Digital Systems

Principles and Applications

TWELFTH EDITION, GLOBAL EDITION

CHAPTER 1
Introductory
Concepts
 Chapter 1 Objectives

• Distinguish between analog and digital

representations.
• Describe how information can be
represented using just two states (1s
and 0s).
• Cite the advantages and drawbacks of
digital techniques compared with
analog.
 Chapter 1 Objectives

• Describe the purpose of analog-to-

digital converters (ADCs) and digital-to-
analog converters (DACs).
• Recognize the basic characteristics of
the binary number system.
• Convert a binary number to its decimal
equivalent.
• Count in the binary number system.
• Identify typical digital signals.
 Chapter 1 Objectives

• Identify a timing diagram.

• State the differences between parallel
and serial transmission.
• Describe the property of memory.
• Describe the major parts of a digital
computer and understand their
functions.
• Distinguish among microcomputers,
microprocessors, and microcontrollers.
1-1 Introduction to Digital 1s and
0s
• A large part of the worldwide
telecommunications system falls in the
category of “digital systems.”
 It started as a simple digital system that
used only
two states to represent information.
1-1 Introduction to Digital 1s and
0s
• The telegraph system used two distinct
“symbols” to transmit any word or
number.
 Short & long electric pulses, the dots &
dashes of Morse code—a digital
representation of information.
• The electric signal is either on or off at all
times.
– This relates to modern digital systems that
use electrical signals to represent 1s and 0s.
1-1 Introduction to Digital 1s and
0s
Typical representation of the
two states of a digital signal.

A higher range of voltages

represent a valid 1 and
a lower range of voltages
represent a valid 0.
HIGH and LOW are often
used to describe the states
of a digital system—instead
of “1” and “0”
1-1 Introduction to Digital 1s and
0s
• A timing diagram shows which state (1
or 0) the system is in at any point in
time.
 And shows the time when a change in
state occurs.

Horizontal scale
represents regular
intervals, starting
at time zero.
1-1 Introduction to Digital 1s and
0s
• By displaying one or more digital
signals using test instruments such as
an oscilloscope, we can compare actual
signals to expected operation.
 1-2 Digital Signals

• Suppose we have a light sensor that is

intended to turn on the streetlights at
night.
• When a circuit like this is placed in
service, it will output a 1 at night and a
0 during the day. At some point around
dawn, it will change from a 1 to a 0.
Around dusk, it will change from a 0 to
a 1. This transition between the two
states is called an edge .
 1-2 Digital Signals

• Digital circuits have inputs that are in

one of two states: 1 or 0. The outputs
are also either producing a 1 or a 0.
• When a system operates such that the
time for one complete cycle is always
constant, it is called a periodic system.
 The period(T) of one cycle is defined as
the amount of time per cycle.
 The frequency(F) is defined as the
number of cycles per unit time
 F = 1/T, or T = 1/F
1-3 Logic Circuits and Evolving
Technology
• The manner in which a digital circuit
responds to an input is referred to as
the circuit’s logic.
• Digital circuits of today’s technology are
primarily implemented using very
sophisticated integrated circuits (ICs)
that are electronically configured or
tailor-made for their application.
1-4 Numerical Representations

• Physical systems use quantities which

must be manipulated arithmetically.
• Quantities may be represented
numerically in either analog or digital
form.
1-4 Numerical Representations

• Analog Representation—a continuously

variable, proportional indicator.
 Sound through a microphone causes
voltage changes.
 Automobile speedometer changes with
speed.
 Mercury thermometer varies over a
range of values with temperature.
1-4 Numerical Representations

• Digital Representation—varies in
discrete (separate) steps.
 Passing time is shown as a change in
the display on a digital clock at one
minute intervals.
 A change in temperature is shown on a
digital display only when the
temperature changes at least one
degree.
• Analog ~ continuous
• Digital ~ discrete (step by step)
1-5 Digital and Analog Systems

