MC74AC161NG

Overview

Category: Integrated Circuit (IC)

Use: Counter/Divider

Characteristics: - High-speed operation - Low power consumption - Wide operating voltage range - Schmitt trigger inputs for noise immunity - TTL compatible

Package: DIP (Dual In-line Package)

Essence: The MC74AC161NG is a synchronous, presettable, 4-bit binary counter with asynchronous reset. It is designed to be used in various applications that require counting or dividing signals.

Packaging/Quantity: The MC74AC161NG is typically sold in reels or tubes containing multiple units. The exact quantity depends on the manufacturer and distributor.

Specifications

• Supply Voltage Range: 2V to 6V
• Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to +85°C
• Maximum Clock Frequency: 100MHz
• Maximum Propagation Delay: 8ns
• Number of Counting Stages: 4
• Input Type: Schmitt Trigger

Pin Configuration

The MC74AC161NG has a total of 16 pins, which are assigned specific functions as follows:

1. Clock Enable (CE)
2. Asynchronous Reset (MR)
3. Parallel Load (PL)
4. Data Inputs (D0)
5. Data Inputs (D1)
6. Data Inputs (D2)
7. Data Inputs (D3)
8. Carry Output (CO)
9. Clock (CLK)
10. Down/Up Control (DU)
11. Carry Input (CI)
12. Output (Q0)
13. Output (Q1)
14. Output (Q2)
15. Output (Q3)
16. Ground (GND)

Functional Features

• Synchronous counting: The MC74AC161NG performs counting operations synchronously with the clock signal.
• Presettable: The counter can be preset to any desired value using the parallel load input.
• Asynchronous reset: The counter can be reset to its initial state asynchronously using the reset input.
• Up/Down control: The direction of counting can be controlled using the down/up control input.
• Carry input/output: The counter has a carry input and output for cascading multiple counters.

Advantages

• High-speed operation allows for efficient counting in time-critical applications.
• Low power consumption makes it suitable for battery-powered devices.
• Wide operating voltage range ensures compatibility with various systems.
• Schmitt trigger inputs provide noise immunity, enhancing reliability.
• TTL compatibility enables easy integration with other logic circuits.

Disadvantages

• Limited number of counting stages (4 bits) may not be sufficient for certain applications requiring larger counters.
• Lack of built-in error detection or correction mechanisms.

Working Principles

The MC74AC161NG operates based on synchronous binary counting principles. It counts up or down depending on the control input and clock signal. The counter can be preset to a specific value using the parallel load input, and it can be reset asynchronously to its initial state using the reset input. The carry input and output allow for cascading multiple counters to achieve higher counting ranges.

Application Field Plans

The MC74AC161NG is commonly used in various applications, including:

1. Frequency division: Dividing an input frequency by a specific factor.
2. Event counting: Counting the occurrence of specific events or pulses.
3. Timekeeping: Tracking time intervals or durations.
4. Digital displays: Driving digital display units such as 7-segment displays.
5. Sequential control: Implementing sequential logic circuits.

Alternative Models

There are several alternative models available that offer similar functionality to the MC74AC161NG. Some popular alternatives include:

1. CD40161BE
2. SN74LS161N
3. 74HC161

These alternatives may have slight differences in specifications, pin configuration, or package type, but they serve the same purpose of counting/dividing signals.

In conclusion, the MC74AC161NG is a versatile 4-bit binary counter IC with synchronous operation, preset capability, and asynchronous reset. It finds applications in various fields such as frequency division, event counting, timekeeping, digital displays, and sequential control. While it has advantages such as high-speed operation and low power consumption, its limitations include a limited number of counting stages and lack of error detection/correction mechanisms. Alternative models like CD40161BE, SN74LS161N, and 74HC161 offer similar functionality.