The Ultimate Guide to CD4017 Decade Counter IC: Datasheet & Its Application

Whether you're a novice looking to delve into electronics or a seasoned enthusiast, the CD4017 integrated circuit offers a versatile decade counter capable of counting up to ten. Boasting ten outputs corresponding to numbers 0 to 9, this counter increments with each rising clock pulse. Once it reaches 9, it seamlessly loops back to 0 on the subsequent pulse, making it an ideal component for more extensive projects too! In this new technology article, we'll explore comprehensive insights into Texas Instruments' CD4017, covering its equivalent, pricing, datasheet, and other crucial details.

What is an IC 4017 Decade Counter?

The CD4017 IC is a CMOS Decade counter primarily employed in low-range counting applications. With its ability to count from 0 to 10, this IC is efficient in saving board space and reducing circuit design time when used in conjunction with an IC 4017. This decade counter bears a resemblance to the Johnson 10-stage decade counter. Frequently chosen for designing circuits involving 10 LEDs, it offers a user-friendly lighting solution for beginners. As one of the most adaptable counters available, it facilitates counting up to 10 while featuring 10 distinct outputs. Notably, this IC combines both counter and decoder functionalities.

CD4017 Pinout

A CMOS decade counter like 4017 IC, incorporates a 5-stage Johnson counter alongside 10 decoded outputs to enable counting up to 10 decimal values. With 16 pins in total, this IC dedicates 10 and 16 pins to serve as output pins, each with its specific functionality, outlined as follows:

Pin Name	Pin #	Type	Description
VDD	16	Power	Supply Voltage (+3 to +15V)
GND	8	Power	Ground (0V)
Q0-Q9	1-7 and 9-11	Output	Qx is high when the counter is x
CO	12	Output	Carry Out. Goes high after ten clock pulses
CI	13	Input	Clock Inhibit. Ignores clock inputs
CLK	14	Input	Clock Input. Increases the counter with one
MR	15	Input	Resets the counter to 0

Pin overview for the 4017 IC

CD4017 IC Features

The primary characteristics and specifications of IC 4017 encompass the following aspects:

●The IC 4017 operates within a supply voltage range of 3V to 15V, typically set at +5V.

●It exhibits compatibility with Transistor-Transistor Logic (TTL).

●The operational speed or CLK speed for this IC is 5 MHz.

●This IC supports 10 decoded outputs.

●Various package options include 16-pin GDIP, PDIP, and PDSO.

●Input high time is approximately 30 ns.

●The output current is rated at 10 mA.

●It boasts high noise immunity, usually around 0.45 VDD.

●The operation of the IC is entirely static.

●With low power consumption of about 10 µW.

●The medium speed operation reaches 5.0 MHz at 10V VDD.

●The input voltage or Vin range spans from −0.5 VDC to VDD +0.5 VDC.

●Storage Temperature (TS) ranges from −65°C to +150°C.

●DC Supply Voltage (VDD) varies from −0.5 VDC to +18 VDC.

●The Power Dissipation (PD) for the Dual-In-Line package is 700 mW.

●The Lead Temperature (TL) is 260°C.

This IC 4017, a versatile and valuable decade counter, finds widespread application in various electronic circuits. Often referred to as the "Johnson 10 stage decade counter divider," it effectively uses its 10 outputs to produce a high signal in series response to each high CLK pulse received at its input CLK pinout. As a result, all outputs undergo a single cycle of high-output sequencing, corresponding to 10 CLKs provided at its input. True to its name, the IC counts and diverts the input CLK into 10 distinct parts.

Where to Use IC CD4017?

The versatile IC CD4017 finds numerous applications, some of which are listed below:

●Widely acclaimed as one of the most popular ICs, CD4017 is extensively used in various applications, including Decoder, Binary counter, Frequency division, and Decade counter. It is also the foundation for diverse electronics projects, such as Remote-controlled Switch, Light Chaser, Touch ON-OFF switch, Alarm, Matrix Die, Clap switch, and more.

●This decade counter IC has had widespread adoption in different industries, including automotive, alarms, and electronic manufacturing of medical instruments and instrumentation devices.

