Experiment #7 The Seven

Segment Decoder
Casey Andre L. Borja
Department of Electronics Engineering
CIT University, Cebu Philippines
[email protected]

Jose Jonah M. Gorre

Department of Electronics Engineering
CIT University, Cebu Philippines
[email protected]

Patrick E. Salindato
Department of Electronics Engineering
CIT University, Cebu Philippines
[email protected]

Abstract— This paper looks at how BCD-to-seven-segment decoder decoder actions and various tests. The research describes how to
works. It mainly talks about one specific part called the TTL 7447 IC set up the decoder function, run tests like lamp or LED testing,
that you can use in digital circuits. The job of the seven-segment exclude certain digits from the display, and handle response
decoder is important in showing numbers on screens. It helps change
conditions.
binary numbers to regular numbers, making it easier to read. The
paper explains how the 7447 IC works, talking about its pins and what
Using a Logic Lab, connectors, a VOM, and a Logic
they do, like Lamp Test, Ripple Blanking Input, and Blanking
Probe, the experiment involves practically using a 7447 BCD-to-
Input/Ripple Blanking Output. The study also talks about different
seven-segment decoder with a seven-segment display. The process
situations where the decoder is used, like showing numbers, testing
lamps, and excluding displays. To test things out, they use a logic lab,
includes confirming the setup, carefully wiring the circuit as
connectors, VOM, logic probe, and connect the 7447 BCD-to-seven- specified, and systematically running tests to observe and
segment decoder to a display. The process involves making sure the document the results.
display is set up right, wiring everything, and doing tests to see how
well the decoder works. The results help people understand how the This research connects the theoretical understanding of
seven-segment decoder works in real-life digital systems. the seven-segment decoder with its practical use, exploring its
operational details and potential in digital circuits. Later sections
Keywords— Seven Segment Decoder, BCD-to-Seven-Segment, TTL 7447 will delve into the experiment's goals, discussions, equipment, and
IC, Digital Circuits, Binary Conversion
procedures, offering a thorough grasp of the BCD-to-seven-
segment decoder in the broader context of digital circuit design.
I. INTRODUCTION
II. LITERATURE REVIEW
In the world of digital circuits, the Seven-Segment
Decoder is vital, especially in numerical display circuits. This Existing writings highlight the crucial role of the BCD-to-
academic study aims to investigate how the BCD-to-seven- seven-segment decoder, especially the TTL 7447 IC, in digital
segment decoder works, with a focus on the commonly used TTL circuits, particularly in numerical display applications. The 7447
7447 IC. IC is well-regarded for its effectiveness, and researchers
extensively examine its pin configuration and functions like Lamp
The well-known seven-segment display, often seen in
Test and Blanking Input/Ripple Blanking Output. The research
digital readouts, makes it easy to show binary numbers as regular
underscores the importance of the decoder in converting BCD to
numbers. The TTL 7447 IC, acting as a BCD-to-seven-segment
decimal for simpler numerical displays. The aim of this literature
decoder, is crucial in converting binary numbers (0 to 9) into
review is to bring together insights from past studies, establishing
regular numbers. When the 7447 IC is in a low state, its outputs
a foundational understanding of the operational principles and
become active in a common anode setup.
practical uses of the seven-segment decoder. This groundwork sets
the stage for the experimental investigation detailed in later
This scholarly work goes deep into explaining the 7447
sections.
IC setup, detailing the important pin functions needed for specific
 A seven-segment decoder is an electronic display used to
show numerical values, alphabetic letters, and decimal numbers.
These decoders take in four-bit BCD input to direct current through
appropriate segments, displaying a character based on the input.
There are two modes: cathode mode and common anode mode. In
a common anode display, the anodes of all the LEDs on the segment
are connected and joined together, and individual segments light up
by connecting to a low voltage. In a common cathode display, the
cathodes of the LEDs are connected, and segments light up by
connecting to a high voltage. [1] [2].
Figure 1.1. 7477 IC Configuration
With the ongoing progress in science and technology,
The TTL 7447 IC acts as a crucial BCD to seven-segment decoder,
diodes are increasingly being used in various application areas.
converting binary numbers (0-9) into their decimal equivalents. It's
Diodes are valued for their small size, cost-effectiveness, a range
designed for a common anode configuration on a seven-segment
of available colors, long operational lifespan, ease of access, and
display, becoming active when the input is low. Pin functions play
compatibility with different digital circuits and electronic
vital roles in determining the decoder's behavior. For the desired
components. By connecting multiple diodes in a confined and
function from 0 to 15, Lamp Test (LT), Ripple Blanking Input
compact space, thanks to their compact chip size, they create what
(RBI), and Blanking Input/Ripple Blanking Output (BI/RBO) are
is commonly referred to as a 7-segment display [3].
set high. Manipulating input pins A, B, C, and D represents decimal
numbers in the specified range. To test lamps or LEDs, LT is set
Controlling each segment individually in a 7-segment
low, BI/RBO is high, and specific binary inputs become irrelevant.
LED display to show different digits can be a complex task. To
To exclude zero from the display for values 1-15, LT is high, RBI
streamline this process, integrated circuit (IC) packages like BCD-
is low, and binary inputs are configured accordingly. With BI/RBO
to-7-segment decoders/drivers are commonly employed. These ICs
left open, when BI is low, all outputs are forced low, creating a
are specifically crafted to take a Binary-Coded Decimal (BCD)
consistent low response condition. These configurations enable the
input and convert it into signals that activate the appropriate
TTL 7447 IC to efficiently perform BCD to seven-segment
segments of the display, representing the corresponding decimal
decoding tasks with flexibility and control.
digit.

