The SN74HCS04-Q1 can be used to add an additional stage to a counter with an external flip-flop. Because counters use a negative edge trigger, the flip-flop's clock input must be inverted to provide this function. Having Schmitt-trigger inputs is important in this application to eliminate any noise issues that could impact the counting function which could lead to incorrect frequency division. This function only requires one of the six available inverters in the SN74HCS04-Q1 device, so the remaining channels can be used for other applications needing an inverted signal or improved signal integrity. Unused inputs must be terminated at V_CC or GND. Unused outputs can be left floating.