●The IC is particularly valuable for counting applications, capable of sequentially switching ON 10 outputs within a predetermined time or resetting the count as required. Additionally, it provides a Carry pin to indicate the counting status, which proves useful in LED chasers and other logical output projects. If you're seeking a sequential decoded counting IC to count up to 10, this is the ideal choice.

Working Principle of CD4017

The Clock Pulse

The heart of CD4017 is the clock pulse. Each clock pulse shifts the 'high' state in sequence from one output pin to the next.

Resetting Mechanism

Another feature is the reset pin. When triggered, it resets the count to the beginning, giving you control over the loop.

Output

The output pins are where the action happens. Each pin goes 'high' in sequence, creating the count from 0 to 9.

How To Use The CD4017 IC?

To begin, ensure a power supply voltage ranging from 3 to 15V, although some chip versions can support up to 18V. For instance, the HEF4017 recommends a maximum of 15V.

To connect the chip properly, link the VDD pin to the positive terminal and the GND pin to the negative terminal.

The counter advances by one with each rising edge of the Clock (CLK) pin. The output pins (Q0-Q9) progressively go high as the count increases. After the 10th input pulse, the counter resets to 0. To increase the counter, transition this pin from low to high.

If you wish to observe the pin state changes, connect resistors and LEDs to each output pin Q0 to Q9.

The Clock Inhibit (CI) pin disables the counter, causing it to ignore any clock pulse on the CLK pin. To enable the counter, set this pin to low.

When the counter reaches 10, the Carry-out (CO) pin goes from low to high and resets to 0. It remains high for 5 clock pulses before returning to low. If counting beyond 10 is required, connect this pin to the clock input of another decade counter.

CD4017 Example Circuit – Running LEDs

Among the cherished hobbyist projects utilizing this chip is the running LEDs circuit, which operates as follows:

A 555 Timer configured in astable mode transforms into an oscillator circuit, generating a clock signal. This clock signal is then fed into the clock input of the IC 4017. With each rising edge of the clock input, the counter within the 4017 advances, resulting in the subsequent output going HIGH. LEDs are attached to each of these outputs, producing the illusion of LEDs "running" along a line.

Here's the CD4017 IC diagram:

Component List

Part	Value	Note
R1, R2, R3	10 kΩ	Three standard resistors
C1	4.7 μF	Polarized capacitor
L1 to L10	LED	Standard light-emitting diode
U1	NE555	555 Timer IC
U2	CD4017B	4017 Decade Counter

Note: Certain versions of the 555 IC may necessitate a 0.01µF capacitor connecting pin 5 to ground/negative.

The LEDs exhibit a sequential blinking pattern, starting from the first LED and progressing to the last. Then, the cycle reiterates, commencing from the first LED once more. This technique proves useful in creating blinking Christmas lights or similar effects.

Upon reaching Q9, the 4017 counter restarts and commences counting from Q0 again. To limit the number of LEDs lit, simply connect the corresponding subsequent output bit to the MR pin.

For instance, if you only want 5 LEDs in operation, connect Q6 to the MR pin. When the count reaches the 6th bit, it triggers the MR pin, resetting the operation.

You can build the knight rider LED bar by making minor adjustments to the circuit above.  

How To Set the“Running”Speed

The rate at which the output of the 555 Timer goes HIGH per second is known as frequency and is measured in Hertz (Hz). For instance, 10 Hz indicates the LED moves through ten positions in one second.

To determine the frequency, the values of resistors R1 and R2, along with capacitor C1, are used in the following formula:

Frequency: 1.44 / ((R1 + R2 + R2) * C1)

Please be cautious not to use a resistor R1 below 1 kΩ, as connecting Pin 7 (Discharge) to the ground with such low resistance could harm the chip.

If you wish to experiment with different values, a 555 Timer calculator can be helpful in your calculations.

How to Cascade the 4017 Counter

You can link two or more 4017 counters to form an extended counter system. Take a look at the schematic; we've employed a pair of 4017 counters for this setup.

Ideally, this setup could be a pre-configured counter where the output pins are connected through diodes to an indicator, like a light or a bell.

We've designed the circuit for a straightforward numerical display, and you can add more chips to extend its counting range.

