40106 Hex Schmitt Trigger Inverter

A CD40106 CMOS integrated circuit providing a hex Schmitt trigger inverter. Six inverters with hysteresis, which is what makes them useful: a slow or noisy input produces a clean, sharp output with no oscillation around the threshold. Used for debouncing switches, cleaning sensor signals and building simple relaxation oscillators. Being 4000-series CMOS it runs on anything from 3 to 18 volts, which makes it far more flexible than 5V-only TTL logic and lets it work directly in battery and higher voltage circuits. It also draws almost no current when idle. The trade-off is speed: CMOS of this family is slower than 74HC logic, so it suits control, timing and teaching applications rather than fast data paths. Unused inputs must be tied to a supply rail, never left floating. Wide 3-18V supply range, unlike 5V-only TTL; Extremely low quiescent current suits battery circuits; High noise immunity from the wide logic swing; Standard 14-pin DIP fits breadboards and sockets