MC74HC273ADT

Logic - Flip Flops are some of the most commonly used digital components in the engineering world. The MC74HC273ADT is a CMOS device specifically intended for use as a 4-bit D-type flip-flop. It has 8 outputs, each of which presents the state of the data stored in the corresponding flip-flop. In this article, we will discuss the MC74HC273ADT application field and working principle.

1. Application Field

The MC74HC273ADT is mainly used in digital logic circuits,particularly in category of synchronous or asynchronousapplications. Its common application includes:

• As a temporary and short-term data storage device orlatch.

• For multistage counter applications.

• As a Synchronous delay device.

• As a Synchronous shift-register.

• To replace complex NAND and AND logic gates.

• For the design of relatively basic logic devices, suchas the Johnson divider.

• For DIP switches and multiplexers.

2. Working Principle

The MC74HC273ADT functions as a latch with four datainputs and four data outputs. Data is input and stored usingthe transparent input and output pins, while the non-transparent inputs and outputs are used to act as a latch.

To illustrate this concept, let us consider the example ofan MC74HC273ADT working as a 2-bit D-type latch. If theQ and Q’ outputs are at logic 0 and 1 respectively, and thetransparent input pins are enabled (logic 1 state), thenapplying logic 1 and 0 respectively to inputs D and D’should set the output pins to logic 1 and 0 respectively.Potentially or externally applied signals in the transparentinput will then be passed through directly to the outputs.

In this configuration the outputs remain set until newinput signals are inserted at D and D’. The inputs willthen latch until new input signals replace them. It isimportant to note that each flip-flop is clockedindependently and the output state of the latch canchange at any point depending on the clocking input.

Conclusion

The MC74HC273ADT is a versatile, powerful and costeffective logic-Flip Flop with applications in numerouslogic circuits. With its 8 outputs, it can also be used witha bit of creativity to develop some more complex andpowerful circuits. With its simple transparent input andoutput pins it is an ideal choice for synchronous orasynchronous applications requiring both data storageand retrieval.