7474 / 74HC74 D Flip-Flop IC Dual Positive-Edge Triggered

Overview

The 7474 D Flip-Flop IC is a high-speed CMOS/TTL-compatible device containing two independent D-type positive-edge-triggered flip-flops. Often called a “Data” or “Delay” flip-flop, this IC is the fundamental building block for shift registers, data buffers, and temporary memory storage. It features asynchronous Preset and Clear inputs that allow you to force the outputs High or Low regardless of the clock signal, giving you total control over your logic states.

Key Features

• Dual D-Type Setup: Two independent flip-flops in one compact 14-pin DIP package.

• Positive-Edge Triggered: Data is transferred from the input to the output only during the Low-to-High transition of the clock.

• Asynchronous Inputs: Includes set (Preset) and reset (Clear) pins that override the clock for emergency state changes.

• High Speed & Low Power: The 74HC variant offers the speed of TTL logic with the ultra-low power consumption of CMOS.

• Wide Voltage Range: Compatible with most microcontrollers including Arduino (5V) and ESP32 (3.3V) when using the HC version.

Technical Specifications

Why use a D Flip-Flop? 

• Digital Memory: Store 1-bit of information per flip-flop.

• Frequency Division: Connect the Q output back to the D input to divide your clock frequency by 2.

• Data Synchronization: Use it to “clean up” noisy signals or align data with a system clock.