74164 Datasheet

The 74164 Datasheet provides a wealth of information about a fundamental component in digital electronics: the 74164 8-bit serial-in, parallel-out shift register. Understanding the 74164 datasheet is crucial for anyone working with digital logic circuits, from hobbyists to professional engineers. This article will guide you through the essential aspects of the 74164, explaining its functionality and how to effectively utilize it in your projects.

Decoding the 74164 Datasheet: Functionality and Applications

The 74164 is an 8-bit serial-in, parallel-out shift register, meaning it accepts data one bit at a time through a single input pin (SER) and outputs the entire 8-bit data word simultaneously through eight separate output pins (QA-QH). This characteristic makes it ideal for converting serial data streams into parallel data for applications like displaying characters on LED displays or interfacing with parallel processing systems. The 74164 also includes a clock input (CLK) that synchronizes the shifting of data, and a clear input (CLR) that resets all outputs to a low state. Its ability to convert serial data to parallel data efficiently is its primary advantage.

Reading the 74164 datasheet, you’ll find critical information regarding its electrical characteristics, timing requirements, and pin configurations. The datasheet specifies the operating voltage range, typically 4.5V to 5.5V, and the maximum clock frequency, which determines how fast the register can shift data. Also, it outlines important timing parameters like setup and hold times, which dictate the minimum time the data must be stable before and after the clock edge to ensure reliable operation. Understanding these parameters is essential for designing circuits that function correctly and avoid timing errors. The datasheet also provides a function table summarizing its behavior under different input conditions, and a pinout diagram for easy connection. Consider these points:

  • Operating voltage range
  • Maximum clock frequency
  • Setup and hold times

The 74164 finds use in a diverse array of applications. Common applications include displaying numerical or alphanumeric data using LEDs, shift registers for generating pseudorandom sequences, and simple data delay lines. Due to its ability to expand parallel outputs by cascading, the 74164 can drive seven-segment displays. Other use cases are:

  1. LED display drivers
  2. Serial-to-parallel data conversion
  3. Simple pseudo-random number generators
Pin Name Function
SER Serial Data Input
CLK Clock Input
CLR Clear Input

To ensure the correct usage of this component, it is important to consult the manufacturer’s source material.