Encoders

An encoder is a digital circuit that converts a set of binary inputs into a unique binary code. The
binary code represents the position of the input and is used to identify the specific input that is
active. Encoders are commonly used in digital systems to convert a parallel set of inputs into a
serial code.
The basic principle of an encoder is to assign a unique binary code to each possible input. For
example, a 2-to-4 line encoder has 2 input lines and 4 output lines and assigns a unique 4-bit
binary code to each of the 2^2 = 4 possible input combinations. The output of an encoder is
usually active low, meaning that only one output is active (low) at any given time, and the
remaining outputs are inactive (high). The active low output is selected based on the binary code
assigned to the active input.

Types of Encoders
There are different types of Encoders which are mentioned below.
 4 to 2 Encoder
 Octal to Binary Encoder (8 to 3 Encoder)
 Decimal to BCD Encoder
 Priority Encoder

4 to 2 Encoder

The 4 to 2 Encoder consists of four inputs Y3, Y2, Y1 & Y0, and two outputs A1 & A0. At any
time, only one of these 4 inputs can be ‘1’ in order to get the respective binary code at the output.
The figure below shows the logic symbol of the 4 to 2 encoder.

The Truth table of 4 to 2 encoders is as follows.

Y3 Y2 Y1 Y0 A1 A0

0 0 0 1 0 0

0 0 1 0 0 1

0 1 0 0 1 0

1 0 0 0 1 1
Logical expression for A1 and A0:
A1 = Y3 + Y2
A0 = Y3 + Y1
The above two Boolean functions A1 and A0 can be implemented using two input OR gates

Octal to Binary Encoder (8 to 3 Encoder)

The 8 to 3 Encoder or octal to Binary encoder consists of 8 inputs: Y7 to Y0 and 3 outputs: A2,
A1 & A0. Each input line corresponds to each octal digit and three outputs generate corresponding
binary code. The figure below shows the logic symbol of octal to the binary encoder.
The truth table for the 8 to 3 encoder is as follows.

INPUTS OUTPUTS

Y7 Y6 Y5 Y4 Y3 Y2 Y1 Y0 A2 A1 A0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0

0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1

0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1
Logical expression for A2, A1, and A0.
A2 = Y7 + Y6 + Y5 + Y4
A1 = Y7 + Y6 + Y3 + Y2
A0 = Y7 + Y5 + Y3 + Y1
The above two Boolean functions A2, A1, and A0 can be implemented using four input OR gates.
Decimal to BCD Encoder

The decimal-to-binary encoder usually consists of 10 input lines and 4 output lines. Each input
line corresponds to each decimal digit and 4 outputs correspond to the BCD code. This encoder
accepts the decoded decimal data as an input and encodes it to the BCD output which is available
on the output lines. The figure below shows the logic symbol of the decimal to BCD encoder :

The truth table for decimal to BCD encoder is as follows.

INPUTS OUTPUTS

Y9 Y8 Y7 Y6 Y5 Y4 Y3 Y2 Y1 Y0 A3 A2 A1 A0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1

0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1

0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1
Logical expression for A3, A2, A1, and A0.
A3 = Y9 + Y8
 A2 = Y7 + Y6 + Y5 +Y4
A1 = Y7 + Y6 + Y3 +Y2
A0 = Y9 + Y7 +Y5 +Y3 + Y1
The above two Boolean functions can be implemented using OR gates.

Priority Encoder

A 4 to 2 priority encoder has 4 inputs: Y3, Y2, Y1 & Y0, and 2 outputs: A1 & A0. Here, the input,
Y3 has the highest priority, whereas the input, Y0 has the lowest priority. In this case, even if
more than one input is ‘1’ at the same time, the output will be the (binary) code corresponding to
the input, which is having higher priority. The truth table for the priority encoder is as follows.
INPUTS OUTPUTS

Y3 Y2 Y1 Y0 A1 A0 V

0 0 0 0 X X 0

0 0 0 1 0 0 1

0 0 1 X 0 1 1

0 1 X X 1 0 1

1 X X X 1 1 1
The logical expression for A1 is shown below.

The Logical Expression for A0 is shown below.

The above two Boolean functions can be implemented as.

There are some errors that usually happen in Encoders are mentioned below.
 There is an ambiguity, when all outputs of the encoder are equal to zero.
 If more than one input is active High, then the encoder produces an output, which may not be
the correct code.
So, to overcome these difficulties, we should assign priorities to each input of the encoder. Then,
the output of the encoder will be the code corresponding to the active high inputs, which have
higher priority.

Application of Encoders
 Encoders are very common electronic circuits used in all digital systems.
 Encoders are used to translate the decimal values to the binary in order to perform binary
functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, etc.
 Other applications especially for Priority Encoders may include detecting interrupts in
microprocessor applications.
Advantages of Using Encoders in Digital Logic
 Reduction in the number of lines: Encoders reduce the number of lines required to transmit
information from multiple inputs to a single output, which can simplify the design of the system
and reduce the cost of components.
 Improved reliability: By converting multiple inputs into a single serial code, encoders can
reduce the possibility of errors in the transmission of information.
 Improved performance: Encoders can enhance the performance of a digital system by
reducing the amount of time required to transmit information from multiple inputs to a single
output.
Disadvantages of Using Encoders in Digital Logic
 Increased complexity: Encoders are typically more complex circuits compared to multiplexers,
and require additional components to implement.
 Limited to specific applications: Encoders are only suitable for applications where a parallel
set of inputs must be converted into a serial code.
 Limited flexibility: Encoders are limited in their flexibility, as they can only encode a fixed
number of inputs into a fixed number of outputs.
 In conclusion, Encoders are useful digital circuits that have their advantages and
disadvantages. The choice of whether to use an encoder or not depends on the specific
requirements of the system and the trade-offs between complexity, reliability, performance, and
cost.