STMicroelectronics M74HC161B1R
- Part No.:
- M74HC161B1R
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Counters, Dividers
- Package:
- 16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
M74HC161B1R.pdf
- Description:
- IC BINARY COUNTER 4-BIT 16DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,187
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Product details
Overview
M74HC161B1R from STMicroelectronics is a high-speed CMOS synchronous 4-bit binary presettable counter with asynchronous clear, synchronous load, and cascading carry output. It operates from 2V to 6V, delivers 62 MHz max clock frequency (typ. at VCC = 6V), features ±4 mA symmetrical output drive, and is pin- and function-compatible with standard 74LS161 for drop-in logic upgrades in industrial timing and control circuits.
For engineers reviewing the M74HC161B1R datasheet, M74HC161B1R pinout, M74HC161B1R application, or M74HC161B1R equivalent, key selection criteria include its asynchronous CLEAR/CLK edge-triggered operation, dual enable inputs (PE/TE), CARRY propagation delay (16 ns typ. at 6V), and guaranteed noise immunity (28% VCC min.) across –55°C to +125°C.
Technical Context
The M74HC161B1R implements a fully synchronous 4-bit binary counter with rising-edge clock triggering and asynchronous active-low CLEAR. Preset data loading occurs synchronously on the next clock edge when LOAD is low, while counting is enabled only when both PE and TE are high.
Cascading is supported via the CARRY output (TE·QA·QB·QC·QD), enabling N-bit counters without external logic. All inputs include ESD protection diodes, and propagation delays are balanced (tPLH ≅ tPHL) to minimize duty-cycle distortion in clock distribution paths.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage Range | 2 V to 6 V - supports mixed-voltage system interfacing and battery-powered logic |
| Max Clock Frequency | 62 MHz (typ. at VCC = 6 V) - enables high-speed timing in digital controllers and state machines |
| Output Drive Strength | ±4 mA (min.) - ensures robust fan-out to ≥10 LS-TTL loads or multiple HC/HCT inputs |
| Propagation Delay (CLK→Q) | 14 ns (typ. at VCC = 6 V) - guarantees tight setup/hold timing margins in synchronous pipelines |
| Noise Immunity | 28 % VCC (min.) - rejects >1.6 V noise spikes at VCC = 6 V, critical for noisy industrial environments |
| Quiescent Current | 4 µA (max. at TA = 25°C) - enables ultra-low-power standby in battery-backed counters |
| Operating Temperature | –55°C to +125°C - qualified for automotive under-hood and industrial motor-control applications |
Pinout & Package
DIP-16 package (0.300" wide, JEDEC MS-001), through-hole mount, RoHS-compliant lead finish.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (CLEAR) | Asynchronous reset input | Forces all outputs QA–QD low immediately, independent of clock edge |
| 2 (CLOCK) | Rising-edge trigger input | Advances count or loads data only on LOW→HIGH transition |
| 3–6 (A–D) | Synchronous parallel data inputs | Loads preset value into counter on next clock edge when LOAD = L |
| 7 (PE) | Count enable (active high) | Must be high with TE to allow counting; enables internal state transitions |
| 9 (LOAD) | Synchronous load control (active low) | Triggers parallel load of A–D on next clock rising edge |
| 10 (TE) | Count enable carry input (active high) | Gates CARRY output generation; used for ripple-cascade chaining |
| 11–14 (QA–QD) | 4-bit binary counter outputs | QA = LSB, QD = MSB; outputs update synchronously post-clock edge |
| 15 (CARRY) | Terminal count output | High when counter reaches 15 and PE = TE = H - drives next stage's TE or clock enable |
| 8 (GND) | Ground reference | 0 V return path for all internal logic and I/O current |
| 16 (VCC) | Positive supply | Primary power rail; decoupling capacitor required within 1 cm for stable operation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Synchronous preset with asynchronous clear | Enables deterministic initialization and glitch-free restart in real-time control loops |
| Dual enable architecture (PE + TE) | Allows independent gating of count action and carry generation for flexible cascade topologies |
| Balanced tPLH/tPHL propagation | Maintains ≤5% duty-cycle deviation in clock-derived waveforms for precise timing windows |
| Wide VCC range (2–6 V) | Permits direct interface with 3.3 V microcontrollers and legacy 5 V logic without level shifters |
| ESD-protected inputs | Withstands ±2 kV HBM per IEC 61000-4-2 - reduces need for external transient suppression |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Timer Modules | Automotive Body Control Units |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Generating precise 1–100 ms timing intervals for solenoid actuation sequencing in programmable logic controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 4-bit counter stage in multi-stage timer chain, driven by system clock and gated by safety interlocks. Use Value: Asynchronous CLEAR ensures immediate timeout reset on fault detection; CARRY output triggers next-stage interrupt without added logic gates. | Use Scenario: Implementing window wiper cycle control with variable dwell time based on vehicle speed sensor input. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Synchronous presettable counter that loads wiper interval code from MCU and counts down using oscillator-derived clock. Use Value: LOAD and CLEAR pins allow dynamic reconfiguration and emergency stop; wide temperature range ensures reliability under hood conditions. |
