NXP Semiconductors 74HC163PW,118

Overview

74HC163PW,118 from NXP Semiconductors is a synchronous 4-bit binary counter with asynchronous reset, synchronous load, and carry lookahead logic. It operates at 2V–6V supply, delivers 5.2mA output drive, and features propagation delay of 17ns (typ.) at 4.5V. Used in digital timing control circuits such as programmable interval timers and address sequencers.

For engineers reviewing the 74HC163PW,118 datasheet, 74HC163PW,118 pinout, 74HC163PW,118 application, or 74HC163PW,118 equivalent, key selection criteria include synchronous counting capability, active-high enable control, ripple-carry output behavior, and TSSOP-16 package compatibility with high-density PCB layouts.

Technical Context

This counter uses positive-edge-triggered clocking with fully synchronous operation: all state changes occur on the rising edge of CP. Reset (MR) is asynchronous and active-low, while load (LD) and enable (ENP/ENT) are synchronous and active-high.

Carry-out (RCO) asserts high only when Q0–Q3 are all high and ENT is high-enabling cascading without external gating. The device belongs to the 74HC logic family, ensuring CMOS-level power efficiency and TTL-compatible input thresholds.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP-16 surface-mount package: 4.4mm × 5.0mm body, 0.65mm pitch, exposed pad not present, RoHS-compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74HC163N, the 74HC163PW,118 offers superior speed and density; compared with 74HCT163PW,118, it provides lower static current and wider VCC tolerance but requires cleaner input signals in TTL environments.

Availability

74HC163PW,118 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for programmable timers, address sequencers, frequency dividers, and event counters requiring stable component supply across industrial, test equipment, and embedded control programs.

Supply support for 74HC163PW,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

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.

The 74HC logic series targets general-purpose digital logic design, emphasizing low power, wide supply range, and robust noise immunity for mixed-signal embedded systems.

FAQ

Is 74HC163PW,118 pin-compatible with 74LS163?

No. While both are 4-bit synchronous counters, 74HC163PW,118 uses CMOS technology with different DC characteristics: input thresholds, output drive strength, and supply voltage range (2–6V vs. 4.75–5.25V). Pin assignments match, but direct substitution requires verification of signal integrity and loading conditions.

Can RCO be used as a clock input for cascading?

No. RCO is a combinatorial output-not edge-controlled-and lacks the timing stability required for clock distribution. It must be gated with ENP/ENT and fed into CP of the next stage only after appropriate synchronization or buffering to prevent metastability.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported?

The device supports reliable operation up to 25MHz at VCC = 4.5V, based on its 17ns typical propagation delay and setup/hold timing margins. At 6V, maximum frequency increases slightly; at 2V, it drops to ~8MHz due to reduced drive strength and increased delay.

Does it support dynamic load changes during counting?

Yes-load is fully synchronous. When LD is asserted high, the next rising CP edge captures D0–D3 and replaces the current count. This allows mid-sequence reinitialization without disrupting clock timing or introducing glitches on Q outputs.