74HC164 DIP-14 Shift Register IC ⚙️

The 74HC164 is a high-speed, Si-gate CMOS 8-bit serial-in/parallel-out (SIPO) shift register in a DIP-14 through-hole package. Designed for low power consumption and wide supply compatibility, it’s ideal for expanding digital I/O lines in Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and other microcontroller-based projects and professional electronics systems.

Key Features ✅

• 8-bit serial input / parallel output for efficient I/O expansion
• Wide supply voltage: operates from 2 V to 6 V (compatible with 3.3 V and 5 V logic)
• High-speed clocking for rapid data shifting (datasheets often reference “ripple-carry” style clocking) ⚡
• Low power consumption thanks to CMOS technology 🔋
• JEDEC standard no. 7A compliant for logic family compatibility
• DIP-14 package for easy prototyping and breadboarding 🧪

Technical Specifications 📐

• Product Category: Shift Register
• Technology: CMOS (High-Speed Si-gate)
• Package: DIP-14 (through-hole)
• Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to +125°C 🌡️
• Supply Voltage Range: 2 V to 6 V

Typical Applications 🔧

• Serial-to-parallel data conversion for driving LEDs, relays, or general outputs
• Remote control holding registers and status latching
• Sequential timing circuits and digital sequencing
• High-frequency oscillator circuits and digital waveform generation

Integration with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and Microcontrollers 🤖

This IC is a popular choice among electronics hobbyists and engineers for expanding GPIOs on Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32, and other microcontroller platforms.

• 3.3 V systems (e.g., Raspberry Pi): Power the 74HC164 at 3.3 V for direct logic-level compatibility, or use level shifting if powered at 5 V.
• 5 V systems (e.g., Arduino Uno/Mega): Power the IC at 5 V for full-speed operation and standard TTL/CMOS interfacing.
• Minimal pin usage: Typically requires a data line, a clock line, and an optional reset (asynchronous clear) for robust control.

Design Notes and Tips 🧠

• The 74HC164 provides serial-in/parallel-out shifting; outputs update as bits are clocked in. If you require an output latch, consider pairing with a latch stage or using a device like the 74HC595.
• Use the asynchronous clear (active-low) to reset all outputs quickly at startup or during fault recovery.
• Cascading is straightforward: feed the last output into the next device’s serial input to extend beyond 8 bits.
• Observe voltage and timing constraints to ensure reliable high-speed operation, especially in longer chains or at lower supply voltages.

Whether you’re building a compact control panel, expanding GPIOs on a microcontroller, or prototyping with Arduino and Raspberry Pi, the 74HC164 DIP-14 shift register is a reliable, cost-effective electronics component for clean and scalable digital output expansion.