onsemi MC14049BCP Hex Inverter Buffer: Datasheet, Pinout, and Application Circuit Guide
The onsemi MC14049BCP is a member of the 4000 Series CMOS logic family, renowned for its robust performance and wide operating voltage range. This integrated circuit is a hex inverter buffer, meaning it contains six independent inverter gates within a single 16-pin DIP (Dual Inline Package). Each inverter takes a digital input signal and outputs its logically inverted state. The "buffer" aspect signifies its ability to provide higher output current, making it suitable for driving heavier loads like LEDs, small relays, or other ICs that a standard logic gate could not handle directly.
This guide provides a detailed overview of its datasheet specifications, pinout configuration, and a fundamental application circuit.
Datasheet Overview and Key Specifications
The MC14049BCP is designed for a broad spectrum of digital applications. Its key electrical characteristics, as defined in its datasheet, include:
Wide Supply Voltage Range: It can operate from 3.0 V to 18 V DC, making it compatible with various power supply configurations, from 5V TTL levels to higher voltage systems.
High Sink and Source Current: A primary feature of this buffer is its ability to drive relatively high output currents (e.g., source/sink up to several mA, depending on VDD), which is essential for interfacing with other components.
Low Power Consumption: Like most CMOS devices, it features very low static power dissipation.
High Noise Immunity: The CMOS technology provides a high degree of noise immunity, typically 45% of the supply voltage at 15V.
Operating Temperature Range: It is functional over a -55°C to +125°C range, suitable for industrial and automotive environments.
Pinout Configuration
Understanding the pinout is crucial for circuit design. The MC14049BCP comes in a 16-pin package. The pin functions are as follows:
Pin 1 (Input A): Input for the first inverter.
Pin 2 (Output A): Output for the first inverter.
Pin 3 (Input B): Input for the second inverter.
Pin 4 (Output B): Output for the second inverter.
Pin 5 (Input C): Input for the third inverter.
Pin 6 (Output C): Output for the third inverter.
Pin 7 (Output D): Output for the fourth inverter.
Pin 8 (Input D): Input for the fourth inverter.
Pin 9 (Output E): Output for the fifth inverter.
Pin 10 (Input E): Input for the fifth inverter.
Pin 11 (Output F): Output for the sixth inverter.

Pin 12 (Input F): Input for the sixth inverter.
Pin 13 (VDD): This is the positive supply voltage pin. It must be connected to the positive rail of the power supply.
Pin 14 (VSS): This is the ground pin (0 V). It must be connected to the common ground of the system.
Pins 15 and 16 are not connected (N/C).
Application Circuit Guide: LED Driver
A common use for the MC14049BCP is as a simple LED driver circuit. A single inverter gate can be configured to light an LED when the input is in a logic LOW state.
Components Required:
MC14049BCP IC
Power Supply (e.g., 5V or 12V)
Logic-level input signal (e.g., from a microcontroller or switch)
LED
Current-limiting resistor (e.g., 330Ω to 1kΩ, value depends on VDD and desired LED brightness)
Circuit Operation:
1. Connect VDD (Pin 13) to the positive supply voltage.
2. Connect VSS (Pin 14) to ground.
3. Apply the digital input signal to one of the input pins (e.g., Pin 1).
4. Connect the anode of the LED to the corresponding output pin (e.g., Pin 2).
5. Connect the cathode of the LED to one terminal of the current-limiting resistor.
6. Connect the other terminal of the resistor to ground.
How it Works:
When the input is LOW (0V), the inverter outputs a HIGH (VDD) state. This creates a voltage potential across the LED and resistor, causing current to flow and the LED to illuminate.
When the input is HIGH (VDD), the inverter outputs a LOW (0V) state. There is no potential difference across the LED, so it remains off.
This basic circuit demonstrates the IC's buffering capability, as it can supply the necessary current to drive the LED directly, which a microcontroller's GPIO pin might not be able to do safely.
ICGOODFIND: The onsemi MC14049BCP remains a highly versatile and robust solution for digital logic inversion and buffering tasks. Its wide voltage range and strong output drive capability make it an excellent choice for level shifting, waveform shaping, oscillator circuits, and interfacing low-power logic with high-current peripherals. For designers working on industrial control, automotive systems, or hobbyist projects, this hex inverter buffer is a fundamental and reliable component.
Keywords: CMOS Logic, Hex Inverter, Buffer IC, Level Shifter, Wide Voltage Range
