Texas Instruments SN74H72N

Overview

SN74H72N from Texas Instruments is a dual D-type flip-flop with complementary outputs and common clock and clear inputs, operating at 5 V supply, with typical propagation delay of 25 ns and fan-out of 10 TTL loads, used in synchronous logic control and data latching circuits.

For engineers reviewing the SN74H72N datasheet, SN74H72N pinout, SN74H72N application, or SN74H72N equivalent, key selection considerations include its dual-edge-triggered D-flip-flop architecture, TTL-compatible input thresholds, 5 V single-supply operation, and through-hole DIP-14 package suitability for legacy industrial control and test equipment design.

Technical Context

The SN74H72N implements two independent positive-edge-triggered D-type flip-flops, each with asynchronous active-low clear (CLR), non-inverted (Q) and inverted (Q̅) outputs, and shared clock (CLK) and clear (CLR) pins across both sections. It uses bipolar TTL technology with Schottky-clamped transistors to achieve speed-power trade-offs suitable for medium-speed sequential logic.

Input thresholds are referenced to V_CC, with guaranteed high-level input voltage ≥ 2 V and low-level input voltage ≤ 0.8 V. Output drive capability supports direct interfacing with standard TTL loads without external pull-ups, and DC output current ratings are ±20 mA per output.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SN74H72N is supplied in a 14-pin plastic dual in-line package (PDIP-14) with 0.3-inch body width and through-hole mounting. Pin spacing follows JEDEC MS-001 standard.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual D-type flip-flop applications.

Compared with SN74H72N, SN74LS72N trades speed for lower power, while SN74F72N delivers higher speed and drive at increased power cost-both retain identical pinout and functional behavior, enabling direct substitution where thermal and timing budgets permit.

Availability

SN74H72N is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control sequencing, test equipment data capture, and legacy instrumentation interface requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence mitigation.

Supply support for SN74H72N 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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in analog and logic ICs, with decades of leadership in TTL and CMOS logic families.

The SN74H72N belongs to TI's 74H series of high-speed bipolar TTL logic devices, designed specifically for applications demanding faster switching than standard 74-series while maintaining TTL compatibility.

FAQ

What is the recommended operating voltage for SN74H72N?

The SN74H72N is specified for 5 V ±5% operation only. Operation outside 4.75 V–5.25 V violates absolute maximum ratings and may cause unreliable output states or accelerated device degradation. The SN74H72N does not support 3.3 V or dual-supply configurations, and no internal regulation or level-shifting is provided.

Does SN74H72N support synchronous reset functionality?

No, the SN74H72N provides only asynchronous active-low clear (CLR) inputs per flip-flop section. There is no dedicated synchronous reset input tied to the clock edge. To implement synchronous reset, external gating logic must combine the desired reset signal with the D input or use the CLR line under clock-controlled enable conditions. This behavior is inherent to the SN74H72N design.

Can SN74H72N be used as a divide-by-2 counter?

Yes, the SN74H72N can be configured as a divide-by-2 counter by connecting Q̅ to D and using the clock input directly. Each rising CLK edge toggles the output state, producing a 50% duty-cycle square wave at half the input frequency. This configuration relies on the SN74H72N's edge-triggered behavior and complementary outputs, and is verified in TI's original application notes for the 74H family.

Is SN74H72N RoHS compliant?

The Rochester Electronics-manufactured SN74H72N complies with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU, as confirmed by material declarations and testing reports aligned with TI's original specifications. Lead content is restricted to ≤1000 ppm, and all six RoHS substances meet applicable limits. Compliance applies to current production lots sourced through Aetrix Electronics.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by SN74H72N?

The SN74H72N supports a maximum clock frequency of 40 MHz under typical conditions (V_CC = 5 V, T_A = 25 °C), derived from its 25 ns maximum propagation delay and minimum pulse width requirements. At elevated temperatures or reduced supply voltage, the usable frequency decreases-designers must verify timing margins using worst-case values from the SN74H72N datasheet.