STMicroelectronics 74ACT163MTR
- Part No.:
- 74ACT163MTR
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Counters, Dividers
- Package:
- 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
74ACT163MTR.pdf
- Description:
- IC BINARY COUNTER 4-BIT 16SO
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,558
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Product details
Overview
74ACT163MTR from STMicroelectronics is a high-speed CMOS synchronous presettable 4-bit binary counter with synchronous clear, operating at up to 250 MHz (typ.) at 5 V, featuring 24 mA output drive, 50 Ω transmission line compatibility, and pin/function compatibility with standard 74-series 163 counters for legacy TTL/CMOS system upgrades.
For engineers reviewing the 74ACT163MTR datasheet, 74ACT163MTR pinout, 74ACT163MTR application, or 74ACT163MTR equivalent, this device supports precise timing control in digital logic systems requiring deterministic counting modes-synchronous reset, parallel load, count-up, and hold-with validated setup/hold timing, ESD-hardened I/O (2 kV), and industrial temperature range operation (-55°C to +125°C).
Technical Context
The 74ACT163 implements a fully synchronous 4-bit binary counter with four dedicated control inputs-CLEAR (asynchronous reset override), LOAD (parallel enable), PE (count enable), and TE (carry enable)-enabling mode selection via truth-table-defined priority: CLEAR > LOAD > count-enable states. All transitions are edge-triggered on the rising clock edge.
It features symmetrical output impedance (|IOH| = IOL ≥ 24 mA), balanced propagation delays (tPLH ≅ tPHL), and guaranteed incident-wave switching on 50 Ω transmission lines. Its C2MOS fabrication ensures low ICC (8 µA max at 25°C) while maintaining TTL-compatible input thresholds (VIH ≥ 2.0 V, VIL ≤ 0.8 V at VCC = 4.5–5.5 V).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Max Clock Frequency | 250 MHz (typ.) at VCC = 5 V - enables high-throughput counting in fast digital state machines and address sequencers. |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V - ensures robust operation across noisy industrial power rails and legacy 5 V logic systems. |
| Output Drive Strength | ±24 mA (min) - directly drives 50 Ω transmission lines without external termination or buffer stages. |
| Input Thresholds | VIH ≥ 2.0 V, VIL ≤ 0.8 V - guarantees reliable interfacing with TTL, NMOS, and CMOS outputs without level-shifting. |
| Propagation Delay | tPLH/tPHL ≤ 11 ns (CLOCK to Q, CL = 50 pF) - supports sub-10 ns timing margins in synchronous logic designs. |
| Quiescent Current | ICC ≤ 8 µA (max at TA = 25°C) - minimizes static power in battery-backed or low-power standby modes. |
| ESD Immunity | 2 kV HBM - protects against handling damage during PCB assembly and field service without added protection circuitry. |
Pinout & Package
TSSOP-16 package (4.9 × 6.4 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch), lead-free and RoHS-compliant, optimized for high-density PCB layouts and automated surface-mount assembly.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CLEAR | Asynchronous master reset: forces all outputs (QA–QD, CARRY OUT) LOW on next rising clock edge, overriding all other controls. |
| 2 | CLOCK | Rising-edge-triggered system clock input; all state changes synchronized to this edge for deterministic timing behavior. |
| 3–6 | A, B, C, D | Parallel data inputs for synchronous loading of 4-bit preset value when LOAD = LOW. |
| 7 | PE | Count enable (active HIGH); must be HIGH with TE HIGH to permit count-up operation. |
| 9 | LOAD | Parallel load enable (active LOW); enables transfer of A–D data into flip-flops on next clock edge. |
| 10 | TE | Carry enable (active HIGH); controls whether carry-out is generated and whether counting proceeds. |
| 11–14 | QA to QD | 4-bit binary counter outputs (QA = LSB, QD = MSB); edge-aligned with clock for clean state sampling. |
| 15 | CARRY OUT | Terminal count output (QA·QB·QC·QD·TE); used for cascading multiple 74ACT163s into wider counters. |
| 8 | GND | Digital ground reference; decoupling capacitor must be placed adjacent to this pin for noise suppression. |
| 16 | VCC | Positive supply (4.5–5.5 V); requires local 100 nF ceramic bypass capacitor to minimize supply bounce. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Synchronous presettable counting | Enables deterministic initialization of counter state without race conditions-critical for address generators and protocol timers. |
| Priority-encoded control logic | CLEAR > LOAD > count-enable hierarchy prevents ambiguous state transitions during mode switching in real-time systems. |
| 50 Ω transmission line drive | Eliminates need for external series resistors in high-speed backplane or bus applications, reducing BOM count and layout complexity. |
| Balanced tPLH/tPHL | Ensures symmetrical rise/fall timing margins-essential for meeting setup/hold windows in cascaded counter chains. |
| Industrial temperature range | Operates reliably from -55°C to +125°C, supporting deployment in automotive engine control units and outdoor telecom infrastructure. |
Applications
| Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Sequencer | Digital Test Equipment Counter |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Generating precise step sequences for motor control or I/O scanning in industrial automation cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Synchronous 4-bit counter providing deterministic, repeatable timing intervals with parallel reload for dynamic sequence changes. Use Value: Enables real-time reconfiguration of scan cycles via LOAD without disrupting ongoing operations-reducing PLC scan jitter by eliminating asynchronous resets. |
Use Scenario: Measuring frequency or period of unknown signals in benchtop logic analyzers and signal generators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-speed counting front-end synchronized to a precision reference clock, feeding results to microcontroller or FPGA capture logic. Use Value: 250 MHz max clock rate and sub-11 ns propagation delay allow accurate measurement of signals up to 125 MHz using reciprocal counting techniques. |
| Legacy System TTL-to-CMOS Upgrade | Modular Instrumentation Timing Module |
|
