IC 4024 – 7-Stage Ripple-Carry Binary Counter

Overview

The IC 4024 – 7-Stage Ripple-Carry Binary Counter is a 7-stage ripple-carry binary counter belonging to the CMOS 4000 series logic family. This versatile IC is used in digital circuits where counting operations are required. It features seven output stages that provide binary counting from 0 to 127, making it suitable for a wide range of counting applications, including timers, frequency dividers, and event counters.

Features

• 7-Stage Binary Counter: Counts from 0 to 127, providing a 7-bit binary output.
• Ripple-Carry Operation: Each stage triggers the next, creating a ripple effect through the counter stages.
• Asynchronous Reset: A reset input allows the counter to be cleared to zero at any time.
• Wide Operating Voltage: Operates from 3V to 15V, allowing flexibility in circuit design.
• Low Power Consumption: CMOS technology ensures efficient power usage, ideal for battery-powered applications.
• High Noise Immunity: Offers reliable performance in electrically noisy environments.
• Standardized Pin Configuration: Easily integrates with other CMOS logic devices.

Pin Configuration

The IC 4024 is typically available in a 14-pin Dual In-line Package (DIP). The pinout configuration is as follows:

• Pin 1: Q7 (Output Stage 7)
• Pin 2: Q6 (Output Stage 6)
• Pin 3: Q5 (Output Stage 5)
• Pin 4: Q4 (Output Stage 4)
• Pin 5: Q3 (Output Stage 3)
• Pin 6: Q2 (Output Stage 2)
• Pin 7: Ground (GND)
• Pin 8: Q1 (Output Stage 1)
• Pin 9: Reset (Asynchronous Reset Input)
• Pin 10: Clock Input (Triggers the counting process)
• Pin 11-13: Not connected (NC)
• Pin 14: Positive Supply Voltage (Vcc)

Applications

• Frequency Dividers: The IC 4024 is commonly used to divide input frequencies by factors of 2^n, where n is the stage number. This is useful in clock generation and signal processing.
• Timers: Implemented in timing circuits where precise counting of clock pulses is required.
• Event Counters: Ideal for counting external events, such as pulses from sensors or switches.
• Digital Clocks: Can be used in digital clock circuits to count seconds, minutes, or hours.
• Sequential Logic: Useful in state machines and other sequential logic applications where counting and state transitions are needed.

Working Principle

The IC 4024 functions as a ripple-carry binary counter, meaning that the clock input increments the counter by one each time a rising edge is detected. The counter starts from 0 and counts up to 127 in binary form, after which it resets to 0 and begins counting again.

• Clock Input: The counter increments on each rising edge of the clock signal.
• Reset: When the reset input is activated, the counter is cleared to zero, regardless of the clock input.
• Output Stages: The Q1 to Q7 outputs represent the binary count in a 7-bit format. Q1 is the least significant bit (LSB), and Q7 is the most significant bit (MSB).

Example Circuit

• Frequency Divider: Connect the clock input to an oscillating signal and use one of the output stages to divide the frequency by a specific factor. For example, using Q4 will divide the frequency by 16.
• Event Counter: Connect the clock input to a pulse-generating sensor. Each pulse will increment the counter, and the binary count can be read from the output stages.

Advantages

• Low Power Operation: CMOS technology ensures minimal power consumption, making it ideal for portable and battery-operated devices.
• Versatile Counting: The 7-stage counter provides a wide counting range, suitable for various digital applications.
• High Noise Immunity: Reliable operation even in environments with electrical noise, thanks to the CMOS design.
• Wide Supply Voltage: The IC can operate at different voltage levels, providing flexibility in circuit design.

Conclusion

The IC 4024 is a reliable and versatile 7-stage binary counter that is ideal for a wide range of digital applications, including frequency dividers, timers, and event counters. Its ripple-carry design, low power consumption, and wide operating voltage range make it a popular choice for both educational and professional electronics projects. Whether you’re building a simple timing circuit or a complex digital system, the IC 4024 provides the counting capabilities you need to achieve accurate and efficient designs.

IC 4060 – 14-Stage Binary Ripple Counter/Divider with Oscillator