Decoders
A decoder is multiple-input, multiple-output logic circuit that converts coded inputs into coded outputs. Input code with fewer bits than the output bits. –Typically n inputs decoder has 2 n outputs 2-to-4, 3-to-8, 4-to-16, etc. There is a one-to-one mapping.
Decoders General decoder structure Typically n inputs decoder has 2 n outputs –2-to-4, 3-to-8, 4-to-16, etc.
Binary 2-to-4 decoder Note “x” (don’t care) notation.
2-to-4-decoder logic diagram
Decoder applications Microprocessor memory systems –selecting different banks of memory Microprocessor input/output systems –selecting different devices Microprocessor instruction decoding –enabling different functional units Memory chips –enabling different rows of memory depending on address Lots of other applications
Decoding Circuits Have to be able to decode particular combinations of input signals. –Need to decode the address lines to determine where the data is to go. –Used to transfer data from or to memory or peripherals. –Take a number of input signals and provide enough outputs to indicate what the input was.
Decoding Circuits If the input is two binary signals, there would have to be four outputs. One output for each input combination.
Two Bit Decoder D1 D
MSI 2-to-4 decoder Input buffering (less load) NAND gates (faster)
Decoder Symbol
More decoder symbols
Complete 74x139 Decoder
3-to-8 decoder
74x138: 3-to-8-decoder symbol
Decoder cascading 4-to-16 decoder
More cascading 5-to-32 decoder
Decoder ICs 74138Octal decoder (3-line-to-8-line) 74154hex decoder (4-line-to-16-line) 7442BCD (Binary Coded Decimal) decoder (4-to-10) 7447BCD to seven-Segment decoder (4-line-to-7-line)
Binary encoders
Three-state buffers Output = LOW, HIGH, or Hi-Z. Can tie multiple outputs together, if at most one at a time is driven.
Three-state buffers When the enable input is not asserted, the device output “floats”; that is, it goes to a high-impedance (Hi-Z), disconnected state and functionally behaves as if it weren’t even there.
Different flavors
timing Typically three-state devices are designed so that they go into the Hi-Z state faster than they come out of the Hi-Z state. That ensures the first device to get off the party line before the second one gets on. Otherwise excessive current will flow. The safe way to use three-state devices is to design control logic that guarantees a dead time, during which no one is driving the party line.