74HC595D datasheet & pdf | price

How to cascade 74hc595 shift register

74HC595D

The 74HC595D is a handy 8-bit shift register that makes it easy to expand the number of outputs on your microcontroller. It takes in data one bit at a time (serially) and then spits out 8 bits of data all at once (parallel). This makes it great for controlling things like LEDs or displays.

It also has a latch function, which means it can hold the data on the output pins without constantly refreshing. This keeps things stable.

The chip includes output drivers that can handle up to 6mA per pin, so it’s useful for driving medium-power devices like LEDs. You’ll use three main pins: the Clock Pin (SH_CP) to shift the data, the Latch Pin (ST_CP) to update the outputs, and the Data Pin (DS) to feed in the serial data.

It’s low power, runs on voltages between 2V and 6V, and is perfect for all kinds of projects.

74HC595D Pinout Explanation

The 74HC595D is an 8-bit serial-to-parallel shift register you’ll often use for driving LED arrays or expanding microcontroller IO pins. When you hook it up, make sure your clock signals—like serial clock (SCK) and register clock (RCK)—are correctly connected, ensuring smooth data transfer. There’s also a handy pin called QH’, meant for cascading multiple chips if you need even more outputs. Two more pins to watch out for are the G pin, controlling output enable, and the SCLR pin, which quickly clears outputs. Both activate on a low-level signal, so keep their states correct to avoid unexpected outputs.

74HC595D Equivalent Shift Register

The 74HC595D is a great all-rounder, with an 8-bit shift register and a latch, perfect for most projects. It keeps the output stable, which makes it reliable for general uses.

If you don’t need the latch function, the 74LS164 might be a good fit. It’s also an 8-bit shift register, but it shifts data continuously without storing it. It can handle more power with 8mA output, so it’s better for higher-power applications.

The CD4021BE is a solid option for higher voltage circuits, with a wider voltage range (3V to 15V) and also includes the latch function.

For faster operations, the SN74AC595 is your go-to. It’s similar to the 74HC595D but built for speed and higher voltage, making it great for applications needing quick shifts.

74HC595D Shift Register Circuit Example

When you’re working with the 74HC595D shift register and Arduino, it’s a great way to control multiple LEDs with just a few pins. The 74HC595 lets you send serial data through its SER pin to control up to 8 LEDs. You connect the Arduino pin (usually pin 11) to this SER pin. The SCLK pin, hooked up to the Arduino’s clock pin (like pin 12), shifts the data in, and the RCLK pin latches the data to the LEDs. Each LED is connected to one of the shift register’s output pins (Q0 to Q7), and you control the brightness or on/off states with those. It’s powered by the Arduino’s 5V, making the whole setup simple and efficient. This way, you expand your output without needing tons of extra pins.

74HC595D Cascading Wiring Diagram

When you cascade the 74HC595D shift registers, you can control more LEDs with just a few microcontroller pins. The first shift register’s QH’ pin connects to the second one’s DS pin, passing data along the chain. This way, you can control up to 16 LEDs with two registers. The microcontroller sends data to the registers through the data pin, shifts the data with the clock pin, and latches the data with the latch pin to turn the LEDs on. The shift registers are powered by 5V, and a 1µF capacitor helps stabilize the power supply. Cascading is a neat way to expand your outputs while keeping the microcontroller pins free for other tasks. It’s perfect for projects where you need to control a lot of devices without using too many pins.

74HC595D Arduino LED Matrix Project

If you’re trying to set up a 74HC595D shift register to control an LED matrix with your Arduino, here’s a simple way to get started. You’ll connect the shift register to the Arduino, using just a few pins. For wiring: connect the SER pin to pin 11 on your Arduino, SCLK to pin 13, and RCLK to pin 8. The output pins (Q0 to Q7) will connect to the columns of your LED matrix. Use 220Ω resistors for each LED to keep things safe. Then, power it all with the 5V from the Arduino. In your code, use the shiftOut() function to control the LEDs, and you can create animations or patterns. This setup is great because it reduces the number of pins you need on your Arduino, but still gives you full control over a big LED matrix.