Exploring the 74LS04 Hex Inverter: Guide to Datasheet, Specs, and Pin Configuration

This article explores the 74LS04 Hex Inverter, a main component of the renowned 74XXYY IC series, basic to digital electronics. It offers a deeper look at its structure, performance characteristics, and compatibility, emphasizing its low power consumption, high noise immunity, and adaptability with other logic families. The article compares the 74LS04 to its counterpart, the 74HC04, noting the former's faster switching times best possible for various applications, and the latter's higher noise margins suited for high-throughput, robust environments. Widely used across North America, Europe, and Asia in systems ranging from computing and communications to educational and research applications, the 74LS04's versatility is showcased in its global adoption and varied actual implementations. Dive deeper into how the 74LS04 can enhance digital circuit designs and which variant best suits your specific needs.

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74LS04 Complete Study

The 74LS04 Hex Inverter, a main component of the reputable 74XXYY IC series, incorporates six independent inverting HEX gates, each with a single input and output basic for phase inversion. This feature enables the IC to function across a broad voltage range, making it compatible with CMOS, NMOS, and TTL technologies. The ability of each gate to invert the input signal—turning a logic high into a logic low and vice versa—is required for signal shaping, timing adjustments, and logical decision-making in digital circuits.

The 74LS04's compatibility with various technologies underscores its versatility in diverse applications and mixed-technology environments. Its wide operational voltage range enhances its utility in numerous design contexts, from signal processing, where precise phase reversal is required, to timing circuits that depend on accurate phase inversion for synchronization. The 74LS04 is basic in oscillators' feedback networks, where stability and correct phase characteristics are required. Design considerations for integrating the 74LS04 involve careful attention to power supply levels and input/output impedance to ensure optimal performance and device longevity.

74LS04 Pinout and Configurations

Pin Number	Description
INPUT OF INVERTING GATES
1	1A-INPUT of GATE 1
3	2A-INPUT of GATE 2
5	3A-INPUT of GATE 3
9	4A-INPUT of GATE 4
11	5A-INPUT of GATE 5
13	6A-INPUT of GATE 6
SHARED TERMINALS
7	GND- Should be connected to ground
14	VCC-Should be connected to a positive voltage
OUTPUT OF INVERTING GATES
2	1Y-OUTPUT of GATE 1
4	2Y-OUTPUT of GATE 2
6	3Y-OUTPUT of GATE 3
8	4Y-OUTPUT of GATE 4
10	5Y-OUTPUT of GATE 5
12	6Y-OUTPUT of GATE 6

Core Features of the 74LS04 Integrated Circuit

Specification	Value
Supply Voltage Range	+4.75V to +5.25V
Maximum Supply Voltage	+7V
Maximum Current Allowed per Gate Output	8mA
Composition	Totally Lead-free
Output Type	TTL Outputs
Maximum Rise Time	15ns
Maximum Fall Time	15ns
Operating Temperature Range	0°C to 70°C

Environmental Compliance

To improve its environmental alignment, the 74LS04 is lead-free. This compliance reflects a commitment to global environmental standards, reducing the reliance on hazardous substances in electronic components.

Logic Performance

The 74LS04 employs TTL (Transistor-Transistor Logic) outputs, designed to provide efficient and reliable logic levels. Its versatility renders it suitable for a wide range of digital applications, proving its reliability and efficacy. One of the remarkable attributes of the 74LS04 is its proficiency in managing swift signal transitions. Both rise and fall times are capped at a maximum of 15. This attribute proves invaluable in high-speed digital circuits where precision timing is required. For example, in high-frequency clock generation circuits, shorter transition times mitigate the risk of timing inaccuracies and signal degradation.

Operating Temperature Range

The operational temperature span of 0°C to 70°C makes the 74LS04 appropriate for general commercial applications. Such a range ensures stable performance in settings regular of consumer electronics and industrial instrumentation. Sustaining temperature fidelity is paramount, as thermal variations can compromise the reliability of ICs in maintaining consistent electronic functionality.

74LS04 CAD Models

Schematic Symbol

PCB Footprint

Technical Specifications

Raytheon Semiconductor 74LS04N is a high-performance hex inverter IC, widely used in digital electronics. We provide an overview of its technical specifications.

