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  • Author Author: baldengineer
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Are you still using 7400-Series Logic, if so, where?

baldengineer

Over the past several months, I have been learning about and repairing 8-bit computer and video game systems. So far, I have worked on the VIC-20, C64, ZX-81, Apple II, and have been learning about the TI 99/A.

 

It always amazes how much of these early computer systems were built almost entirely with standard 7400-series (LS and HC) chips.

 

Occasionally, I need to replace a 7400-series chip. (I always hope it is one of those and not one of the ASICs!) While looking for modern replacements, I have noticed the trend that they are becoming more scarce. The LS-series is almost entirely gone--and with good reason. While HC and HCT continue to be somewhat available, they are usually only available in surface-mount packages.

 

That leads me to the question: Who is still using the venerable 7400-series logic chips today?

 

To me, there are three groups that might be using them:

  1. Learning. Students and hobbyist learning about digital logic
  2. New Design. Hardware that needs glue-logic. Are these using multi-gate chips or the single-gate variants?
  3. Repair. Older electronics in need of replacements. Here is where I mostly sit.

 

Do you fit into one of those categories? If not, where do you land?

 

And THEN, which chips are the must-have on-hand?

Obviously, the answer depends on how you might be using them. But, I'm curious to know how you use 7400-series chips and which ones would you keep in stock?

Parents

  • Yes, for 8-bit microcontrollers the 74HC595 parallel output shift-register is a cheap way to get more outputs, along with the 74HC165 parallel input shift-register for extra inputs. I also like the 74HC4050 hex buffer to get 5V logic inputs for 3V3 µCs.

     

    For modern microcontrollers the 74LVC series have many 3.3V or 5.5V input tolerant ICs that operate down to 1.65V, such as the 74LVC245 octal transceiver. This series also include single logic-gate chips such as the 74LVC1G08 AND-gate which can get you out of a pickle in a mixed voltage system.

     

    As for what I keep in stock is just whatever I have left over from older orders, along with the 74-series and 4000-series logic ICs in DIP that I've been buying whenever someone has been clearing out their old stuff.

    image

Comment

  • Yes, for 8-bit microcontrollers the 74HC595 parallel output shift-register is a cheap way to get more outputs, along with the 74HC165 parallel input shift-register for extra inputs. I also like the 74HC4050 hex buffer to get 5V logic inputs for 3V3 µCs.

     

    For modern microcontrollers the 74LVC series have many 3.3V or 5.5V input tolerant ICs that operate down to 1.65V, such as the 74LVC245 octal transceiver. This series also include single logic-gate chips such as the 74LVC1G08 AND-gate which can get you out of a pickle in a mixed voltage system.

     

    As for what I keep in stock is just whatever I have left over from older orders, along with the 74-series and 4000-series logic ICs in DIP that I've been buying whenever someone has been clearing out their old stuff.

    image

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