Reset): Active-low synchronous reset
PE (Parallel Enable): Active-low parallel load control
CET and CEP (Count Enable): Active-high count enable inputs

The counter advances on the low-to-high transition of the clock when both count enable inputs (CET and CEP) are high. The carry output (TC) goes high when the counter reaches 9 (1001) and CET is high, facilitating cascading of multiple counters.