Type	Parameter
JESD-609 Code	e0
Terminal Finish	Tin/Lead (Sn/Pb)
Peak Reflow Temperature (Cel)	NOT SPECIFIED
Time@Peak Reflow Temperature-Max (s)	NOT SPECIFIED
RoHS Status	Non-RoHS Compliant

Applications of 74LS04

Logic Circuits

74LS04 finds extensive utility in logic circuits, converting logical 1s to 0s and vice versa, a basic for digital computing mechanisms. It's structural to the proper operation of complicated digital systems. Logic gates and flip-flops utilize 74LS04, ensuring cohesive operation of arithmetic logic units (ALUs) and control units within microprocessors. You can frequently harness these inverters for designing responsive and dependable timing circuits, capitalizing on their speed and reliability.

Server Systems

In server environments, the 74LS04 is basic in managing data flow and signal timing, upholding data integrity and performance. By inverting signals, it aids in error-checking and correction algorithms, especially under heavy loads. Data center management professionals leverage these circuits to optimize data retrieval and processing speeds, proving the chip's reliability under high-stakes conditions.

Storage Modules

In storage modules, the 74LS04 plays a basic role by inverting read/write signals to ensure proper memory operations. It helps maintain data consistency and accuracy, required for both volatile and non-volatile memory types. Storage engineers depend on this IC to facilitate efficient memory access and data retrieval, enhancing system performance.

Personal Computers and Notebooks

Personal computers and notebooks benefit from the 74LS04 for numerous inverting tasks within CPUs and peripheral controllers. Inside CPUs, signal inversion handles logical operations and instruction cycles smoothly, contributing to data processing efficiency. You can integrate this IC to ensure minimal delay and high reliability in any application, enhancing overall device performance.

Digital Reluctance Instruments

Instruments measuring physical quantities through electrical signals heavily rely on the 74LS04 for accurate signal inversion. This IC guarantees precise data representation on digital displays, thus maintaining high measurement accuracy. These instruments integrate the 74LS04 to elevate measurement system precision, reflecting its competence in achieving exact results.

Networking Systems

Networking systems benefit from the 74LS04, which efficiently manages and routes data signals. It ensures effective communication between networking hardware and software by providing dependable signal inversion. Networking professionals use this IC to ensure correct data packet processing and minimize network latencies, enhancing the robustness of network infrastructure for smooth data transmission.

74LS04 Circuit Diagram

74LS04 Equivalents

• CD7404

• 74LS14

Manufacturer Information

Raytheon Technologies Corporation, based in Waltham, Massachusetts, is a major player in the aerospace and defense industry, heavily reliant on contracts with the U.S. government. The company focuses on developing advanced technologies basic for modern defense and aerospace, including highly efficient aircraft engines, avionics for improved safety and navigation, and robust cybersecurity measures to protect against digital threats. Raytheon’s contributions extend to advanced missile defense systems, radar technologies, and electronic warfare solutions, proven in field applications to enhance national security and global stability.

Looking forward, Raytheon is committed to pioneering research in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and space exploration, aiming to lead future advancements in the industry. The integration of its cutting-edge systems across multiple domains not only solidifies its role as a basis of defense alteration but also underscores its strategic significance in advancing national and global security. The ongoing application of these technologies in existing scenarios continues to validate their impact and align with Raytheon’s vision for the future.

Different Usage of the 74LS04

Digital Signal Processing

In digital signal processing, the 74LS04 plays a pivotal role. By inverting logic levels, it aids in signal synchronization and error correction. Circuits needing precise timing adjustments benefit from the 74LS04, enhancing both data fidelity and transmission reliability.

Control Systems

Control systems often depend on the 74LS04 to invert signals for the operation of actuators or receptors. For example, when designing a system to control motor direction, the ability to swiftly invert logic bolsters system responsiveness and stability.

Communication Systems

In communication systems, the 74LS04 is employed to invert signals during encoding and decoding processes. This becomes particularly relevant in modems or data communication protocols, ensuring data integrity and efficient transmission across distances.

