IC 7404 Comprehensive Guide - Truth Table, Uses, Pros and Cons, Applications, Pinouts

The 7404 hex inverter is widely used due to its broad adaptability, ranging from simple logic circuit extensions to complex pulse generators and power inverters. Its high reliability and low energy consumption make it the preferred choice for battery-powered devices. This inverter features a straightforward, user-friendly design, adheres to a standard pin layout, and seamlessly integrates with a single 5V power supply, facilitating its integration into various circuits from breadboard prototypes to DIY electronics projects. In this article, we will provide detailed information about the 7404 integrated circuits, including pin configuration, circuit characteristics, truth tables, and equivalent models.

The full name of the 7404 device is the 7404 Hex Inverter, which is part of the 7400 series, specifically used as a hex inverter. This component is a crucial part of the 7400 series of integrated circuits because it possesses the basic function of inverting input signals, thereby enhancing its multifunctionality beyond its primary operations in various electronic devices.

This device contains six independent inverters, each with an input and an output, optimized to operate within a 5-volt power range and handle currents up to 40 milliamps. Its multifunctionality is further emphasized through the availability of multiple packaging options, including the widely used DIP and the compact SOIC packaging.

• - Six inverted outputs: The 7404 IC has six inverters in one package, making it highly effective for complex circuits that require multiple inversions simultaneously.
• - Compatible output connections: The IC's outputs are compatible with CMOS, NMOS, and TTL logic families, enabling easy integration into various digital systems, thereby reducing complexity and enhancing reliability.
• - Multiple operating voltage ranges: It supports a wide range of operating voltages, allowing it to adapt to different power supplies and enhancing its application flexibility.
• - Broad operating conditions: The IC is optimized for various environmental conditions, providing the reliability and stability necessary for industrial and commercial applications.

• - Maximum current output: 8mA
• - Power supply voltage range: +4.75V to +5.25V
• - Operating temperature range: -70°C to +70°C
• - Maximum supply voltage: +7V
• - Maximum rise time: 15ns
• - Maximum fall time: 15ns
• - Output type: TTL
• - Logic type: Bipolar

• - Pin 1, A input for gate 1
• - Pin 2, Y output for gate 1
• - Pin 3, A input for gate 2
• - Pin 4, Y output for gate 2
• - Pin 5, A input for gate 3
• - Pin 6, Y output for gate 3
• - Pin 7, Ground
• - Pin 8, Y output for gate 4
• - Pin 9, A input for gate 4
• - Pin 10, Y output for gate 5
• - Pin 11, A input for gate 5
• - Pin 12, Y output for gate 6
• - Pin 13, A input for gate 6
• - Pin 14, Positive power supply

The 7404 IC, part of the six inverter series, features a truth table that explains the relationship between the input and output states of its six inverters. Each inverter acts as a basic logic gate known as a "NOT" gate, producing an output that is the logical complement of its input.

This truth table uniformly applies to all six inverters within the 7404 IC. Specifically, when the input (A) is 0, the output (Y) is set to 1, and vice versa, when the input is 1, the output switches to 0. This binary opposition between input and output underscores the inverter's role in digital circuits, where flipping signal states is necessary for logic operations.

The 7404 IC serves as an inverter or NOT gate, with its primary function being to invert input signals. This simple yet crucial operation forms the core usage of this chip in digital circuits.

Each of the six independent inverters (also known as NOT gates) within the 7404 IC performs a simple task: inverting its input signal. Here is a detailed step-by-step analysis:

• - If the input is high (logical level 1), the output becomes low (logical level 0).
• - If the input is low (logical level 0), the output switches to high (logical level 1).

Inverters are fundamental components in digital logic circuits:

• - Building Complex Operations: By combining multiple NOT gates, complex logical functions required for advanced electronic systems can be built.
• - Multifunctional Applications: They are crucial for generating precise control and timing needed to manage various digital operations, from simple timing circuits to more complex computational logics.

The 7404 IC packages six independent inverters in one unit, enhancing the compactness and functionality of electronic devices:

• - Independent Operation: Each inverter operates autonomously, allowing multiple inversion operations simultaneously without interference.
• - Simplified Design and Assembly: By integrating multiple gates into one unit, the 7404 IC reduces the complexity and number of components needed on the circuit board, simplifying the design and speeding up the assembly process.

The IC 7404 is part of the 74XXX series, with equivalent products and substitutes that offer similar functionalities in various applications. Common substitutes for the 7404 are the CD7404 and the 74LS14.

However, when choosing an equivalent to replace the 7404, consider the following three points:

• - Pin Compatibility: Ensuring pin compatibility is crucial for seamless replacement when using an equivalent product.
• - Voltage and Current Ratings: Check the voltage and current ratings to confirm that the replacement part can meet the specific requirements of the circuit.
• - Additional Features: Depending on the application, consider whether additional features (such as the Schmitt trigger inputs in the 74LS14) may be beneficial.

• - General logic
• - Servers
• - Memory units
• - Personal computers and laptops
• - Digital Electronics
• - Networking
• - Digital systems

Click here to download IC 74LS04 PDF Datasheet: 74LS04（Texas Instruments）

The 7404 IC functions as a NOT gate, and its primary purpose is to invert the input signals. The 7404 IC contains six individual NOT gates, also known as inverters. Each inverter performs a logical inversion on its input signal. The output of each inverter is the logical complement (opposite) of its input state.

TTL has faster switching speed, lower input capacitance, and more robustness to electrostatic discharge, but it also has higher power consumption, lower noise immunity, and lower fan-out than CMOS.

The main difference between TTL and CMOS is power consumption. CMOS consumes much less power than TTL. An example of the part number difference would be 7400 for TTL and 74C00 for CMOS. (A 7400 TTL chip is (4) 2 input NAND gates in a 14-pin chip.)