Use Scenario: Replacing obsolete 74LS163 in aging avionics or medical equipment where board space and power are constrained. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Pin- and function-compatible drop-in replacement delivering lower power, higher speed, and improved noise immunity. Use Value: Maintains full backward compatibility while reducing system ICC by >95% and enabling faster test pattern generation without redesign. |
Use Scenario: Building scalable timing modules for modular PXI or VXI instrumentation chassis requiring synchronized multi-channel event generation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Cascadable counter stage generating programmable trigger intervals, with CARRY OUT enabling inter-module synchronization. Use Value: TSSOP-16 footprint allows dense packaging; 2 kV ESD rating ensures reliability during repeated module insertion/removal in lab environments. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous 4-bit counter applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SN74ACT163N | DIP-16 package; higher thermal resistance (θJA ≈ 70°C/W vs. TSSOP's 125°C/W); no lead-free option. | Suitable for prototyping or through-hole legacy boards; not recommended for high-density or thermally constrained designs. | Select when hand-soldering or socket-based validation is required; avoid for production volumes targeting RoHS compliance. |
| 74VHC163FT | Lower drive (±8 mA), slower fMAX (110 MHz typ.), but wider VCC range (2–5.5 V); different AC timing parameters. | Better suited for mixed-voltage systems (e.g., 3.3 V logic domains), but cannot replace 74ACT163MTR in 5 V, high-speed paths. | Choose only if system operates below 3.6 V or requires ultra-low ICC (< 2 µA); verify timing margins with updated setup/hold values. |
Compared with SN74ACT163N and 74VHC163FT, the 74ACT163MTR delivers optimal balance of speed, drive strength, and package efficiency for 5 V industrial logic-offering superior thermal performance over DIP and higher bandwidth than VHC alternatives without sacrificing interface compatibility.
Availability
74ACT163MTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for programmable logic controllers, digital test equipment, legacy system upgrades, and modular instrumentation timing modules requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for 74ACT163MTR includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader specializing in automotive, industrial, and power management solutions, with broad analog, digital, and mixed-signal product portfolios.
The 74ACT163 belongs to ST's advanced high-speed CMOS logic family, designed specifically for upgrading legacy TTL-based digital systems with enhanced speed, reduced power, and improved noise immunity-targeting industrial control, test & measurement, and communications infrastructure.
FAQ
Is the 74ACT163MTR pin-compatible with the original 74LS163?
Yes-74ACT163MTR is functionally and pin-compatible with 74LS163, retaining identical pin numbering, logic behavior, and truth table. However, it operates at higher speed (250 MHz vs. ~30 MHz), draws significantly less quiescent current (8 µA vs. ~25 mA), and provides stronger output drive (24 mA vs. 8 mA), making it a direct performance upgrade without PCB changes.
What is the minimum setup time required for the LOAD input relative to CLOCK?
The minimum setup time for LOAD is 3.0 ns (typ.) and 6.0 ns (max) at VCC = 4.5 V and TA = 25°C, increasing to 8.0 ns (max) over the full industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C). This ensures reliable parallel data capture before the rising clock edge, even under worst-case voltage and temperature conditions.
Can the 74ACT163MTR operate reliably at 3.3 V supply?
No-the 74ACT163MTR is specified only for VCC = 4.5 V to 5.5 V. At 3.3 V, VIH and VIL thresholds become noncompliant, output drive collapses below specification, and AC timing (e.g., fMAX, propagation delay) is not guaranteed. For 3.3 V systems, consider ST's 74VHC163 or TI's SN74LVC163 instead.
How is CARRY OUT generated, and what logic does it implement?
CARRY OUT is asserted HIGH when QA = QB = QC = QD = HIGH and TE = HIGH, implementing the Boolean function QA·QB·QC·QD·TE. It is synchronous with the clock and reflects the terminal count condition (15 → 0 rollover), enabling seamless cascading of multiple 74ACT163 devices into 8-, 12-, or 16-bit counters without external gating logic.
74ACT163MTR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- 74ACT
- Package/Case:
- 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Logic Type:
- Binary Counter
- Direction:
- Up
- Number of Elements:
- 1
- Number of Bits per Element:
- 4
- Reset:
- Synchronous
- Timing:
- Synchronous
- Count Rate:
- 250 MHz
- Trigger Type:
- Positive Edge
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.5 V ~ 5.5 V
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-SO
74ACT163MTR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 74ACT163MTR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 74ACT163MTR on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for 74ACT163MTR reliable?
The price and inventory of 74ACT163MTR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 74ACT163MTR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 74ACT163MTR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 74ACT163MTR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 74ACT163MTR?
74ACT163MTR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 74ACT163MTR order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for 74ACT163MTR?
For technical support, including 74ACT163MTR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 74ACT163MTR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 74ACT163MTR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 74ACT163MTR products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that 74ACT163MTR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 74ACT163MTR?
All 74ACT163MTR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 74ACT163MTR, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The 74ACT163MTR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 74ACT163MTR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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