Important Note

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CD4040BE - 12-Bit Binary Counter

Details

Description

The CD4040BE is a 12-stage binary ripple carry counter IC from Texas Instruments. This CMOS logic device counts binary pulses applied to its clock input and provides 12 separate output stages (Q1-Q12) representing different binary divisions. It’s commonly used in frequency division, timing circuits, and digital counting applications where multiple binary outputs are needed.

Specifications

Electrical Characteristics

  • Operating Voltage: 3V ~ 18V
  • Current: Low power CMOS consumption
  • Power: Low power consumption
  • Interface: Digital Logic
  • Count Rate: 12 MHz maximum
  • Trigger Type: Negative Edge

Physical Characteristics

  • Package: 16-DIP (0.300”, 7.62mm)
  • Dimensions: Standard 16-pin DIP package
  • Operating Temperature: -55°C ~ 125°C
  • Mounting Type: Through Hole

Key Features

  • 12-bit binary ripple carry counter
  • Asynchronous reset capability
  • Clock inhibit function
  • CMOS technology for low power consumption
  • Wide operating voltage range (3V-18V)

Image

Standard 16-pin DIP package IC - CD4040BE markings on top with manufacturer logo

Pinout Diagram

Pin Descriptions

PinNameFunction
1Q4Output bit 4
2Q5Output bit 5
3Q6Output bit 6
4Q7Output bit 7
5Q8Output bit 8
6Q9Output bit 9
7Q10Output bit 10
8GNDGround
9Q11Output bit 11
10Q12Output bit 12
11ResetAsynchronous reset input
12Clock InhibitDisables clock when high
13ClockClock input
14Q1Output bit 1
15Q2Output bit 2
16VDDPositive power supply

Applications

Common use cases and applications for this component:

  • Frequency dividers and prescalers
  • Digital timing circuits
  • Event counters
  • Clock generation circuits
  • Binary sequence generators
  • Pulse counting applications

Circuit Examples

Basic Counter Circuit

VDD (Pin 16) ---- +5V to +15V
GND (Pin 8)  ---- Ground
Clock (Pin 13) -- Input clock signal
Reset (Pin 11) -- Reset control (active high)
Clock Inhibit (Pin 12) -- Clock disable (active high)
Q1-Q12 (Various pins) -- Binary outputs

Frequency Divider Usage

Input frequency at Clock pin divides by:
Q1: ÷2, Q2: ÷4, Q3: ÷8, Q4: ÷16, Q5: ÷32, Q6: ÷64
Q7: ÷128, Q8: ÷256, Q9: ÷512, Q10: ÷1024, Q11: ÷2048, Q12: ÷4096

Technical Notes

Important technical considerations and features:

  • Ripple carry design means outputs change sequentially, not simultaneously
  • Reset input is asynchronous and active high
  • Clock inhibit allows pausing the counter without losing count
  • All outputs are buffered and can drive standard CMOS/TTL loads
  • Maximum count is 4095 (2^12 - 1) before rolling over to 0

Tags

logic-ic, counter, binary-counter, cmos, texas-instruments cabinet-3 bin-34 status-available

Notes

This is a classic CMOS counter IC that’s been widely used in digital electronics for decades. The CD4040 series is known for reliability and low power consumption. When using in circuits, ensure proper decoupling capacitors near the power pins and consider the ripple delay when timing is critical. The wide voltage range makes it suitable for both 5V and higher voltage applications.