The 74×13 (ex 74LS13) is a chip with two 4-Input NAND Gates inside. The gates are Schmitt Trigger gates which means the threshold for going from LOW to HIGH is different from the one from HIGH to LOW.
Learn how this chip works in this beginner-friendly guide and start using 4-input NAND gates in your projects.
What does the 74HC13 / 74LS13 do?
The 74×13 gives you two 4-Input NAND Gates with Schmitt Trigger.
The easiest way to remember what the result will be from a NAND gate is to think of the AND gate and remember that the output will be the opposite:
For an AND gate, ALL inputs must be HIGH for the output to become HIGH. That means that for the 4-input NAND gate, all inputs must be HIGH for the output to become LOW.
How To Use This Chip
The 74LS13 comes in a 14-pin package, and you need to connect it to power before you can use it. Most versions of this chip will support a VCC voltage of 5V.
The maximum current you can pull out of one output pin is 0.4 mA when the pin is high (sourcing) or 8 mA when the pin is low (sinking). This can differ between models, so check the datasheet of your model to verify.
Once you’ve connected it to power, you can use any of the two 4-Input NAND Gates.
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74×13 Pinout
The 74×13 has 14 pins and contains two 4-Input NAND Gates laid out as shown in the pinout diagram below:
| Pin Name | Pin # | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1A | 1 | Input | Input to the first NAND Gate. |
| 1B | 2 | Input | Input to the first NAND Gate. |
| – | 3 | NC | Not in use (Not Connected). |
| 1C | 4 | Input | Input to the first NAND Gate. |
| 1D | 5 | Input | Input to the first NAND Gate. |
| /1Y | 6 | Output | Output from the first NAND Gate. |
| GND | 7 | Power | Connect to ground (GND). |
| /2Y | 8 | Output | Output from the second NAND Gate. |
| 2A | 9 | Input | Input to the second NAND Gate. |
| 2B | 10 | Input | Input to the second NAND Gate. |
| – | 11 | NC | Not in use (Not Connected). |
| 2C | 12 | Input | Input to the second NAND Gate. |
| 2D | 13 | Input | Input to the second NAND Gate. |
| VCC | 14 | Power | Positive power supply (VCC). Connect to +5V power. |
Alternatives and Equivalents for 74HC13 / 74LS13
There are many versions of the 74×13 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:
- SN7413
- 74HC13 (High-speed CMOS)
- 74HCT13 (High-speed CMOS, TTL compatible)
- 74LS13 (High-speed TTL)
- 74LVC13 (Low Voltage TTL)
- 74AC13 (Advanced CMOS)
- 74ALS13 (Advanced Low-Power Schottky TTL)
- 74F13 (Very High Speed)
- 74C13 (CMOS, similar to the 4000-series)
Some manufacturers also add a prefix, such as the SN7413 and SN74LS13 by Texas Instruments.
Can’t find the 74×13 anywhere? Then try one of the following IC alternatives:
- 74×18 – Dual 4-Input NAND Gate with Schmitt Trigger
- 74×20 – Dual 4-Input NAND Gate
- 74×22 – Dual 4-Input NAND Gate (with open-collector outputs).
- CD4012 – Dual 4-Input NAND Gate
If you can’t find the 74×13 IC 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 74LS13 and 74HC13 chips
Download the PDF datasheet for your version of the 74×13 here:
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