Description

The 7404 DIP Hex Inverter Logic NOT Gate is a fundamental digital logic IC belonging to the popular 7400 TTL logic family. This IC features six independent NOT gates (inverters), each capable of inverting or “reversing” a digital input signal. It’s one of the most widely used integrated circuits in digital electronics, ideal for signal inversion, logic manipulation, and waveform shaping in both educational and professional applications.

The 7404 comes in a DIP-14 (Dual Inline Package), making it easy to mount on breadboards and PCBs for prototyping or permanent circuit assembly. With its proven reliability, high switching speed, and standard 5V operation, the 7404 IC is a staple component in digital logic design, microcontroller interfaces, and control systems.

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What is a NOT Gate (Inverter)?

A NOT gate, also known as an inverter, performs one of the simplest logic operations. It outputs the opposite logic level of its input:

• If the input is HIGH (1) → Output becomes LOW (0)

• If the input is LOW (0) → Output becomes HIGH (1)

This single operation may seem basic, but it’s essential in digital systems. NOT gates are used in signal conditioning, clock inversion, logic level correction, and in creating more complex logic circuits such as NAND, NOR, or XOR gates.

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Technical Specifications:

• IC Number: 7404

• Logic Family: TTL (Transistor-Transistor Logic)

• Function: Hex inverter (6 independent NOT gates)

• Number of Gates: 6

• Inputs per Gate: 1

• Package Type: DIP-14 (Dual Inline Package, 14 pins)

• Operating Voltage (Vcc): 4.75V to 5.25V (Typical: 5V)

• Input Voltage Range: 0V to 5V

• High-Level Output Voltage (VOH): Minimum 2.4V

• Low-Level Output Voltage (VOL): Maximum 0.4V

• Propagation Delay: Typically 10 ns

• Input High Current (IIH): 40µA (max)

• Input Low Current (IIL): -1.6mA (max)

• Power Dissipation: Around 10mW per gate

• Operating Temperature Range: 0°C to +70°C (Commercial)

• Pin Count: 14

• Mounting Type: Through-hole

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Pin Configuration:

1. 1A – Input of inverter 1

2. 1Y – Output of inverter 1

3. 2A – Input of inverter 2

4. 2Y – Output of inverter 2

5. 3A – Input of inverter 3

6. 3Y – Output of inverter 3

7. GND – Ground

8. 4Y – Output of inverter 4

9. 4A – Input of inverter 4

10. 5Y – Output of inverter 5

11. 5A – Input of inverter 5

12. 6Y – Output of inverter 6

13. 6A – Input of inverter 6

14. VCC – Supply voltage (+5V)

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Key Features and Benefits:

1. Six Independent NOT Gates:
   The IC includes six inverters, providing maximum flexibility for handling multiple logic signals within one compact chip.

2. High-Speed TTL Performance:
   Operates with fast switching times (~10 nanoseconds), suitable for time-sensitive and high-frequency applications.

3. Standard 5V Operation:
   Compatible with most TTL and CMOS logic families, as well as popular microcontroller systems such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi (with logic shifting), PIC, and STM32.

4. Compact and Reliable:
   Six logic inverters in one 14-pin DIP package help save space and reduce component count on your board.

5. Wide Range of Applications:
   Used in signal processing, waveform generation, clock inversion, logic control, and digital computation circuits.

6. Breadboard-Friendly Package:
   The DIP-14 design allows easy prototyping for students, hobbyists, and engineers alike.

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Truth Table for NOT Gate:

This simple relationship demonstrates the inverter’s purpose: it outputs the exact opposite of the input signal.

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Working Principle:

Internally, each inverter in the 7404 IC uses a transistor-based circuit to invert the input logic level. When the input is LOW, the transistor remains off, allowing the output to be pulled HIGH through an internal resistor. When the input is HIGH, the transistor turns on, pulling the output to LOW. This mechanism enables fast and precise logic inversion at low power consumption.

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Applications:

The 7404 Hex Inverter is an essential IC for a variety of digital and analog applications, including:

• Logic level inversion in digital systems

• Clock signal inversion and timing control

• Square wave and pulse shaping circuits

• Microcontroller signal buffering and conditioning

• Digital calculators and counters

• Oscillator and waveform generator circuits

• Signal isolation and protection in control systems

• Educational and laboratory logic experiments

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Example Use Case:

In a digital timing circuit, a 7404 inverter can be used to invert a clock signal for synchronization between multiple subsystems. In another example, it can act as a signal buffer or waveform shaper in an Arduino-based project where the logic polarity of a sensor or switch needs to be reversed.

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Educational and DIY Relevance:

For students learning about logic design, the 7404 IC is an excellent starting point for understanding the behavior of NOT gates. It’s commonly used in digital labs to demonstrate logic inversion, build logic circuits, and explore signal propagation timing.

DIY enthusiasts and engineers also rely on this IC for small automation circuits, logic-level converters, and signal conditioning modules due to its simplicity and reliability.

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Summary:

The 7404 DIP Hex Inverter Logic NOT Gate is a highly reliable and indispensable IC for anyone involved in digital electronics. It provides six independent NOT gates, offering powerful logic inversion capabilities in a small, easy-to-use package. With its high-speed TTL operation, broad compatibility, and proven performance, the 7404 remains a cornerstone in both educational and industrial circuit design.

Whether you’re building a learning experiment, designing control logic, or developing embedded systems, the 7404 IC ensures consistent, fast, and accurate logic inversion in your projects.

7404 NOT Gate Truth table:7404 NOT Gate Datasheet