Lecture: Encoders and Decoders in Digital

Logic Design
Introduction
Encoders and Decoders are essential combinational circuits that play a significant role in digital
systems, enabling efficient data representation, transmission, and interpretation.

Learning Objectives
By the end of the lecture, you will be able to
1. Define encoders and decoders.
2. Understand their functionality and truth tables.
3. Explore their practical applications.
4. Identify their limitations.
5. Illustrate concepts using examples.

Part 1: Encoder
Definition
An encoder is a combinational circuit that converts 2n input lines into an n-bit binary code. It
performs the reverse operation of a decoder.
Working Principle
Encoders select one active input and generate a unique binary code corresponding to that
input. Only one input is assumed to be active (high) at a time.
Types of Encoders
There are two types of encoders.
1. Simple Encoder: Encodes data without priority.
2. Priority Encoder: Resolves conflicts when multiple inputs are active simultaneously by
assigning priority to specific inputs.
Truth Table (4-to-2 Encoder Example)

Input Line Output Line

D0 = 1 00
D1 = 1 01
D2 = 1 10
D3 = 1 11

Here, D0, D1, D2, D3 are inputs, and A, and B are outputs. If D1 is active, the output is "01".
As shown from the truth table, the logical expression of A is equal to A=D2+ D 3.
Similarly, the logical expression of B is equal to B=D 1+ D 3.
Logic Diagram
Therefore, a 4-to-2 encoder can be implemented using OR gates. Each output bit is a logical
combination of input lines.
Applications
1. Data Compression: Reduces the number of bits for transmission.
2. Keypad Interfaces: Converts key presses into binary code (e.g., in calculators).
3. Multiplexers: Acts as a control unit to manage data selection.
Advantages
1. Simplifies digital systems by reducing the number of required lines.
2. Efficient representation of large data sets. Octal to decimal or Decimal to BCD
Conversion.

Decimal BCD
0 0000
1 0001
2 0010
3 0011
Limitations
1. Can only handle one active input at a time (for simple encoders). Meaning, if more than
one input are high, then the output of Binary encoder is invalid.
2. In the absence of a priority encoder, conflicts arise when multiple inputs are high.
3. When all inputs of the Encoder are zero, or when the first input of the Encoder is high
then the output of the Encoder is same. (All N output bits are 0). In other words, for two
different input conditions, the output of the encoder is the same.

Priority Encoder
When more than one input is high, the output of the binary encoder becomes invalid. In order
to resolve this problem, a priority encoder is introduced. The priority encoder assign the
subscript to the input and the input with the higher subscript will have the highest priority.
Therefore, in that case, input with the higher priority will be considered as on/high.
Part 2: Decoder
Definition
A decoder is a combinational circuit that converts an n-bit binary code into 2n unique output
lines. It performs the reverse operation of an encoder.
Working Principle
A decoder activates one specific output line based on the input binary code.
Types of Decoders
There are 3 types of decoders.
1. 2-to-4 Decoder
2. 3-to-8 Decoder
3. 4-to-16 Decoder
Truth Table (2-to-4 Decoder Example)

Input Line Output Line

A1 A0 D3 D2 D1 D0
00 0001
01 0010
10 0100
11 1000

Inputs are A0, A1, and outputs are Y0, Y1, Y2, Y3. If inputs are "10", Y2 is activated.
Logic Diagram
A 2-to-4 decoder uses AND gates for implementation. Each output is generated by combining
the input bits and their complements.
Applications
1. Memory Addressing: Decoders are used in memory systems to select specific memory
locations.
2. Display Systems: Converts binary input into signals for 7-segment displays.
3. Instruction Decoding: Used in CPUs to decode instruction sets.

As shown in the above diagram, the enable input can be either active high or active low. If the
enable input is active high the output of the decoder will be 1 only if E = 1, otherwise despite
the values of A, B or C the output will be 0.
In case of active low, the role is reversed.
4 to 16 decoders with 3 to 8 decoders

Advantages
1. Simplifies hardware for selecting specific lines.
2. Facilitates direct activation of output from binary inputs.
Limitations
1. Increases hardware complexity as the number of input lines grows.
2. Requires accurate synchronization with other components to function correctly.