How to Use 4029: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The 4029 IC is a versatile presettable up/down counter that integrates a four-stage binary or BCD (Binary Coded Decimal) counter with a full complement of external control inputs. This component is widely used in digital electronics for counting purposes, frequency division, and as a building block for more complex counters. Common applications include digital clocks, frequency counters, calculators, and in various projects where numerical operations are required.

• Supply Voltage (Vcc): 3V to 15V
• Operating Temperature: -55°C to +125°C
• Counting Mode: Binary or BCD (selected by mode control input)
• Counting Sequence: Up or Down (controlled by up/down input)
• Speed: Typically 6MHz at Vcc = 10V
• Output Current: 3.5mA at Vcc = 10V

1. Power Supply: Connect Vcc to a suitable power supply (3V to 15V) and Vss to ground.
2. Counting Mode: Set the Binary/Decade pin to high for BCD counting or low for binary counting.
3. Direction Control: Apply a high or low signal to the Down/Up pin to set the counting direction.
4. Clock Signal: Apply a clock signal to the Clock pin to increment or decrement the counter.
5. Presetting the Counter: To preset the counter, set the Preset Enable pin low and apply the desired count to the Data A-D pins.
6. Clock Inhibit: To pause the counter, set the Clock Inhibit pin high.

• Ensure that the power supply voltage does not exceed the maximum rating of 15V.
• Use a decoupling capacitor close to the Vcc pin to filter out noise.
• Avoid floating inputs by connecting unused control pins to Vcc or Vss as appropriate.
• When cascading counters, connect the Carry Out of one counter to the Carry In of the next.
• Use a pull-up or pull-down resistor on the Preset Enable pin to avoid accidental triggering.

• Counter Not Counting: Check the Clock Inhibit and Preset Enable pins to ensure they are not disabling the counter. Also, verify the clock signal is present and within the operating frequency range.
• Incorrect Counting Mode: Ensure the Binary/Decade pin is correctly set for the desired counting mode.
• Unstable Outputs: This can be caused by noise or floating inputs. Ensure all unused inputs are tied to a known logic level.

Q: Can the 4029 IC be used to count in decimal? A: Yes, by setting the Binary/Decade pin high, the 4029 will count in BCD mode, which is suitable for decimal counting.

Q: How can I reset the counter to zero? A: To reset the counter, preset it to zero by setting the Preset Enable pin low and applying a low signal to all Data A-D pins.

Q: What is the maximum frequency the 4029 can count? A: The maximum frequency is typically 6MHz at a Vcc of 10V, but this can vary with supply voltage and temperature.

// Example code to interface a 4029 counter with an Arduino UNO

const int clockPin = 3; // Connect to Clock pin of 4029
const int upDownPin = 4; // Connect to Down/Up pin of 4029

void setup() {
  pinMode(clockPin, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(upDownPin, OUTPUT);
  
  // Set the counter to count up
  digitalWrite(upDownPin, LOW);
}

void loop() {
  // Generate a clock pulse
  digitalWrite(clockPin, HIGH);
  delay(10); // Wait for 10 milliseconds
  digitalWrite(clockPin, LOW);
  delay(10); // Wait for 10 milliseconds
  
  // The counter will increment with each pulse
}

Remember to adjust the pin numbers and connections according to your specific setup. The above code will make the 4029 counter increment with each clock pulse. To count down, simply set the upDownPin to HIGH.