2.

Encoders and Decoders

Active high/Active low inputs

• Active high inputs • Active low inputs
need a +5V for the need to be tied to the
pin to be considered 0V for a logic high to
as logic high be applied.

+5V

0V

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 Encoders
• Used to convert from one numerical system to
another
• Decimal numbers are encoded to a binary
number
• Application

Keypad Encoder Display

Encoder
• 74147 is a priority encoder
• Accepts a decimal input and gives the equivalent binary output
• The higher order input presented to the chip will be selected if two inputs
are pressed at the same time
• E.g. 8 has priority over 7 etc

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 Truth table

74147 example application block

diagram

74147
Keypad (Decimal to
BCD output
(Decimal) BCD
(inverted)
Converter)

3
 Typical circuit
Active Low outputs

Active Low
inputs

Limitations of the 74147

• Limited to 10 decimal inputs only
• Does not indicate when a switch has been
pressed
• The limitations are overcome by the
74HC148 encoder

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 74HC148
• The 74HC148 provides the option to
cascade encoders
• They are
– Inputs can be enabled/disabled
– Signals when any input is pressed
– Cascadable to encode more than 8 inputs

74HC148

5
 74HC148

Application block diagram

74148
(Decimal to
Keypad
BCD
Converter)

16 bit output

74148
(Decimal to
BCD
Converter)

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 Application circuit – Two 74HC148 cascaded together

Decoder
• Decoding is the process of translating data from
a form to another
• Most common
– Binary to Digital outputs
– Binary to 7 Segment displays to indicate a numerical
value
• Applications
– Decode and address from the PC Address bus to
select a particular device
– To select different devices one at a time
• Example 74HC42,74HC138

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 Use of decoders

Input
Process Decode Display
(Encode)

74HC42 – BCD to decimal decoder

• Mutually exclusive outputs
• 1-of-8 de-multiplexing capability
• Outputs disabled for input codes above
nine
• Output capability: standard
• Integrated circuit category: MSI

8
74HC42 – BCD to decimal decoder

Pin layout Function diagram

74HC42 – BCD to decimal decoder

Truth Table

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74HC42 – BCD to decimal decoder
Internal logic diagram

74HC42 – BCD to decimal decoder

Application circuit

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 74HC138
• Decoders come in many different forms!
• Sometimes a single IC needs to be
selected from a group of IC’s
• 74HC138 features
• Demultiplexing capability
• Multiple input enable for easy expansion
• Ideal for memory chip select decoding
• Active LOW mutually exclusive outputs
• Integrated circuit category: MSI

74HC138

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 74HC138

74HC138 – Application circuit

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74HC138 – Alternative application
circuit
Driven from 5V

Application using am encoder to

display the number of days in a month

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