7400 Series Guide: 74HC25/74LS25 (Dual 4-input NOR gates)

The 74×25 (ex 74HC25) is a chip that comes packed with two 4-input NOR gates with enable input.

Learn how it works and how to use it with this beginner-friendly guide and start using NOR gates in your projects.

What does the 74HC25 / 74LS25 do?

The 74×25 gives you two 4-input NOR gates with enable-input. A NOR gate is a logic gate that outputs 1 (HIGH) if all of its inputs are 0 (LOW).

The enable input lets you turn the gate off. If you set the enable input HIGH, the output will become LOW, no matter what the other inputs to the NOR gate are.

How To Use This Chip

The 74LS25 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.

The maximum current you can pull out of one output pin is 0.8 mA when the pin is high (sourcing) or 16 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 NOR gates with enable input inside.

74×25 Pinout

The 74×25 has 14 pins and contains two 4-input NOR gates with enable input laid out as shown in the pinout diagram below:

Pin #	Type	Description
1	Input	Input to the first NOR gate.
2	Input	Input to the first NOR gate.
3	Input	Enable input to the first NOR gate.
4	Input	Input to the first NOR gate.
5	Input	Input to the first NOR gate.
6	Output	Output from the first NOR gate.
7	Power	Connect to ground (GND).
8	Output	Output from the second NOR gate.
9	Input	Input to the second NOR gate.
10	Input	Input to the second NOR gate.
11	Input	Enable input to the second NOR gate.
12	Input	Input to the second NOR gate.
13	Input	Input to the second NOR gate.
14	Power	Positive power supply (VCC). Connect to +5V power.

Alternatives and Equivalents for 74HC25 / 74LS25

There are many versions of the 74×25 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:

• SN7425
• 74HC25 (High-speed CMOS)
• 74HCT25 (High-speed CMOS, TTL compatible)
• 74LS25 (High-speed TTL)
• 74LVC25 (Low Voltage TTL)
• 74AC25 (Advanced CMOS)
• 74ALS25 (Advanced Low-Power Schottky TTL)
• 74F25 (Very High Speed)
• 74C25 (CMOS, similar to the 4000-series)

Some manufacturers also add a prefix, such as the SN7425 by Texas Instruments.

Can’t find the 74×25 anywhere? Then try one of the following IC alternatives:

• 74×23 – Dual 4-input NOR gates with enable input.
• 74×29 – Dual 4-input NOR gates
• CD4002 – Dual 4-input NOR gates

If you can’t find the 74×25 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 74LS25 and 74HC25 chips

Download the PDF datasheet for your version of the 74×25 here:

• SN7425 (Texas Instruments)