What this counter is and where it fits
The CD74HC161M is a 4-bit synchronous binary counter from the 74HC family, designed for moderate-speed digital counting, frequency division, and event sequencing in systems that need a clean, glitch-free count with an asynchronous reset to zero. It counts up on each negative edge of the clock input, and the asynchronous reset (active low) forces all outputs low independently of the clock — useful for initializing counters in motor drive timing, industrial PLC sequencers, or telecom frame synchronizers without waiting for a clock edge.
24 MHz count rate — what it means for timing margin
Count rate is 24 MHz.
Military temperature range — design margin without a separate grade
Rated for -55°C to 125°C, the CD74HC161M covers the full military temperature range. That means it's suitable for avionics, satellite, downhole drilling, or outdoor telecom cabinets where ambient extremes are routine.
Active lifecycle — no LTB risk for inventory planning
The CD74HC161M is listed as Active with RoHS3 compliance. For procurement, that means no imminent last-time-buy, no end-of-life watch, and no need to stockpile against discontinuation.
Package and storage notes
Supplied in a 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90 mm width) surface-mount package, the CD74HC161M ships in Tube form. The 16-SOIC footprint is common and easy to hand-solder or reflow.