Nexperia USA Inc. 74HCT4020PW,118

Overview

74HCT4020PW,118 from Nexperia is a 14-stage asynchronous binary ripple counter with TTL-compatible inputs, 12 buffered outputs (Q0, Q3–Q13), master reset (MR) active HIGH, and clock-triggered on HIGH-to-LOW transition. It operates from 4.5 V to 5.5 V, supports -40 °C to +125 °C, and delivers f_max = 25 MHz at V_CC = 4.5 V in frequency division circuits for industrial timing control.

For engineers reviewing the 74HCT4020PW,118 datasheet, 74HCT4020PW,118 pinout, 74HCT4020PW,118 application, or 74HCT4020PW,118 equivalent, this device serves as a low-power, high-noise-immunity ripple counter for precise clock division, time-delay generation, and control sequencing where deterministic propagation delay stacking and guaranteed TTL-level input compatibility are required.

Technical Context

This device implements a cascaded chain of 14 static toggle flip-flops, advancing only on the falling edge of CP. Each stage contributes cumulative propagation delay (e.g., Q0 to Q13 adds ~19 ns × 13 stages at V_CC = 4.5 V), resulting in inherent ripple behavior unsuitable for synchronous system clocks but ideal for divide-by-N timing where phase alignment is not required.

MR overrides all internal states asynchronously and forces all outputs LOW regardless of CP state. Input clamp diodes allow safe interfacing to voltages exceeding V_CC, and output drive capability meets ±4.0 mA at V_CC = 4.5 V with VOL ≤ 0.4 V and VOH ≥ 3.7 V - enabling direct connection to standard TTL loads without level-shifting.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP16 package (SOT403-1): 4.4 mm body width, 0.65 mm pitch, 16-terminal surface-mount plastic thin shrink small outline package with exposed pad option (not electrically connected by default).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 14-stage binary ripple counter applications.

Compared with 74HC4020PW,118 and SN74LV4020PWR, the 74HCT4020PW,118 uniquely guarantees TTL-level input compatibility at 5 V while maintaining industrial temperature range and TSSOP packaging - making it the optimal drop-in replacement for legacy 74LS4020-based systems requiring no schematic or firmware changes.

Availability

74HCT4020PW,118 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for frequency division, time delay generation, control sequencing, and LED blink pattern control requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for 74HCT4020PW,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, reliable logic, analog, and discrete components optimized for efficiency, reliability, and miniaturization in industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

The 74HCT logic family targets legacy system upgrades and cost-sensitive industrial controls, emphasizing pin-for-pin compatibility with bipolar TTL while delivering CMOS power efficiency and robust ESD performance.

FAQ

Can 74HCT4020PW,118 operate at 3.3 V supply?

No. The 74HCT4020PW,118 is specified only for 4.5 V to 5.5 V operation per its recommended conditions table. At 3.3 V, VIH and VIL thresholds fall outside guaranteed switching levels, risking metastability or failure to recognize TTL inputs. Use 74HC4020PW,118 instead for 3.3 V systems.

Is the MR input synchronized to the clock?

No. MR is asynchronous and active HIGH: asserting MR immediately clears all flip-flops and forces Q0–Q13 LOW, regardless of CP state or timing. This allows immediate reset during fault conditions without waiting for the next clock edge.

Why does Q0 have lower propagation delay than Q13?

Because it is a ripple counter: each stage's output drives the clock input of the next. Q0 sees CP directly (tpd ≈ 18 ns), while Q13 accumulates 13 stage delays (≈13 × 15 ns = 195 ns typ). This inherent skew makes it unsuitable for synchronous clock distribution but ideal for cascaded timing.

Does this device require external pull-up or pull-down resistors on unused outputs?

No. All outputs (Q0, Q3–Q13) are fully buffered CMOS drivers with defined HIGH/LOW states. Unused outputs may be left floating without risk of oscillation or excessive current draw, though routing them to ground or VCC is acceptable for noise reduction in high-EMI environments.