4585 4-Bit Magnitude Comparator

A CD4585 CMOS integrated circuit providing a 4-bit magnitude comparator. Compares two 4-bit numbers and reports greater than, less than or equal. Cascadable for wider comparisons. Used in threshold detection and sorting logic. 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 16-pin DIP fits breadboards and sockets