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These synchronous, presettable, 4-bit decade and binary counters feature an internal carry look-ahead circuitry for application in high-speed counting designs. The SN54ALS162B is a 4-bit decade counter. The x92ALS161B, x92ALS163B, x92AS161, and x92AS163 devices are 4-bit binary counters. Synchronous operation is provided by having all flip-flops clocked simultaneously so that the outputs change coincidentally with each other when instructed by the count-enable (ENP, ENT) inputs and internal gating. This mode of operation eliminates the output counting spikes normally associated with asynchronous (ripple-clock) counters. A buffered clock (CLK) input triggers the four flip-flops on the rising (positive-going) edge of the clock input waveform.

These counters are fully programmable; they can be preset to any number between 0 and 9 or 15. Because presetting is synchronous, setting up a low level at the load (LOAD) input disables the counter and causes the outputs to agree with the setup data after the next clock pulse, regardless of the levels of the enable inputs.

The clear function for the x92ALS161B and x92AS161 devices is asynchronous. A low level at the clear (CLR) input sets all four of the flip-flop outputs low, regardless of the levels of the CLK, LOAD, or enable inputs. The clear function for the SN54ALS162B, x92ALS163B, and x92AS163 devices is synchronous, and a low level at CLR sets all four of the flip-flop outputs low after the next clock pulse, regardless of the levels of the enable inputs. This synchronous clear allows the count length to be modified easily by decoding the Q outputs for the maximum count desired. The active-low output of the gate used for decoding is connected to CLR to synchronously clear the counter to 0000 (LLLL).

The carry look-ahead circuitry provides for cascading counters for n-bit synchronous applications without additional gating. ENP and ENT inputs and a ripple-carry (RCO) output are instrumental in accomplishing this function. Both ENP and ENT must be high to count, and ENT is fed forward to enable RCO. RCO, thus enabled, produces a high-level pulse while the count is maximum (9 or 15, with Q_A high). The high-level overflow ripple-carry pulse can be used to enable successive cascaded stages. Transitions at ENP or ENT are allowed, regardless of the level of CLK.

These counters feature a fully independent clock circuit. Changes at control inputs (ENP, ENT, or LOAD) that modify the operating mode have no effect on the contents of the counter until clocking occurs. The function of the counter (whether enabled, disabled, loading, or counting) is dictated solely by the conditions meeting the stable setup and hold times.

The SN54ALS161B, SN54ALS162B, SN54ALS163B, SN54AS161, and SN54AS163 are characterized for operation over the full military temperature range of x9655°C to 125°C. The SN74ALS161B, SN74ALS163B, SN74AS161, and SN74AS163 are characterized for operation from 0°C to 70°C.