The '273 has eight edge-triggered D-type flip-flops with individual D inputs and Q outputs. The common buffered Clock (CP) and Master Reset (MR#) input load and reset (clear) all flip-flops simultaneously.

The register is fully edge-triggered. The state of each D input, one setup time before the LOW-to-HIGH clock transition, is transferred to the corresponding flip-flop's Q output.

All outputs will be forced LOW independently of Clock or Data inputs by a LOW voltage level on the MR# input. The device is useful for applications where the true output only is required and the Clock and Master Reset are common to all storage elements.