Hex Inverters

A hex inverter is a type of an integrated circuit that contains six inverters. Inverters are the foundation in digital electronics. Many sophisticated digital devices use inverters, including multiplexers, decoders, and state machines.

Main functions

An inverter circuit's main function is to output the voltage representing the opposite level to its input. It then inverts the input signal applied. If the applied input is higher, then the output becomes low and vice versa. 

Inverters can be made using a variety of different applications, such as NMOS transistors or a single PMOS transistor when used with a resistor. Other options involve using a CMOS configuration which, thanks to the single use transistors, helps to reduce power consumption and improve processing speed. 

What are hex inverters used for?

Hex inverters have various roles but can be responsible for cleaning up a noisy signal, adding small delay, level shifting, converting between logic families, or as an analog amplifier. Hex inverters can also be constructed with bipolar transistors to improve processing speed.