In electronics, the shift register 74LS164 is pivotal in converting the input serial data into the parallel output. 74LS164 is the 8-bit serial-in or parallel-out shift register. This shift register belongs to the TTL logics ICs from their family of 74LS. Now we can delve into the numerous DIY projects in which the 74LS164 can be used, and also explore the working principle of IC, their pinouts, or their usage in different circuits.

The basic concept of the 74LS164 shift register:

For making numerous DIY projects, understanding the 74LS164 shift register is crucial, their functionality of pinout and operation can be discussed below:
Pinouts:
To understand the 74LS164, the 14 pins configuration that can be used in it is crucial. The main function of these 14 pins is given there:
Pin 1 and pin 2: Both of these pins receive the input data in serial and then transfer the input serial data into the register.
Pin 3 to pin 6: All of these pins are termed as the parallel output pins because through these pins the data is shifted out through their shift register.
Pin 7: This pin is termed the ground pin (GND).
Pin 8: in each rising edge the the data can be shifted through the clock input.
Pin 9: This pin can also be termed as the clear pin (CLR) because this pin can reset all shift register data.
Pin 10 to pin 13: All of these pins are termed as the parallel output pins because through these pins the data is shifted out through their shift register.
Pin 14: this pin is connected to the +5V, so it is termed the power supply pin.
Clock pulses, when received by the IC, the given input data transferred from pin 1 (A) to pin (B), and then the input data into the output pins.

Projects:

Different projects in which the 74LS164 can be used are discussed below, their needed components, objectives, and principles of these projects can also be discussed below:

Project 1: LEDs with the binary counter:

Needed components:
The components that are needed for this project are given there:
Resistors

• 74LS164 shift register

• Breadboard

• 8 LEDs

• Power supply 5V

• Microcontroller
  Objective:
  Firstly design the 8-bit binary counters which can count from 0 to 255 in which the 74LS164 are used, then it can control the display results through the LEDs.
  Steps:
  Binary data: LEDs can display the binary count because the binary data are transferred into the 74LS164.
  LED arrangements: To limit the current supply use the resistors of 330Ω. The output pins of the 74LS164 are connected to all 8 LEDs.
  Clock signal: for producing the clock signals or pulses use the 555 timer circuit or used the microcontroller. The clock signal transferred the binary data into the 74LS164.

Project 2: Bar display for 8-bit LED:

Needed components:
The components that are needed for this project are given there:

• Arduino

• 74LS164 shift register

• Microcontroller

• 8 LEDs of different colors

• Push button

• The power supply of 5V

• Resistors of 330Ω

• breadboard
  Objective:
  The bar of 8 LEDs is controlled by using the 74LS164, or through the button press the LEDs start lightning.
  Steps:
  Power supply: connect the 74LS164, pin 7 to the ground, and pin 14 to the power supply of +5V.
  LED arrangements: To limit the current supply use the resistors of 330Ω. The output pins of the 74LS164 are connected to all 8 LEDs.
  Logic: the LEDs start lighting up by pressing the button and the data are shifted from clocked pulses into the shift register.
  Clock input or the push button: the clock pin is connected to the button through which the power can be supplied. When the button is pressed the shift register 74LS164 transfers the data onwards.

Circuit overview:

74LS164 is crucially used to shift the data by pressing the button through which the LED starts lighting up. This application works according to the serial in or parallel out principle.

Project 3: Relay driver for 8- channel:

Needed components:

• Relay module of 8- channel

• Breadboard

• 74LS164 shift register

• Microcontroller

• Arduino

• 5V power supply
  Objective:
  8 relays are controlled through the 74LS164 and it can also give access to switch the devices on or off with GPIO pins efficiently.
  Steps:
  Relay control: in 74LS164 the data are transferred through the microcontroller. It can also have a relay to turn the device on or off.
  Relay module: the relay module of the 8 channels is connected with the input or to the output pin 74LS164.
  Data and power: the data pins are connected to the microcontroller or the 74LS164 clock, and then the power is through the power pins.

Project 4: Display driver for 4x7 segment:

Needed components:

• 7 segment display

• 4 common cathode

• The power supply of 5V

• 74LS164 shift register

• Resistor of 220Ω

• Microcontroller

• Arduino

• Breadboard

Steps:

Data and clock connection: the data and the clock pins of the 74LS164 are connected to the microcontroller. Then the data can be transferred through the microcontroller or displayed in some sequence.
Connect the display: all LED displays have seven segments starting from A to G. Then the output pins of the 74LS164 are connected to the segments of the display. And for limiting the current resistors are used for each segment.
Multiplexing: when one 74LS164 is used to control the display multiplexing. then connect each pin with each segment then it can be controlled through the shift register.

Conclusion:

74SL164 shift register, IC has numerous are versatile because it can allow to expand the output pins that can be present on the given microcontroller. Using the 74LS164 shift register helps to simplify the different complex wiring which helps to reduce the GPIO pins that are essential by using the shift register we can control the relay, LED lighting, or also generate the binary counter. After understanding the 74LS164 and the given projects it can help to design different circuits or help to create the different electronics projects.