SN74LS164 8-Bit Parallel-Out Serial Shift Register – Low Power Schottky Logic 14-Pin DIP

The SN74LS164 is a high-speed 8-bit shift register designed to convert serial data into parallel format. It is an essential component for projects where you need to control many outputs, such as LEDs or relays, using only a few pins from a processor. The chip is "edge-triggered," meaning it waits for the precise moment the clock signal rises to move data from one stage to the next. A unique feature of the 74LS164 is its gated serial inputs. By tying one input high, the other acts as a standard data line; alternatively, you can use one input to "gate" or block data on the other. Because the parallel outputs are always available, the data is visible as it shifts through the register. This makes it a popular choice for driving simple numeric displays and scrolling LED signs. The 14-pin DIP through-hole package is rugged, reliable, and easy to handle for breadboarding or permanent PCB installations. Whether you are building a custom display driver or expanding the I/O capabilities of a classic 8-bit computer system, the SN74LS164 provides a professional and efficient solution for serial-to-parallel data management.

Key Features:

Gated Serial Inputs Features two serial inputs (A and B) gated together, allowing one to act as a data line while the other serves as an enable signal.

Fully Synchronous Clocking Data is shifted into the register on every low-to-high transition of the clock pulse, ensuring high timing precision.

Asynchronous Master Reset Includes a dedicated active-low Clear input that immediately resets all 8 bits to zero, independent of the clock or data inputs.

Low Power Schottky (LS) Technology Offers the high-speed switching required for modern digital systems with the power efficiency of the LS logic family.

Cascadable for Higher Bits Multiple 74LS164 units can be linked together to create 16, 24, or 32-bit registers for driving large arrays of outputs.