| Consumer Appliance Motor Controllers | Test Equipment Frequency Dividers |
Use Scenario: Managing spin cycle duration and drum rotation phase in washing machine main control boards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Cascaded counter block generating 100-ms to 5-s timing windows for motor driver enable signals. Use Value: TE/PE dual-enable allows independent control of count progression and carry propagation - simplifies firmware-driven timing adjustments. | Use Scenario: Building 100 kHz → 10 Hz frequency dividers in portable signal generators and calibration tools. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage divider in multi-counter chain; CARRY output feeds subsequent M74HC161 stages for 16× division per stage. Use Value: 62 MHz fMAX and low propagation skew ensure accurate division up to 10 MHz input without metastability risk. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SN74HC161N | Same logic function, identical AC/DC specs; different package (PDIP-16, Texas Instruments marking) | Direct pin-compatible replacement; same thermal profile and PCB footprint | Select if TI-sourced supply chain or dual-sourcing strategy required |
| CD74HC161E | Identical functional spec; minor differences in max ICC (80 µA vs. 40 µA at 125°C) and CIN (6 pF vs. 5 pF) | Valid for same industrial temp-range designs; requires verification of worst-case leakage in low-power sleep modes | Prefer for cost-sensitive production where TI's volume pricing applies |
Compared with SN74HC161N and CD74HC161E, the M74HC161B1R offers tighter quiescent current (4 µA max. at 25°C) and superior noise immunity margin (28% VCC), making it preferred for high-reliability industrial timers where long-term stability and EMI resilience are critical.
Availability
M74HC161B1R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC timer modules, automotive body control units, and consumer appliance motor controllers requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.
Supply support for M74HC161B1R 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 headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing analog, digital, and mixed-signal ICs for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
The M74HC161B1R belongs to ST's high-speed CMOS logic family, engineered for pin-compatible upgrades of legacy TTL counters in noise-prone, wide-temperature industrial control systems.
FAQ
Is M74HC161B1R compatible with 5 V TTL logic interfaces?
Yes - its VIH (3.15 V min. at VCC = 4.5 V) and VOL (0.26 V max. at IO = 4 mA) meet TTL input thresholds and output drive requirements. It can directly drive 74LS loads and accept 74LS outputs without level-shifting circuitry.
What is the minimum pulse width required for the CLEAR input?
The minimum CLEAR pulse width is 6 ns (typ.) at VCC = 6 V and 13 ns (max.) over –55°C to +125°C. This ensures reliable asynchronous reset even in fast-clocked systems with short control pulses from microcontrollers or FPGA GPIOs.
Can M74HC161B1R be used in asynchronous cascade configurations?
No - it is strictly synchronous: all state changes (count, load, clear) occur only on the rising clock edge. For asynchronous ripple-carry chaining, use dedicated ripple-carry counters like M74HC393; M74HC161B1R requires synchronous clock distribution across all cascaded stages.
Does M74HC161B1R support hot insertion or live board swapping?
No - it lacks Ioff protection or power-off isolation. Applying VCC before GND or inserting into a live backplane risks latch-up due to internal parasitic SCR structures. Always power-cycle the board before replacement in field-service scenarios.
M74HC161B1R Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- 74HC
- Package/Case:
- 16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Logic Type:
- Binary Counter
- Direction:
- Up
- Number of Elements:
- 1
- Number of Bits per Element:
- 4
- Reset:
- Asynchronous
- Timing:
- Synchronous
- Count Rate:
- 62 MHz
- Trigger Type:
- Positive Edge
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2 V ~ 6 V
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-DIP
M74HC161B1R FAQ
1.How can I place an order for M74HC161B1R through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for M74HC161B1R 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 M74HC161B1R reliable?
The price and inventory of M74HC161B1R are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for M74HC161B1R is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for M74HC161B1R?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for M74HC161B1R transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for M74HC161B1R?
M74HC161B1R orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your M74HC161B1R 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 M74HC161B1R?
For technical support, including M74HC161B1R datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your M74HC161B1R requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that M74HC161B1R is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All M74HC161B1R 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 M74HC161B1R meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of M74HC161B1R?
All M74HC161B1R units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with M74HC161B1R, 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 M74HC161B1R part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for M74HC161B1R:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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