Description

4026 Decade Counter/Divider

Features

• Counter for 7-Segment display
• Can drive a common cathode 7-Segment display directly
• Easy to interface with  timer or micron rollers (TTL compatible)
• Can be easily cascaded with more IC to display a higher range of number
• Maximum Clock Frequency: 6Mhz
• Available in 16-pin PDIPpackage

Note: Complete Technical Details can be found on the CD4026 datasheet given at the end of this page.

Where to use CD4026 IC

The IC CD4026 is an IC that can perform the function of both a counter as well a 7-segment Driver. One single IC can be used to count from zero (0) to nine (9) directly on a Common Cathode type 7-segment display. The count can be increased by simply giving a high clock pulse; also more than one digit (0-9) can be created by cascading more than one CD4026 IC. So if you have a 7-segment (CC) display on which you have to display numbers that are being counted based on some condition then this IC will be a perfect choice.

How to use a CD4026 IC

The IC can work from 3V to 15V but is normally powered with 5V to the Vdd/Vcc pin, and the Ground/Vss pin is connected to the ground. We have 7 output pins named from Out A to Out G which is directly connected to the 7-segment display. The clock inhibits pin (pin 2) has to be held low (ground/0V) so that the clock signals can be sent to the IC also the Enable Input pin (pin 3) should be made high ( 5V) so that the output pins (Out A to G) can be made active.

The 7-segment pins will increment the count by one number each time the clock pin (pin 1) is made high. This clock source can either be obtained from a 555 IC or any other digital IC that is TTL compatible. They simply have to generate a pulse of low voltage 0V and high voltage 5V. In the circuit below I have used a clock source of 1Hz to increment the count. So the number will get incremented for every (T=1/F) 1 second.