7490 IC Decade Counter DIP-14

7490 IC Decade Counter DIP-14

The IC 7490 is a 4-bit decade counter that counts from 0 to 9 in binary (Binary-Coded Decimal). It integrates a divide-by-2 section and a divide-by-5 section internally, enabling it to perform decimal counting with minimal external components.

Designers typically feed clock pulses into the divide-by-2 stage and cascade the output into the divide-by-5 stage. The result is a divide-by-10 output suitable for counters, frequency dividers, and timing circuits.

The chip includes reset pins that allow you to preset or clear the counter at any point, providing flexible control in digital systems. You can also reconfigure it for divide-by-2, divide-by-5, or divide-by-10 counting modes by adjusting its connections.

Its TTL compatibility, stable counting, and ease of cascading make it popular in digital clocks, frequency counters, and timer circuits.

Key Features

• Counts from 0 to 9 (decade/Binary-Coded Decimal)

• Includes divide-by-2 and divide-by-5 counters

• TTL logic compatibility

• Reset and set input control

• Simple cascading for higher-count ranges

• Output in binary form (Q0–Q3)

• Low power and fast switching

• Available in DIP-14 and SOIC-14 packages

Applications

1. Count decimal digits in digital clocks and timers

2. Divide clock frequency by 10 for timing signals

3. Build frequency counters and digital meters

4. Create sequential event counters

5. Design digital scoreboards and display counters

6. Develop counters in embedded and microcontroller circuits

7. Generate control pulses in automation systems

8. Create programmable timers for project delays

9. Build educational logic demonstrations

10. Cascade for multi-digit decade counting systems

Specifications Table