74LS68 Dual 4-Bit Decade/Binary Counter IC is a part of 74XXYY IC series. The 74LS68 IC has a wide range of working voltage, a wide range of working conditions, and directly interfaces with CMOS, NMOS, and TTL. The output of the IC always comes in TTL which makes it easy to work with other TTL devices and microcontrollers. The IC 74LS68 is smaller in size and it has a much faster speed which makes it reliable in every kind of device.
![74ls68 ic](http://circuits-diy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/74ls68-ic.png)
What is a Decade/Binary Counter?
A Binary Counter is a serial digital counter that counts ten digits. it resets for every new clock input. As it can go through 10 unique combinations of output, it is also called as “Decade counter”. A binary counter can count 0000, 0001, 0010, 1000, 1001, 1010, 1011, 1110, 1111, 0000, and 0001 and so on. A 4 bit binary counter will act as a decade counter by skipping any six outputs out of the 16 (24) outputs.
74LS68 Key Features & Specifications
- Supply Voltage 7V
- Input Voltage 7V
- Operating Free Air Temperature Range 0°C to +70°C
- Storage Temperature Range -65°C to +150°C
- Maximum current allowed to draw through each gate output: 8mA
- TTL outputs
- Low power consumption
- Typical Rise Time: 18ns
- Typical Fall Time: 18ns
74LS68 Pinout
Pin Name | Pin No. | Description |
---|---|---|
1CLK 1 | 1 | Clock input for counter 1 |
1QB | 2 | output B of counter 1 |
1QD | 3 | output D of counter 1 |
1CLR | 4 | Active low clear pin |
2QC | 5 | output C of counter 2 |
NC | 6 | Not Used |
2QA | 7 | output A of counter 2 |
GND | 8 | Ground |
2CLK | 9 | Clock input for counter 2 |
2QB | 10 | output B of counter 2 |
2CLR | 11 | Active low clear pin |
2QD | 12 | output D of counter 2 |
1QC | 13 | output C of counter 1 |
1QA | 14 | output A of counter 1 |
1CLK 2 | 15 | Clock input for counter 1 |
Vcc | 16 | Chip Supply Voltage |
![74LS68 pinout](http://circuits-diy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/74LS68-pinout.png)
Applications
The 74LS68 IC has a number applications, a few are listed below:
- It’s mostly used in devices such as sequencers & LED Chasers.
74LS68 Datasheet
You can download the 74LS68 4-Bit Decade/Binary Counter IC Datasheet from the link given below:
See Also: 7407 Hex Buffer IC | 7404 NOT Gate IC | 74LS21 Dual 4 -Input AND Logic Gate IC