Encoders and Decoders in Computer Organization
- Encoders and decoders are fundamental digital devices used in various applications to convert data from one format to another.
- They play an important role in digital communications, data storage, and system management.
- This explanation will give detailed information about encoders and decoders, and their functions with examples.
Encoders
- An encoder is a digital circuit or device that accepts multiple input signals and generates a binary code as an output.
- It's used to compress information or represent data more efficiently.
- Encoders are primarily used to convert analog signals into digital form or to reduce the number of lines required to transmit digital data.
for a video tutorial, you can watch this video
Example
Let's consider a simple 4-to-2 line encoder. It has four input lines and two output lines.
The truth table for this encoder is as follows:
- In this example, the encoder takes four input lines (A, B, C, and D) and produces a two-bit binary output (Y1 and Y0) based on the input conditions.
- It generates a unique binary code for each input combination.
Decoders
- A decoder is a digital circuit that performs the opposite function of an encoder.
- It takes a binary code as input and produces multiple output lines based on that code.
- Decoders are commonly used to select one out of several output lines based on the input code.
- They are crucial in applications like memory addressing and control unit operations in microprocessors.
for a video tutorial, you can watch this video
Example
Consider a 2-to-4 line decoder. It has two input lines and four output lines.
The truth table for this decoder is as follows:
- In this example, the decoder takes a two-bit binary code as input (A and B) and activates one of the four output lines (Y0, Y1, Y2, or Y3) based on the input code.
- It enables a specific output line corresponding to the binary input.
To calculate the truth table for a 2-to-4 line decoder, you need to determine the output values (Y0, Y1, Y2, Y3) based on the possible combinations of the two input lines (A and B).
Here's a step-by-step explanation of how to create the truth table:
1-Identify the number of input lines and output lines:
In this case, you have a 2-to-4 line decoder, which means it has two input lines (A and B) and four output lines (Y0, Y1, Y2, Y3).
2-Determine the possible input combinations:
For two input lines (A and B), there are four possible combinations: (0, 0), (0, 1), (1, 0), and (1, 1).
3-Create a table with columns for inputs (A and B) and outputs (Y0, Y1, Y2, Y3):
4-Fill in the truth table based on the decoder's logic:
In this case, a 2-to-4 line decoder activates one of the four output lines (Y0, Y1, Y2, or Y3) based on the binary input code (A, B).
To determine the output values, you need to understand the logic of the decoder:
- Y0 is activated when A = 0 and B = 0 (A' = 0, B' = 0).
- Y1 is activated when A = 0 and B = 1 (A' = 0, B' = 1).
- Y2 is activated when A = 1 and B = 0 (A' = 1, B' = 0).
- Y3 is activated when A = 1 and B = 1 (A' = 1, B' = 1).
Fill in the truth table based on the logic described:
Using the logic, you can now populate the truth table:
By following this step-by-step process, you can create the truth table for a 2-to-4-line decoder, specifying the output values for all possible input combinations.
Conclusion
- Encoders and decoders are essential components in digital systems.
- Encoders convert multiple input signals into a binary code, while decoders select one output line from multiple possibilities based on a binary code.