CD4000

CD4000 refers to a broad family of CMOS logic integrated circuits known as the CD4000 or 4000-series. Originating with RCA in the 1970s, the line was later produced by numerous manufacturers, including Texas Instruments and NXP, under various process nodes. The CD4000 family comprises a wide range of logic functions and related devices, identified by numbers in the 4000–4099 range. The naming convention and cross-compatibility have made the CD4000 series a staple in education, hobbyist projects, and many legacy systems.

Key characteristics of the CD4000 family include a wide operating voltage range, typically from about 3 V to 18 V (with common use at 5 V, 9 V, or 12 V systems). These devices use static CMOS logic, which provides very low quiescent power, high input impedance, and relatively high noise margins. Outputs are CMOS totem-pole stages capable of driving modest loads, and many devices tolerate a broad temperature range. Because of their wide voltage span and robust operation, CD4000 parts are valued for flexibility in mixed-technology and prototype environments, though interfacing considerations apply when connecting to other logic families.

The CD4000 family covers a broad set of functions, including gates (NAND, NOR, AND, OR), inverters and buffers, and more complex parts such as latches and flip-flops, counters, decoders, multiplexers, and analog switches. Widely used members include CD4011 (quad 2-input NAND), CD4013 (dual D-type flip-flop), CD4024 (binary counter), CD4060 (oscillator/divider), CD4051 (multiplexer), and CD4066 (bilateral switch). Applications range from simple logic and buffering to timing, waveform generation, and legacy instrumentation.

Despite the emergence of newer CMOS families, the CD4000 remains a common, robust option for general-purpose logic and educational use, valued for its simplicity, tolerance to supply variations, and broad availability.