• Digital system:
 A combination of devices that manipulate
values represented in digital form.
• Quantities can take on only discrete
values.
• Analog system:
 A combination of devices that manipulate
values represented in analog form.
• Quantities can vary over a continuous
range of values.
1-5 Digital and Analog Systems

• Advantages of digital:
 Ease of design
 Well suited for storing information.
 Accuracy and precision are easier to
maintain.
 Programmable operation.
 Less affected by noise.
 Ease of fabrication on IC chips.
1-5 Digital and Analog Systems

• There are limits to digital techniques:

 The analog nature of the world requires
a time consuming conversion process:
• Convert the physical variable to an
electrical signal (analog).
• Convert the analog signal to digital form.
• Process (operate on) the digital
information.
• Convert the digital output back to real-
world analog form.
1-5 Digital and Analog Systems

Temperature-regulation system
using an analog-to-digital converter.
 1-6 Digital Number Systems

• Understanding digital systems requires

an understanding of the decimal,
binary, octal, and hexadecimal
numbering systems.
 Decimal – 10 symbols (base 10)
 Hexadecimal – 16 symbols (base 16)
 Octal – 8 symbols (base 8)
 Binary – 2 symbols (base 2)
 1-6 Digital Number Systems

• The Decimal (base 10) System

 10 symbols: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 , 7, 8, 9.
• Each number is a digit (from Latin for
finger).

Most significant digit (MSD) & least significant digit (LSD).

Positional value may be stated as a digit multiplied by a power of 10.
 1-6 Digital Number Systems

• Decimal
Counting
 1-6 Digital Number Systems

• The Binary (base 2) System

 2 symbols: 0,1
• Lends itself to electronic circuit design
since only
two different voltage levels are required.

Positional value may

be stated as a digit
multiplied by a
power of 2.
1-6 Digital Number Systems

Binary
Counting
 1-7 Representing Numeric
Quantities
• Analog signals can be converted to
digital by taking measurements or
“samples” of the continuously varying
signal at regular intervals.
 Appropriate time between samples
depends on
the maximum rate of change of the
analog signal.
 1-7 Representing Numeric
Quantities
• Air temperature is an analog quantity.
 Recorded samples are discrete integer
data.
 1-8 Parallel and Serial
Transmission
• Parallel transmission – all bits in a
binary number are transmitted
simultaneously.
 A separate line is required for each bit.
 1-8 Parallel and Serial
Transmission
• Serial transmission – each bit in a
binary number is transmitted, per some
time interval.
 1-9 Memory

• A circuit which retains a response to a

momentary input is “memory”.
 Memory is important because it
provides a way to store binary numbers
temporarily or permanently.

Memory elements: magnetic, optical, electronic latching circuits.

 1-10 Digital Computers

• A computer is a system of hardware

that performs arithmetic operations,
manipulates data, and makes decisions.
 Performs operations based on
instructions in the form of a program at
high speed, and with a high degree of
accuracy.
 1-10 Digital Computers

• Major parts of a computer:

 Input unit—Processes instructions and data into
the memory.
 Output unit—presents information from the
memory to the operator or process.
 Memory unit—Stores data and instructions.
 Control unit—Interprets instructions and sends
appropriate signals to other units as instructed.
 Arithmetic/logic unit—arithmetic calculations and
logical decisions are performed.
 1-10 Digital Computers

The control and arithmetic/logic units are often treated

as one and called the central processing unit (CPU).
 1-10 Digital Computers

• Types of computers:
 Microcomputer.
• Most common (desktop PCs).
 Minicomputer (workstation).
 Mainframe
 Microcontroller.
• Microcomputers surrounded by specialized
support hardware for a specific application.
• Embedded in appliances, manufacturing
processes, auto ignition systems, ABS
systems, and many other applications.
• Microprocessor ~ CPU
 1-10 Digital Computers

• There are many needs in the world that

digital technology can meet.
 You will be able to become one of the
pioneers on these new frontiers of
technology.