IC 4017 Decade Counter: Pinout, Working, Applications & LED Chaser Circuit
Introduction
The IC 4017 is a widely used decade counter/divider IC that finds applications in various electronic projects. This IC is commonly used for LED chasers, frequency dividers, light sequencers, and many more timing-related applications. In this article, we will explore the fundamentals of IC 4017, its working principles, pin configuration, features, applications, and practical implementations like the Circling LEDs Effect.
What is IC 4017? | IC 4017 Explained
IC 4017 is a CMOS Decade Counter that operates using a clock pulse to increment its output. It has ten decoded outputs (Q0 to Q9), which activate sequentially with each clock pulse. This makes it useful for designing light chasers, automatic counters, and LED sequences.
This IC belongs to the CD4000 series and is available in DIP (Dual In-line Package) and SMD (Surface Mount Device) configurations.
IC 4017 Pin Configuration | Pin Diagram & Description
The IC 4017 pinout consists of 16 pins, each serving a specific function:
| Pin Number | Name | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Q5 | 6th output |
| 2 | Q1 | 2nd output |
| 3 | Q0 | 1st output |
| 4 | Q2 | 3rd output |
| 5 | Q6 | 7th output |
| 6 | Q7 | 8th output |
| 7 | Q3 | 4th output |
| 8 | GND | Ground |
| 9 | Q8 | 9th output |
| 10 | Q4 | 5th output |
| 11 | Q9 | 10th output |
| 12 | Carry Out | Overflow output for cascading |
| 13 | Clock Enable | Enables or disables counting |
| 14 | Clock | Receives clock pulses |
| 15 | Reset | Resets the counter to Q0 |
| 16 | Vcc | Power Supply (3V – 15V) |
Features & Specifications of IC 4017 | Technical Details
- Operating Voltage: 3V to 15V (Typically 5V or 12V)
- Low Power Consumption: CMOS technology ensures minimal current usage
- Maximum Clock Frequency: Up to 5MHz
- Output Current: 10mA per pin (approx.)
- Package Types: Available in DIP-16, SOIC-16
- Applications: LED chasers, counters, frequency dividers, digital circuits
How IC 4017 Works? | Counting Operation Explained with Waveforms
The counting operation of IC 4017 follows a simple pattern:
- When a clock pulse is applied at Pin 14 (Clock), the IC increments its count.
- The active output pin (Q0 to Q9) switches HIGH sequentially.
- After reaching Q9, the count resets to Q0.
- If the Reset Pin (Pin 15) is set HIGH, the count immediately resets to Q0.
- The Clock Enable (Pin 13) stops counting when set HIGH.
Example Waveform of Counting Operation:
- 1st pulse → Q0 HIGH
- 2nd pulse → Q1 HIGH
- 3rd pulse → Q2 HIGH
- …
- 10th pulse → Q9 HIGH, then resets to Q0
This is why IC 4017 is widely used in LED running chasers and sequential lighting circuits.
Applications of IC 4017 | Where is it Used?
The IC 4017 is a versatile component and is used in numerous electronic projects, including:
- LED Chasers & Sequential Lighting Circuits
- Frequency Divider Circuits
- Digital Counters & Timers
- Electronic Voting Machines
- Touch-Free Counting Circuits
- Traffic Light Controllers
Circling LEDs Effect Using IC 4017 | LED Chaser Circuit
One of the most famous applications of IC 4017 is creating a circular LED effect, commonly seen in LED chasers, running lights, and sequential indicators.
Required Components:
- IC 4017
- 555 Timer IC (Clock Pulse Generator)
- LEDs (10 pieces)
- Resistors (330Ω each for LEDs)
- Capacitors (10µF, 0.01µF)
- Power Supply (5V or 12V)
Circuit Explanation:
- 555 Timer IC generates clock pulses and feeds them into Pin 14 (Clock) of IC 4017.
- The IC 4017 cycles through its outputs (Q0 to Q9), lighting up LEDs sequentially.
- After Q9, the cycle repeats, creating a running LED effect.
- The speed of LED movement can be controlled by adjusting the 555 Timer frequency.
This project is an excellent way for beginners to understand the working of IC 4017 practically!
Variants of IC 4017 (CD4017, HCF4017, etc.) | Similar ICs
There are multiple versions of the IC 4017 decade counter available in the market. Some of the most common ones include:
- CD4017 – Most widely used general-purpose variant.
- HCF4017 – High-speed CMOS version.
- MC14017 – Motorola’s equivalent with similar specifications.
- TC4017 – Toshiba’s version with optimized performance.
Each of these variants has minor differences in manufacturing process and speed characteristics, but all function similarly.
Conclusion | Why is IC 4017 Important?
The IC 4017 is an essential decade counter IC that enables students and hobbyists to build counting and sequencing circuits effortlessly. Its simple working principle and ease of implementation make it an excellent choice for learning about digital electronics.
By experimenting with circuits like the Circling LEDs Effect, students can grasp the fundamentals of digital counting and timing circuits effectively. If you are interested in electronics, playing around with IC 4017 is a great way to start!
Did You Find This Guide Helpful?
If you enjoyed this article, share it with fellow electronics enthusiasts and explore more exciting electronic projects!