Next, the carry-over pin 12 is linked to the clock input of the subsequent counter. The reset and clock disable pins should also be grounded (Vss).

Incorporating 100K resistors offers the advantage of using a simple momentary switch in the circuit to reset or pause the counter.

CD4017 Application Circuit

• Circuits.

The following are some application circuits utilizing the IC 4017 decade counter:

Circling LEDs Effect:

This circuit sequentially lights up eight LEDs to create a captivating circling effect. Beyond being a piece of electronic art, it exemplifies the working principle of IC 4017 and the circuit design using IC 555 in astable mode, along with the 4017 counter. The circuit diagram for the IC 4017 LED application is depicted below.

The 555 IC will be configured in astable mode, generating clock pulses at 14Hz. The 555 IC is a clock pulse generator in this circuit, supplying input clock pulses to the IC 4017 counter. The frequency of the IC 555 in the circuit is 14Hz, implying that approximately 14 clock pulses are produced every second, transmitted to the IC 4017.

Now let's examine the behavior of IC 4017. Functioning as a digital counter and decoder circuit, it receives the clock pulses from the IC 555 timer at its PIN-14.

Upon receiving a clock pulse at its clock input, the IC 4017 counter increments the count and activates the corresponding output PIN. When the count is zero, PIN-3 goes HIGH, causing LED-1 to turn ON while keeping all other LEDs OFF. Following the subsequent clock pulse, PIN-2 of IC 4017 goes HIGH, illuminating LED-2 while turning off the rest. This pattern repeats, causing the LEDs to successively turn ON and OFF with each clock pulse, resulting in the circling effect depicted in the animation above.

Assembling this Circuit:

This circuit can be easily accommodated on a general-purpose PCB or stripboard, with the LEDs arranged in a circular pattern. Ensure a sequential arrangement of the LEDs, beginning with LED-1 and proceeding up to LED-8. Solder these LEDs onto the PCB, forming the circular configuration.

What's more, don't limit yourself to just a circular shape! You can experiment with various shapes and designs, yielding a mesmerizing circling effect for your chosen configuration. Consider creating the first letter of your name using this circling effect, like when I fashioned my circuit in the shape of the letter "D" some time ago. I eventually de-soldered it when I required the LEDs for a different project.

• Utilized as a Binary counter or for Binary decoder.

• Applied for counting divided by a specific number (N).

• Finds use in remote metering, automotive sectors, industrial settings, and medical electronics.

CD4017 Equivalent IC

You may come across the 4017 IC under various designations such as CD4017, NTE4017, MC14017, HCF4017, TC4017, or HEF4017, often accompanied by additional characters at the end (e.g., CD4017BE).

These differences relate to the chip's manufacturer and the technology employed. Nevertheless, the core functionality and pin configurations remain consistent across these variations.

If you cannot find any of these chips at your local electronics store, refer to my list of online stores to explore alternative purchasing options.

The CD4017 is an extensively used IC readily available in numerous online stores. However, if you need an alternative, consider utilizing a BCD counter like the CD4510 and connecting its output to a CD4028.

Other alternatives for the 4017 include:

• IC 4060 — 14-Stage Ripple-Carry Counters with Built-in Oscillators

• IC 4020 — 14-Stage Binary Ripple Counter and Dividers with Oscillators

• IC 4040 — 12-Stage Ripple-Carry Counter and Dividers

• IC 4022 — Divide-by-8 Counter IC

These are also types of counter integrated circuits. However, they come with minor variations in pin functionality, making them suitable for certain applications.

Other Counter ICs

CD4017BM96, CD4017BPWR, CD4017BNSR, CD4017BE, CD4017BEE4, CD4017BM, CD4017BPW, CD4017BM96G4, CD4017BMG4, CD4017BF, CD4017BF3A

CD4017 Datasheet

Download the IC 4017 PDF datasheet here: CD4017BE (Texas Instruments)

Conclude

The CD4017 IC proves to be a remarkable solution, streamlining circuit design by conserving both board space and time. Especially valuable when combining a counter and decoder IC, the CD4017 simplifies the entire process while enhancing debugging convenience. You can learn more Counter ICs at here.

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