7496 (4-bit binary counter with a decade counter output)

Description

The IC 7496 is a 4-bit binary counter with a decade counter output (also known as a BCD counter). It is part of the 7400 series of TTL (Transistor-Transistor Logic) ICs and is typically used in applications that require counting or frequency division.

IC 7496 Description:

The 7496 is a 4-bit binary counter with binary-coded decimal (BCD) outputs. It is designed to count from 0 to 9 in binary form and has a carry-out output that can be used for cascading with other counters. It is a synchronous counter, meaning that all bits change in sync with the clock input, providing a precise counting mechanism.

Key Features:

• 4-bit Binary Counter: The 7496 contains a 4-bit binary counter, which means it can count from 0 to 15 (in binary).
• BCD (Binary-Coded Decimal) Output: Although it counts in binary internally, the counter produces BCD outputs that represent decimal numbers (0 to 9) at the output. This makes it useful in applications where you need to display numbers in decimal form.
• Carry-Out: The 7496 includes a carry-out (CO) pin that is used to cascade additional counters for counting beyond 9.
• Synchronous Operation: The counter is synchronous, meaning all the flip-flops (binary storage elements) within the counter change states simultaneously with the clock pulse.
• Reset Function: The IC includes an active-low reset input, which is used to reset the counter to 0.

Pin Configuration (14-pin package):

Functional Description:

1. 4-Bit Binary Counter:
   • The 7496 contains four flip-flops that work together to form a 4-bit counter. The IC counts in binary from 0000 (0 in decimal) to 1111 (15 in decimal).
   • The counter increments by 1 for each clock pulse, and the binary outputs (Q0 to Q3) reflect the current state of the counter.
2. BCD Output:
   • The BCD outputs (Q0 to Q3) represent the binary coded decimal (BCD) format of the current count. This is useful for displaying decimal numbers (0 to 9) on devices like 7-segment displays or other digital displays.
   • If the count exceeds 9 (1001), the counter will automatically reset back to 0, as the IC is designed to work in a decade counting mode (BCD).
3. Carry-Out Pin:
   • The carry-out (CO) pin is used for cascading multiple counters. When the counter reaches its maximum count (9), the carry-out pin will generate a pulse to trigger the next counter in the series, allowing the counting range to extend beyond 9.
   • This feature is essential for creating counters with a larger range (e.g., counting from 0 to 99 or 0 to 999).
4. Clock Input:
   • The clock input controls the counting of the IC. On each rising edge of the clock, the counter increments by one. If the clock is continuously applied, the counter will keep counting in binary from 0 to 9.
5. Reset Function:
   • The reset input is an active-low input. When it is pulled low, the counter will reset to 0000 (decimal 0), regardless of the current state of the counter.

Applications:

1. Frequency Division:
   • The 7496 can be used in frequency division circuits. By applying a clock signal and using the counter outputs, the clock frequency can be divided down to slower frequencies for use in other parts of a circuit.
2. Digital Clocks:
   • This IC can be used in digital clocks and other time-keeping applications. By cascading multiple 7496 ICs, you can build a clock that counts from 0 to 59 (seconds or minutes) or even 0 to 99.
3. Event Counting:
   • The 7496 can count occurrences of events, such as pulses from sensors or other digital signals. This makes it useful in industrial or scientific applications for counting objects, events, or measurements.
4. Decimal Displays:
   • The BCD output format is useful for driving decimal displays such as 7-segment displays, where each of the 4-bit outputs corresponds to a decimal digit (0–9).
5. Cascading Counters:
   • By cascading multiple 7496 ICs together using the carry-out pin, you can create multi-digit counters for applications requiring larger counting ranges, such as digital counters or programmable timers.

Electrical Characteristics:

• Supply Voltage (Vcc): Typically 5V (operates from 4.75V to 5.25V).
• Input Voltage (Vih/Vil): The clock input and reset pin use TTL logic levels. Typically, Vih = 2V and Vil = 0.8V for high and low inputs.
• Output Voltage (Voh/Vol): The outputs will be high (Vcc) when not active and low (0V) when active. The output current is limited to ensure the outputs are within TTL specifications.
• Power Consumption: As a TTL device, the 7496 consumes moderate power compared to CMOS devices, but it is still efficient for use in digital systems.