74xx4000series

The 74xx4000series, often referred to simply as the 4000-series, is a family of CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) logic integrated circuits. The series originated in the late 1960s and was developed and produced by multiple manufacturers, including RCA, Signetics, Texas Instruments, and others. The 4000-series covers a wide range of digital logic products, from basic gates and buffers to more complex devices such as decoders, multiplexers, counters, and latches. Among the devices in the family are logic gates (inverter, NAND, NOR, AND, OR), as well as higher‑level components used to build full digital circuits.

Electrical and electrical characteristics

4000-series parts are static CMOS devices known for low static power consumption and a relatively wide operating voltage range. Typical supply voltages span roughly 3 to 15 volts, with some parts tolerating higher voltages. Input thresholds, fan-out, and switching speeds vary by device, but the family is generally tolerant of a range of logic levels and is capable of interfacing with standard TTL signals when used with appropriate levels. The devices are designed for moderate propagation delays and reasonable noise margins, making them suitable for a variety of digital logic tasks.

Applications and legacy

The 4000-series gained popularity in the 1970s through the 1990s and were produced by many semiconductor manufacturers. They were widely implemented in educational settings, hobbyist projects, and a range of commercial products. In addition to discrete gates and helpers, the 4000-series includes devices such as the Intel 4004 microprocessor, one of the first widely used microprocessors, which is also cited as part of the broader 4000-series lineage. While newer CMOS families have largely supplanted the 4000-series for new designs, the parts remain in use in legacy equipment and in situations where a broad, well-documented CMOS option is desirable.