DIGITAL LOGIC DESIGN

SIII EE

DECODERS
 INTRODUCTION TO DECODERS
• A decoder is a digital combinational logic circuit which can convert one
form of digital code into another form.

• BCD to 7-segment display decoder is a special decoder which can

convert binary coded decimals into another form which can be easily
displayed through a 7-segment display.

• BCD stands for binary coded decimal. It is a digital numbering system in

which we can represent each decimal number using 4 bits of binary
numbers. Therefore, decimal digits from 0-9 can be represented in 4
binary digits, that is in BCD, but decimal number 10 and above can not be
represented in only 4 digits, so in this case we have to use 4 + 4, i.e 8
binary digits, for eg to represent decimal 10 = BCD 0001 0000,
dec 11 = 0001 0001 in BCD & dec 12 = 0001 0010 in BCD and so on.
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There are 10 digits in the decimal system(0-9). To represent all 10 digits we need

10 combinations of 4 binary bits

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Introduction to Seven Segment Displays
Most often Seven-Segment Displays are used
to display the digits in digital watches,
calculators, clocks, measuring instruments and
digital counters, etc.

Typically 7-segment displays consist of seven

individual coloured LED’s called the ‘Segments’,
within one single display package.
 Seven Segment Displays

• In order to produce the required numbers or HEX characters

from 0 to 9 and A to F respectively, on the 7 Segment Display the correct
combination of LED segments need to be illuminated.

• A standard 7-segment LED display generally has 8 input connections, one

for each LED segment and one that acts as a common terminal or
connection for all the internal display segments. Some single displays
have also have an additional input pin to display a decimal point in their
lower right or left hand corner.

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 TYPES OF 7 SEG DSPLYS
• Common Cathode
• In such type of 7-segment display, all the cathodes of the 7 LEDs are
connected together to form a common terminal. It should be connected to
GND or logic ‘0’ during its operation.
• To illuminate any LED of this display, you need to supply logic ‘1’ to its
corresponding input pin.

• Common Anode
• In such type of 7-segment display, all the anode terminals of 7 LEDs are
connected together to form common anode terminal. This terminal should
be connected with Vcc or logic ‘1’ during its operation.
• To illuminate any LED of this display, you need to supply logic ‘0’ to its
corresponding input pin.

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Common Cathode & Anode
Displays

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7-Segments or 7 LEDs in a Display

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Seven Segment Display

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Table showing which segment must be ON to
display which number

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 BCD to 7-Segment Decoder IC & Pin outs

The commonly used IC for BCD to 7-segment decoding is 7447. The pin
configuration of 7447 is given in the figure below.

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BCD to 7-Segment Decoder Circuit
BCD inputs

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 Encoders
• What are Encoders?
• Encoders are digital ICs used for encoding. By
encoding, we mean generating a digital binary
code for every input. An Encoder IC generally
consists of an Enable pin which is usually set
high to indicate the working. It consists of 2^n
input lines and n output lines with each input
line being represented by a code of zeros and
ones which are reflected at the output lines.
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 Decoders
• What are Decoders?
• Decoders are digital ICs which are used for
decoding. In other words, the decoders decrypt or
obtain the actual data from the received code, i.e.
convert the binary input at its input to a form, which
is reflected at its output. It consists of n input lines
and 2^n output lines.  A decoder can be used to
obtain the required data from the code or can also be
used for obtaining the parallel data from the serial
data received.
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