7400 Series Guide: 74HC10/74LS10 (Triple 3-input NAND gates)

The 74×10 (ex 74HC10) is a simple chip with three 3-input NAND gates.

In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about this chip and how you can use these NAND gates in your own projects.

74HC10 / 74LS10 Package And Pinout

What does the 74HC10 / 74LS10 do?

The 74×10 gives you three 3-input NAND gates that you can use individually. A NAND gate is a logic gate that outputs 0 (LOW) only if all of its inputs are 1 (HIGH). In the truth table below, you can see what the output will be for any given input:

NAND gate truth table
Truth table for the NAND gate

How To Use This Chip

The 74HC10 comes in a 14-pin package, and you need to connect it to power before you can use it. Most 7400 ICs support a VCC voltage of 5V. One difference between the HC and LS versions of the chip is that the 74HC10 supports 2V to 6V, while the 74LS10 only supports 5V.

How to connect 74HC10 / 74LS10 on a breadboard
The 74HC10/74LS10 IC connected to power

Once you’ve connected it to power, you can use any of the three 3-input NAND gates inside.

Output Current

74HC08:
Each output can sink or source 4 mA when powered with 5V.

74LS08:
HIGH-Level Output Current (sourcing): 0.4 mA
LOW-Level Output Current (sinking): 16 mA

74×10 Pinout

The 74×10 has 14 pins and contains three 3-input NAND gates laid out as shown in the pinout diagram below:

7410 Pinout
Pin #TypeDescription
1InputInput to the first NAND gate.
2InputInput to the first NAND gate.
3InputInput to the second NAND gate.
4InputInput to the second NAND gate.
5InputInput to the second NAND gate.
6OutputOutput from the second NAND gate.
7PowerConnect to ground (GND).
8OutputOutput from the third NAND gate.
9InputInput to the third NAND gate.
10InputInput to the third NAND gate.
11InputInput to the third NAND gate.
12OutputOutput from the first NAND gate.
13InputInput to the first NAND gate.
14PowerPositive power supply (VCC). Connect to +5V power.
Pin overview for the 74×10 IC

Alternatives and Equivalents for 74HC10 / 74LS10

There are many versions of the 74×10 chip. They all have the same functionality but with different specifications such as supported voltages and maximum current output.

Here’s a list of a few equivalents of this chip:

  • 74HC10 (High-speed CMOS)
  • 74HCT10 (High-speed CMOS, TTL compatible)
  • 74LS10 (High-speed TTL)
  • 74LVC10 (Low Voltage TTL)
  • 74AC10 (Advanced CMOS)
  • 74ALS10 (Advanced Low-Power Schottky TTL)
  • 74F10 (Very High Speed)
  • 74C10 (CMOS, similar to the 4000-series)

Some manufacturers also add a prefix, such as the SN74HC10 and SN74LS10 by Texas Instruments.

Can’t find the 74×10 anywhere? Then try one of the following IC alternatives:

  • 74×12 – Triple 3-input NAND gates (with open-collector outputs).
  • CD4023 – Triple 3-input NAND gates.

If you can’t find the 74HC10 or the 74LS10 in your local electronics store, don’t worry, you’ll most likely find it in one of the stores listed on this page of online stores where you’ll find components and tools for all your electronics projects.

Datasheet for the 74LS10 and 74HC10 chips

Download the PDF datasheet for your version of the 74×10 here:

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