For instance, the 7447 and 4511 ICs are widely used BCD-
to-7-segment decoder/drivers. The 7447 processes a 4-bit BCD
input and produces signals to operate a common anode 7-segment
display, whereas the 4511 also handles a 4-bit BCD input but
operates a common cathode 7-segment display.

By using these ICs, you only need to input the BCD code
for the digit you want to display, rather than directly managing each
segment. This greatly simplifies the task of showcasing different
digits on the 7-segment display. [2].
Figure 1.2. Seven-Segment
III. MATERIALS AND METHODS
A seven-segment display visually shows numbers by
In the given electronic setup, the 7447 IC, functioning as
using seven individual segments arranged in a figure-eight pattern.
a BCD to seven-segment decoder, holds a vital role. Tailored for
The segments, labeled A to G, can be activated selectively to
CMOS silicon gate technology, this IC enables the conversion of
display numbers from 0 to 9 and sometimes other characters.
binary-coded decimal (BCD) values to their corresponding
Displaying different numerals is achieved by turning on specific
representations on a seven-segment display. With a common anode
segments in various combinations. These displays are often seen in
configuration, the IC drives LED segments to exhibit numerals
digital devices such as clocks, calculators, and other applications
from 0 to 9. The seven-segment display, a fundamental visual
requiring the visual presentation of numeric information. They
output device with segments labeled A to G, is employed. Through
provide a simple and cost-effective way to display numerical data
selective activation using the 7447 IC, numeric information can be
in a clear and readable format.
visually presented. This pairing of the 7447 IC and the seven-
segment display forms the foundation of their approach to creating
a numerical display system, offering a clear and efficient method
for showcasing digital information.
 Binary Inputs Seven - Segment Output
Decimal Display
D C B A A b c d e f g

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

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

2 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1
Figure 2.1. The Seven Segment Decoder Circuit

IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

3 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1
In this investigation, BCD to seven-segment decoding
was achieved using the 7447 IC and a common anode seven-
segment display. Employing CMOS silicon gate technology, the IC 4 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1
smoothly transformed binary-coded decimal inputs into precise
numerals (0-9) on the display. The results validated the effective
integration of digital-to-visual elements, demonstrating the
5 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 1
reliability of the IC. The seven-segment display, influenced by the
IC, accurately presented numeric representations with clarity,
establishing the 7447 IC as a robust component for applications
demanding high-quality numerical displays. These findings 6 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 1
enhance our understanding of BCD to seven-segment decoding and
show potential for progress in devices that need precise and easily
visible numeric results.
7 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0

8 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

9 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1

10 1 0 1 0 X X X X X X X X
11 1 0 1 1 X X X X X X X X
12 1 1 0 0 X X X X X X X X
13 1 1 0 1 X X X X X X X X
14 1 1 1 0 X X X X X X X X
15 1 1 1 1 X X X X X X X X
Table 1.1

The uppercase letters A, B, C, D in the truth table

represent rows corresponding to Arabic numerals 0 to 9. The
lowercase letters a, b, c, d, e, f, and g denote LEDs. The "1" in input
A signifies an open condition (input HIGH), while "0" means
closed (input LOW). A "1" beneath a lowercase letter means that
the associated diode lights up, and "0" means that it is turned off.
These letters correspond to diodes associated with specific modes,
generating numerals 0 to 9. Rows 10 to 15 marked as "X" or "don't
care" are disregarded as they don't impact the system's intended
functionality. This flexibility in implementation does not affect the
overall performance.
 V. CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this paper thoroughly explores the BCD-

to-seven-segment decoder, highlighting the TTL 7447 IC as a
representative in digital circuits. It emphasizes the decoder's role in
converting binary to decimal for readable displays and details the
operational intricacies of the 7447 IC, including pin configuration
and functions. The study covers various operational scenarios,
offering practical insights into the 7447 IC's applications. The
hands-on experimental setup provides valuable insights into the
decoder's performance. By systematically verifying the display,
wiring the circuit, and conducting tests, the research enhances
understanding of practical decoder implementation in digital
systems. The findings contribute significantly to comprehending
the operational aspects and importance of the seven-segment
decoder in digital display technology. This research is a valuable
resource for academia and industry, laying a foundation for further
exploration and application of the BCD-to-seven-segment decoder
in diverse digital systems.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors are sincerely thankful to all those who played

a vital role in completing this report. Special acknowledgment is
given to Professor Engr. Jeziel Suniel for providing invaluable
guidance during the report's development. The authors express
heartfelt gratitude to their colleagues for assistance and
collaboration. Most importantly, they acknowledge and appreciate
the unwavering support from various individuals, encompassing
financial, mental, physical, and psychological aspects, including
their parents and institution.

REFERENCES

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threshold regime for ultra-low-power application,"
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Accessed: Dec. 27, 2023.
[2] E. Genevra, et al., "An Effective Approach Designing
Seven Segment Static Display Systems with Complete
Character Representation," Journal of Engineering and
Science, vol. 3, no. 12, pp. 45-49, 2013. [Online].
Available:
https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/32768482/I03120
50058-libre.pdf.
Accessed: Dec. 27, 2023.
[3] Y. Hao, “BCD to 7-Segment Decoder,” ResearchGate,
2021. [Online]
Available:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348963148_B
CD_t o_7-Segment_Decoder.
Accessed: Dec. 27, 2023.