Oscillators

The 74LS04 is basic in constructing oscillators. In these circuits, inverters are used in feedback loops to produce periodic signals. Such applications are major in clocks or timing circuits, where synchronized digital operations rely heavily on oscillatory signals.

Logic Level Conversions

When interfacing with different digital systems, the 74LS04 aids in logic-level conversions. For instance, it can match logic levels between components operating at varied voltage levels, facilitating communication in mixed-voltage circuits.

Noise Reduction

The 74LS04 is useful in noise reduction by ensuring only valid signals are processed. In digital circuits susceptible to noise, inverter gates can filter out unwanted signals, enhancing system reliability.

Error Detection and Correction

Error detection and correction mechanisms often involve logical operations where the 74LS04 inverts flags or status signals to prompt corrective measures. Integrating such inverters in fault-tolerant systems improves their robustness and resilience to errors.

Leveraging the 74LS04 Inverting Gates

The 74LS04 chip contains six independent inverting gates, each operating autonomously. Examining the input-output relationship within a NOT gate sheds light on its function, involving components such as a transistor, LED, and resistor. When the button is untouched, the transistor stays inactive, yielding a high output (1Y = HIGH). When the button is pressed, the transistor activates, resulting in a low output (1Y = LOW). The NOT gate's operation can be plainly understood from its logic table, indicating that the input signal is inverted to produce an output Y = A'.

A NOT gate's operation rests on its components. The transistor acts as a switch, managing the current flow; the resistor limits the current to safe levels, preventing potential damage and the LED visually indicates the output state. Now let us take a single gate of the six and connect it as shown in the circuit diagram.

74LS04 Package

Comparison: 74LS04 vs. 74HC04

Speed vs. Power Consumption

When rapid signal processing takes center stage, the 74LS04 stands out. Its TTL architecture ensures quicker transitions, making it ideal for high-speed computing tasks. You can frequently opt for this chip when precision timing is a critical concern. Conversely, the 74HC04, although not as fast, excels in power efficiency. The CMOS design minimizes power consumption, enhancing battery longevity in portable devices and cutting down thermal noise—a basic aspect of sensitive electronic circuits.

Voltage Range and Signal Integrity

The operational voltage range is a notable point of distinction. The 74HC04 can operate between 2V to 6V, granting it a wider application spectrum. This flexibility enables seamless integration into varied circuits, especially those necessitating low voltage. The straightforward signal inversion process of the 74HC04 also enhances its reliability in maintaining signal integrity across different applications. Existing experiences highlight the 74HC04’s efficacy in low-power, noise-sensitive settings, such as portable medical devices and precise instrumentation.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ]

1. What is a NOT gate?

A NOT gate serves as a basic digital logic element that performs logical negation. It operates by inverting its input signal: a high input yields a low output, and a low input yields a high output. This inversion process is a cornerstone in digital circuits, laying the foundation for more intricate logic operations. The thrill lies in seeing how this simple gate can influence the behavior of entire systems.

2. What is the function of the 74LS04 IC?

The 74LS04 is an integrated circuit housing six NOT gates, known as hex inverters. These gates invert incoming logic signals, transforming high inputs into low outputs and low inputs into high outputs. This IC is widely used in digital systems where signal inversion is needed for proper circuit function.

3. What is the 74LS04?

The 74LS04 belongs to the illustrious 74XXYY series of integrated circuits, specifically crafted to offer six individual NOT gates within a single package. It is employed in various applications that require logical negation of signals, contributing to the operations of numerous devices, from microprocessors to communication systems.

4. What is a hex inverter?

A hex inverter is an integrated circuit containing six inverters. It plays a major role in digital devices like multiplexers and decoders, outputting signals that are the logical opposites of the inputs. This element is requisite for creating complementary signals required for data manipulation and control in digital circuits. The hex inverter’s ability to maintain data integrity while manipulating logical states is a marvel that keeps our digital world functioning smoothly.

5. Why is the NOT gate called an inverter?

The term "inverter" arises from the NOT gate’s core function: negating its input signal. The inverter’s role in producing an output that is the logical opposite of the input is central to achieving correct circuit functionalities. This nomenclature underscores the gate's major role in ensuring digital systems can perform complementary logic operations efficiently.