STMicroelectronics M74HC4520RM13TR

Overview

M74HC4520RM13TR from STMicroelectronics is a high-speed CMOS dual 4-bit binary counter with two independent synchronous 4-stage D-type flip-flop counters, operating from 2V to 6V supply, delivering 60 MHz max clock frequency at 6V, 27 ns typical propagation delay (tPHL), and 4 mA output drive capability. It serves as a ripple-cascadable timing and division element in digital control logic, frequency synthesis, and event counting circuits.

For engineers reviewing the M74HC4520RM13TR datasheet, M74HC4520RM13TR pinout, M74HC4520RM13TR application, or M74HC4520RM13TR equivalent, key selection criteria include asynchronous clear behavior, edge-triggered clock/enable flexibility, symmetrical output impedance, wide VCC range, and TSSOP-16 package compatibility for space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The device implements two identical, internally synchronous 4-bit binary counters using silicon gate C2MOS technology. Each counter features interchangeable CLOCK and ENABLE inputs, supporting increment on either positive- or negative-going edges - enabling flexible timing control without external inversion logic.

Asynchronous active-low CLEAR inputs reset all four Q outputs to logic low independently per counter. Cascading is supported via ripple mode: Q4 of one counter drives the ENABLE input of the next, while its CLOCK remains held low - preserving binary sequence integrity across stages.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP-16 package: 4.9 × 6.4 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch, 1.2 mm height, lead-free, moisture sensitivity level 1 (MSL1).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74HC4520PWR and 74VHC4520FT, M74HC4520RM13TR offers the widest temperature range (–55 °C to +125 °C) and lowest quiescent current (4 µA), making it optimal for automotive and harsh-environment embedded timing where reliability and power efficiency are prioritized over peak speed.

Availability

M74HC4520RM13TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC timer modules, automotive body control units, consumer appliance control boards, and test equipment frequency dividers requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for M74HC4520RM13TR 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, specializing in automotive, industrial, power management, and microcontroller solutions with vertical manufacturing and broad IP licensing.

M74HC4520 belongs to the M74HC high-speed CMOS logic family, designed specifically for robust, low-power digital timing and counting functions in mission-critical industrial and automotive control systems.

FAQ

Is M74HC4520RM13TR pin-compatible with standard 74LS4520?

No. While functionally equivalent as a dual 4-bit binary counter, M74HC4520RM13TR uses CMOS input thresholds and drive characteristics, whereas 74LS4520 is TTL-based. Pinout matches 74HC4520 and 74HCT4520, but voltage-level and current-drive differences require careful interface design - direct replacement is not assured without logic-level translation.

Can both counters operate simultaneously with independent clocks?

Yes. The two counters are electrically isolated except for shared VCC and GND. Each has dedicated CLOCK, ENABLE, and CLEAR inputs, allowing fully independent operation - for example, one counter can run at 1 MHz while the other runs at 100 kHz, with separate reset events.

What is the minimum pulse width required on CLEAR for reliable reset?

At VCC = 6 V, the minimum CLEAR pulse width is 4 ns (typical) and 13 ns (max) across –55 °C to +125 °C. For robust operation across full temperature range, maintain ≥15 ns low pulse width - verified by AC characterization in the official ST datasheet (page 6, tW(L) parameter).

Does M74HC4520RM13TR support synchronous reset?

No. RESET is strictly asynchronous and active-low on pins 7 and 15. There is no provision for synchronous clearing tied to the clock edge. To achieve synchronized reset behavior, external logic (e.g., AND gate combining CLEAR and inverted CLOCK) must be added - the internal architecture does not include a synchronous load or reset feature.