4017

4017B Decade Counter with 10 Decoded Outputs - Technical Summary

Overview

The 4017B is a member of the "B" series CMOS integrated circuits, designed as a decade counter with 10 fully decoded outputs. This device, along with its octal counterpart the 4022B, represents a family of Johnson counters with decoded outputs, manufactured using high-performance silicon-gate CMOS technology. The 4017B is particularly notable for its ability to sequentially advance one of ten outputs high with each clock pulse, making it ideal for sequential switching and timing applications.

First introduced in June 1989, the 4017B is available in multiple package options including plastic DIP, ceramic frit seal, and plastic chip carrier configurations. The device operates across a wide voltage range and maintains the low power consumption characteristics typical of CMOS technology while offering improved performance over earlier versions.

Key Features

• Fully static operation - maintains state indefinitely with clock stopped
• Medium-speed operation - typically 8MHz at 15V VDD
• 10 decoded outputs (Q0-Q9) plus carry-out signal
• Positive-edge clocking with Schmitt trigger input
• Built-in divide-by-10 Johnson counter
• Reset function for synchronous initialization
• Clock inhibit input for flexible control
• Wide supply voltage range: 3V to 15V
• Low power consumption: typically 10nW at 5V
• High noise immunity: 0.45 VDD (typ.)
• Symmetric output characteristics
• Balanced propagation delays

Applications

The 4017B finds use in numerous digital and timing applications including:

• Sequential LED lighting and display systems
• Frequency division and counting circuits
• Event sequencers and timing generators
• Industrial control systems
• Automotive electronics
• Consumer electronics (appliances, toys)
• Security systems and access control
• Test equipment and instrumentation
• Sequential process control
• Random number generators

Electrical Characteristics

Absolute Maximum Ratings

• Supply Voltage (VDD): -0.5V to +18V
• Input Voltage (VIN): -0.5V to VDD + 0.5V
• Storage Temperature Range: -65°C to +150°C
• Power Dissipation: 200mW

Recommended Operating Conditions

• Supply Voltage Range: 3V to 15V
• Input Voltage Range: 0V to VDD
• Operating Temperature Range:
  • Standard: -40°C to +85°C
  • Extended: -55°C to +125°C

DC Electrical Characteristics (VDD = 5V, 10V, 15V, TA = 25°C)

• Quiescent Current: 1μA (max) at 15V
• Input Current: ±0.1μA (max) at 15V
• Output Drive Current: 1.3mA (min) at 5V, 3.4mA at 10V, 8.8mA at 15V
• Input Capacitance: 7.5pF (typ)
• Output Transition Time: 150ns (typ) at 10V

AC Electrical Characteristics

• Maximum Clock Frequency:
  • 5V: 3.5MHz (typ)
  • 10V: 8MHz (typ)
  • 15V: 12MHz (typ)
• Propagation Delay (Clock to Output): 250ns (typ) at 10V
• Reset Pulse Width: 200ns (min) at 10V

Package Information

The 4017B is available in several package options to accommodate different application requirements:

Standard Packages

• Plastic DIP (EY):
  • 16-pin dual in-line package
  • Body width: 7.62mm
  • Pin spacing: 2.54mm
  • Operating temperature: -40°C to +85°C
• Ceramic Frit Seal (C1):
  • Hermetically sealed ceramic package
  • Enhanced reliability for harsh environments
  • Extended temperature range: -55°C to +125°C
• Plastic Chip Carrier (F):
  • Surface mount package
  • Compact footprint for space-constrained applications
  • JEDEC MO-047 standard

Micro Package Option (M1)

• Reduced footprint version
• Ideal for portable and miniaturized devices
• Same electrical characteristics as standard packages

Functional Description

The 4017B operates as a 5-stage Johnson counter with 10 decoded outputs. Each clock pulse (positive edge-triggered) advances the high state to the next output in sequence (Q0 through Q9). The device includes a carry-out signal (CO) that transitions high when the counter advances from Q5 to Q6, providing a divide-by-10 output that can be used to cascade multiple counters.

Key functional elements include:

• Clock Input (Pin 14): Schmitt-triggered input for reliable operation in noisy environments
• Reset (Pin 15): When high, resets the counter to Q0 (all other outputs low)
• Clock Inhibit (Pin 13): When high, prevents counting regardless of clock input
• Decoded Outputs (Q0-Q9): Only one output is high at any time in normal operation

Design Considerations

When implementing the 4017B in circuit designs, several factors should be considered:

• Unused inputs should be tied to VDD or ground to prevent floating input conditions
• Bypass capacitors (0.1μF) should be placed close to the VDD pin
• Output current limitations must be observed, especially when driving LEDs or other loads
• For high-speed operation, keep clock signal traces short to minimize noise
• When cascading multiple counters, use the carry-out signal to drive the clock input of the next stage

Reliability and Quality

The 4017B is manufactured under strict quality control standards with the following reliability characteristics:

• ESD protection on all inputs and outputs
• Latch-up resistant design
• Burn-in testing available for high-reliability applications
• Moisture sensitivity level (MSL) rating appropriate for surface mount packages