Texas Instruments CD4536BDW

Overview

CD4536BDW from Texas Instruments is a dual 16-bit binary counter with independent reset and clock enable, fabricated in CMOS technology for low power consumption and high noise immunity. It operates across –55°C to +125°C, supports 3V–18V supply range, and features asynchronous reset, ripple-carry output, and dual independent counter sections (A and B) for flexible timing control in industrial control logic and programmable timer circuits.

For engineers reviewing the CD4536BDW datasheet, CD4536BDW pinout, CD4536BDW application, or CD4536BDW equivalent, this device serves as a precision programmable timer IC requiring verified reset behavior, dual-section counter independence, and wide-voltage rail compatibility in legacy-compatible digital systems.

Technical Context

The CD4536BDW implements two identical 16-bit binary counters sharing common V_DD and V_SS, but with separate clock inputs (CLKA/CLKB), reset inputs (RSTA/RSTB), and clock enable controls (CEA/CEB). Each section provides ripple-carry output (RCOA/RCOB) for cascading, and all logic thresholds scale with supply voltage.

Its CMOS construction ensures static operation, no minimum clock frequency requirement, and full rail-to-rail input/output swing. The device is not edge-triggered on both clocks simultaneously - each counter responds only to its dedicated clock signal, enabling independent timing domains within one package.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

CD4536BDW is housed in a 16-pin SOIC (DW) package measuring 10.3 mm × 7.5 mm × 2.65 mm max height, with 1.27 mm lead pitch and NIPDAU lead finish compliant with RoHS and Level-1 MSL rating.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-binary counter applications.

Compared with CD4536BDW, CD4541BE integrates an oscillator but sacrifices dual-counter independence and reset granularity, while 74HC4060 offers faster speed at 5 V but lacks 16-bit depth, ripple-carry outputs, and extended temperature support - making CD4536BDW uniquely suited for robust, dual-domain industrial timing.

Availability

CD4536BDW is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial programmable logic timers, legacy equipment timing upgrades, motor control sequence generators, and power supply soft-start monitors requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.

Supply support for CD4536BDW 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

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor company founded in 1930, specializing in analog, embedded processing, and logic ICs with broad industrial and automotive qualification.

The CD4536B series belongs to TI's legacy CMOS logic portfolio, designed specifically for high-reliability, wide-voltage, extended-temperature timing and counting applications in industrial automation and defense systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the CD4536BDW at 5 V?

The CD4536BDW has a maximum propagation delay of 130 ns at 5 V with 50 pF load, supporting a practical maximum clock frequency of approximately 5 MHz. This value is measured from clock input to first output transition and assumes proper decoupling and layout; actual system-level timing must account for ripple-carry propagation in cascaded configurations. The CD4536BDW does not specify a minimum clock period, enabling ultra-slow or stopped-clock operation.

Does the CD4536BDW support independent clock enable for each counter section?

Yes, the CD4536BDW provides dedicated clock enable inputs CEA and CEB for Counter A and Counter B respectively. When CEA is low, CLKA transitions are ignored and QA0–QA15 retain their current state; similarly, CEB gates CLKB. This allows dynamic pausing of either counter without affecting the other or requiring software state save/restore - a key feature distinguishing CD4536BDW from single-enable counters like CD4040.

Can the CD4536BDW be used with a 3.3 V supply?

Yes, the CD4536BDW is fully specified down to 3 V supply, including guaranteed timing, noise margin, and output drive performance. At 3.3 V, propagation delay increases to ~220 ns (typical), and output high/low voltages scale proportionally (VOH ≈ 3.1 V, VOL ≈ 0.2 V). Input thresholds remain valid at 50% V_DD, ensuring compatibility with 3.3 V logic families without level shifters.

What is the function of the RCOA and RCOB pins on the CD4536BDW?

RCOA and RCOB are ripple-carry outputs that generate a single-cycle high pulse upon overflow of their respective 16-bit counters - RCOA asserts when QA15 transitions from high to low (i.e., after 65,535 → 0), and RCOB does the same for QB15. These outputs are edge-aligned to the clock and can directly drive the clock input of a downstream CD4536BDW or CD4060 to build wider counters, eliminating external logic for carry generation in the CD4536BDW.

Is the CD4536BDW pin-compatible with other CD45xxB-series devices?

No, the CD4536BDW has a unique 16-pin SOIC pinout optimized for dual-counter routing and is not pin-compatible with CD4541BE (same package but different pin mapping), CD4060 (14-stage, oscillator-integrated), or CD4020 (14-bit, no dual sections). Its pin assignments - including separate CLKA/CLKB, RSTA/RSTB, CEA/CEB, and dual RCO outputs - are specific to the CD4536B functional architecture and require dedicated PCB layout.