STMicroelectronics M74HC4020RM13TR

Overview

M74HC4020RM13TR from STMicroelectronics is a high-speed CMOS 14-stage binary ripple counter with TSSOP-16 package, 2–6 V operating voltage, 70 MHz max clock frequency (typ. at 6 V), 4 µA max quiescent current, and pin-compatible replacement for 74-series 4020. It provides 12 divided outputs (Q1, Q4–Q14), reset via active-high CLEAR, and edge-triggered counting on CLOCK's rising edge - used in timing control, frequency division, and digital clock tree distribution.

For engineers reviewing the M74HC4020RM13TR datasheet, M74HC4020RM13TR pinout, M74HC4020RM13TR application, or M74HC4020RM13TR equivalent, key selection criteria include propagation delay symmetry (tPLH ≅ tPHL), noise immunity (VNIH/VNIL = 28% VCC min), output drive strength (±4 mA), wide supply range, and TSSOP-16 thermal and board-space advantages over DIP/SOP variants.

Technical Context

The M74HC4020RM13TR implements a synchronous-reset-free asynchronous ripple counter using silicon gate C2MOS technology. Its 14 cascaded flip-flops produce binary-weighted division ratios up to 1/16384, with all outputs available in parallel and no internal feedback path required beyond the chain.

Input protection includes ESD and transient voltage clamping on all pins; propagation delays are balanced (tPLH ≅ tPHL) and scale predictably with VCC - e.g., 9 ns typ. (CLOCK→Q1) at 6 V, 29 ns typ. at 4.5 V - enabling stable multi-stage timing without external skew compensation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP-16 (Thin Shrink Small Outline Package), 4.9 × 6.4 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch, exposed pad not present, JEDEC MO-153 compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74HC4020DR and CD74HC4020M96, the M74HC4020RM13TR offers superior thermal performance in space-constrained applications due to its TSSOP-16 package, lower typical power dissipation capacitance (34 pF), and tighter production tolerance on propagation delay matching - making it optimal for high-reliability timing in industrial controllers and test instrumentation.

Availability

M74HC4020RM13TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial timer modules, digital clock distribution networks, power supply sequencing circuits, and portable test equipment requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for M74HC4020RM13TR 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 M74HC4020 belongs to ST's high-speed CMOS logic family, engineered for low-power, high-noise-immunity digital timing functions in harsh environments - especially where reliability across extended temperature ranges (-55°C to 125°C) is mandatory.

FAQ

Is the M74HC4020RM13TR pin-compatible with older 74LS4020 devices?

No - while functionally equivalent as a 14-stage binary counter, the M74HC4020RM13TR uses CMOS input thresholds (VIH = 3.15 V min at 4.5 V VCC) versus TTL thresholds (VIH ≈ 2.0 V) in 74LS4020. Direct replacement requires verifying driver output levels and may need pull-up resistors on LS outputs to meet HC input voltage requirements.

What is the minimum pulse width required on the CLEAR input?

The minimum HIGH pulse width on CLEAR is 7 ns (typ.) at VCC = 6 V, 19 ns (max) over full temperature range (-55°C to 125°C). This ensures reliable reset across all operating conditions without requiring external pulse stretching circuitry.

Can the M74HC4020RM13TR operate reliably at 2.0 V supply?

Yes - it is fully specified down to 2.0 V, with fMAX = 4.8 MHz (min), VIH = 1.5 V (min), and VOL = 0.1 V (max at 20 µA load). However, propagation delays increase significantly (e.g., CLOCK→Q1 tPLH = 76 ns typ.), so timing-critical paths must be re-verified at this voltage.

Does the device require an external pull-down on the CLEAR pin?

No - the CLEAR input has no internal pull-down; however, STMicroelectronics recommends tying it to VCC through a 10 kΩ resistor in systems where the driving source may float during power-up or reset. This prevents unintended counter resets due to undriven input states.