74162 IC Synchronous 4-Bit Decade Counter
The IC 74162 is a synchronous 4-bit BCD (Binary-Coded Decimal) counter that counts from 0000 (0) to 1001 (9). It uses synchronous clocking, ensuring all flip-flops update simultaneously on the clock edge.
It includes an asynchronous clear (CLR) input that resets the counter to zero immediately, regardless of the clock. The parallel load (LOAD) input allows presetting any value (0–9) to start counting from a specific number.
Enable inputs (ENP and ENT) control counting, and the terminal count (TC) output indicates when the count reaches its maximum (9). The TC output simplifies cascading multiple ICs to form multi-decade counters.
Its reliable TTL design and fast operation make it suitable for digital clocks, frequency dividers, event counters, and automation circuits.
Pin Configuration (DIP-16)
| Pin | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CLR | Asynchronous Clear (active LOW) |
| 2 | CLK | Clock Input |
| 3 | D | Parallel Data Input (MSB) |
| 4 | C | Parallel Data Input |
| 5 | B | Parallel Data Input |
| 6 | A | Parallel Data Input (LSB) |
| 7 | QA | Output Bit 0 |
| 8 | GND | Ground |
| 9 | QB | Output Bit 1 |
| 10 | QC | Output Bit 2 |
| 11 | QD | Output Bit 3 (MSB) |
| 12 | TC | Terminal Count Output |
| 13 | ENT | Count Enable (T) |
| 14 | ENP | Count Enable (P) |
| 15 | LOAD | Parallel Load (active LOW) |
| 16 | VCC | +5V Power Supply |
Key Features
Synchronous BCD counting (0–9)
Asynchronous clear and parallel load
Terminal count output for cascading
TTL-compatible input and output levels
Fast switching performance
Standard DIP-16 or SOIC-16 package
Applications
Build decade counters for digital clocks.
Divide clock frequency by ten.
Drive BCD-to-7-segment display decoders.
Implement event counters in automation systems.
Create programmable counting sequences.
Cascade for multi-digit decimal counting.
Generate timing pulses for control circuits.
Use in digital scoreboards and meters.
Apply in educational digital logic experiments.
Develop sequencing circuits for testing.
Specifications Table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Logic Family | TTL |
| Function | Synchronous BCD Counter |
| Count Range | 0–9 (mod-10) |
| Inputs | Clock, CLR, LOAD, ENP, ENT |
| Outputs | Q0–Q3, TC |
| Input HIGH Voltage | ≥ 2.0V |
| Input LOW Voltage | ≤ 0.8V |
| Output HIGH Voltage | ≥ 2.4V |
| Output LOW Voltage | ≤ 0.4V |
| Propagation Delay | ~25 ns ‘ |
| Max Clock Frequency | ~35 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (Vcc) | 4.75V to 5.25V |
| Operating Temp | 0°C to 70°C |
| Package Type | DIP-16 / SOIC-16 |
| Number of Pins | 16 |
