Decoder
A decoder is a logic circuit that accepts a set of inputs that represents a binary
number and activates only the output that corresponds to that input number. The
diagram for a general decoder is shown in Figure with N inputs and M outputs.
Because each of the N inputs can be 0 or 1, there are possible 2 n input
combinations or codes. For each of these input combinations, only one of the M
outputs will be active (HIGH); all the other outputs are LOW.
Figure 1: General Diagram of a decoder
Figure 2: Circuitry for a decoder with three inputs and 23=8 outputs ( 3
to 8 line decoder- Active High)
Decoders with ENABLE Inputs
Some decoders have one or more ENABLE inputs that are used to control the
operation of the decoder.
FIGURE -3 (a) Logic diagram for the 74ALS138 decoder; (b) truth table; (c) logic
symbol
BCD-to-Decimal Decoders
Figure -4 (a) shows the logic diagram for a 7442 BCD-to-decimal decoder. It is
also available as a 74LS42 and a 74HC42. Each output goes LOW only when its
corresponding BCD input is applied. For example, O5 will go LOW only when
inputs DCBA=0101; O8 will go LOW only when DCBA=1000. For input
combinations that are invalid for BCD, none of the outputs will be activated. This
decoder can also be referred to as a 4-to-10 decoder or a 1-of-10 decoder.
Decoder Applications
Decoders are used whenever an output or a group of outputs is to be activated only
on the occurrence of a specific combination of input levels. These input levels are
often provided by the outputs of a counter or a register. When the decoder inputs
come from a counter that is being continually pulsed, the decoder outputs will be
activated sequentially, and they can be used as timing or sequencing signals to turn
devices on or off at specific times.
BCD-to-7-segment decoder
Figure-5: a) 7-segment arrangement; (b) active segments for each digit.
Figure-6: BCD-to-7-segment decoder/driver driving a common-anode 7-segment
LED display;
