Essentially a variation of the 7400, the 7401 IC package contains four independent positive logic NAND GATES with open-collector outputs. Pins 14 and 7 provide power for all four logic gates. The outputs require pull-up resistors to function properly. The open-collector outputs can be connected together to produce higher output voltages or to implement an active-LOW wired-OR function or active-high wired-AND function with out the need for additional logic gates. Since the outputs are open collector, they can efficiently be attached to other outputs and only the active device will be able to have the final say on what the main output line will be. This allows the designer to build selector circuits where multiple data can be selected from a wide variety of sources and only one of them will be allowed to output at a specific time. Of course this requires some addition circuitry and planning, but this greatly extends the complexity with which can be obtained versus the 7400. The 7401 datasheet can be immediately downloaded HERE.
Hello Jesse,
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you remember me. I'm the mother of the soon to be engineer who had been commenting at your other blog site.
I'm wondering if you know VHDL programming language, or if you know anyone who does. I'm iquiring about it because my daughter needs help to complete her senior project.
I'd be so appreciative to hear from you.
Thank you,
Tasha