NXP Semiconductors 74HC163DB,118

Overview

74HC163DB,118 from Nexperia is a synchronous presettable 4-bit binary counter with internal look-ahead carry, synchronous reset (active LOW), and dual count-enable inputs (CEP/CET) for cascading. It operates at 2.0–6.0 V, delivers glitch-free counting up to 55 MHz at VCC = 6.0 V, and supports parallel loading via D0–D3 on the positive clock edge. Used in digital timing control, frequency division, and modulo-N counter design in industrial control panels.

For engineers reviewing the 74HC163DB,118 datasheet, 74HC163DB,118 pinout, 74HC163DB,118 application, or 74HC163DB,118 equivalent, this device is selected for precise synchronous counting where deterministic reset behavior, low propagation delay (16 ns typical CP→Qn at 6 V), and seamless multi-stage cascade capability are required.

Technical Context

The 74HC163DB implements four edge-triggered D-type flip-flops with synchronous load and reset logic, enabling deterministic state transitions on every rising CP edge. Its look-ahead carry output (TC) activates only when CET = HIGH and Q0–Q3 = HHHH, producing a pulse width ≈ Q0 HIGH time for reliable inter-stage enable signaling.

Counting is enabled only when both CEP and CET are HIGH; PE = LOW forces parallel load regardless of CE states. MR = LOW synchronously clears all outputs to LOW after the next CP edge-no asynchronous glitches occur, and no external gating is needed for modulus adjustment beyond a single NAND gate.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

74HC163DB,118 is housed in a 16-lead SSOP package (SOT338-1), body width 5.3 mm, pitch 0.65 mm, suitable for high-density PCB layouts with thermal derating of 5.5 mW/K above 60 °C.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 4-bit synchronous counter applications.

Compared with 74HC163DB,118, the 74HCT163DB,118 offers superior noise margin in noisy industrial environments due to its TTL input thresholds, while SN74HC163N trades miniaturization for mechanical robustness and ease of manual assembly - neither matches the SSOP thermal performance or density of the original part.

Availability

74HC163DB,118 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC timing modules, digital panel meter counters, modulo-N frequency dividers, and test equipment event sequencers requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.

Supply support for 74HC163DB,118 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

Nexperia is a global semiconductor expert delivering high-performance logic, analog, and MOSFET solutions optimized for efficiency, reliability, and manufacturability in high-volume applications.

The 74HC163DB,118 belongs to Nexperia's 74HC logic family - engineered for low-power, high-noise-immunity digital control in automotive, industrial, and consumer systems operating from -40 °C to +125 °C.

FAQ

What is the minimum setup time for the MR input relative to the CP rising edge?

At VCC = 6.0 V, the MR setup time (tsu) is 0 ns - meaning MR may change concurrently with or up to 4 ns after the CP rising edge (th = -4 ns) while still guaranteeing synchronous reset. This allows direct connection to system reset generators without additional timing buffers.

Can the 74HC163DB,118 be used in a 3.3 V system?

Yes - the 74HC163DB,118 is fully specified down to VCC = 2.0 V. At 3.3 V, VIH = 2.31 V (min), VIL = 0.99 V (max), and fmax = ~38 MHz, making it compatible with 3.3 V microcontrollers and FPGA I/O banks without level translation.

How does the TC output behave when CET is LOW?

When CET = LOW, the TC output remains LOW regardless of counter state - it only goes HIGH when both CET = HIGH and Q0–Q3 = 1111. This enables selective carry propagation in multi-stage counters where intermediate stages must inhibit carry until final count.

Is there a recommended decoupling capacitor for the VCC pin?

A 100 nF X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of the VCC pin (Pin 16) and GND (Pin 8) is recommended per Nexperia's layout guidelines. For systems with heavy switching loads, add a 1 μF bulk capacitor nearby to suppress supply rail droop during simultaneous output transitions.