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Encoder

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Code converters

3. Basics of Encoder

1. Linear encoders

1. Octal to binary encoder

2. Decimal to BCD encoder

3. Hexadecimal to binary encoder

2. Priority encoder

3. Keyboard encoder

4. Applications of Encoders

5. Summary

Learning outcome –

After studying this module, you will be able to:

1. Recognize the need for code converters

2. Understand the operations of encoders

3. Design priority encoders

4. Apply the knowledge of encoders in different digital systems.

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1. Introduction

Numbers are usually coded in one form or another so as to represent or use it as required. In
modern communication system, data communication involves a process encoding and decoding.
Encoding is the process of converting human readable characters into binary information.
Decoding is the reverse process of conversion of binary or encoded format into human readable
code. This process is also referred to as code conversion.
conversion

There are numerous encoding and decoding methods exist. The oldest code of all, originally
employed in the landline communication for telegraph application was the Morse code. The code
used by almost all computers is the ASCII (American Standard Code for Information
Interchange) code. ASCII utilizes uppercase, lowercase alphabetic characters, numeral,
punctuation marks and common symbols. In addition, digital system designers use Binary, BCD,
Octal Hexadecimal, Decimal, Gray, Excess-3
Excess code and several other codes. In data
communication, a special form of encoding is used to convert binary digits to high to low or low
to high transitions.

Encoding and decoding are also used in context with the process of analog to digital conversion
or digital to analog conversion. In this sense, code conversion term can apply to any form of data
including text, images, audio, video, multimedia, computer codes, sensor signals. Encoding
should not be confused with encryption. In this module, the focus is on understanding the
principles of encoding, designing simple encoders and studying some important applications.

2. Code conversion
Modern digital system like calculators, mobile phones, fax machines, computers and other digital
gadgets use binary numbers 1 and 0 for processing and storage. However, our language of
communication is in the form of decimal numbers and alphabetic characters. It is difficult for
human being to understand information represented in binary. Therefore, there is a need of a
group of devices to convert human readable language to machine or binary language. To achieve
this task, several binary codes are developed. The process of generating binary codes is known as
encoding and the reverse process is known as decoding. Let us consider a simple example to

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demonstrate the role of encoder and decoder. Figure-1

Figure indicates simple block diagram of
generalized digital system.

Fig. 1: Simple block diagram of Digital system

A digital system cannot be complete without encoders and decoders. It contains five basic
building blocks. Keyboard and seven segment display are the input and output devices
respectively. The encoders essentially receive the input from the keyboard. Many keyboards use
encoders to produce a machine recognizable code i.e. binary and decoder accepts the processed
binary code and converts back in the format useful for output devices like seven segment display,
CRT, Printers etc.
BCD, binary, Octal, Hexadecimal, ASCII and decimal are the most common codes used in the
digital systems. Thus encoders and decoders play an important role in code conversion process
in digital system. One can make comparison of the above system with the functional blocks of
hand held calculator. In the next section, the concept of encoder is explained in details.

3. Basics of Encoder
The process of converting from human readable code to machine readable code i.e. binary is
known as encoding. An encoder is a combinational circuit that coverts more familiar numbers,
symbols or character into binary code. An encoder has a number of input lines but only one of
them is activated at a time representing a digit or character and produces a binary code
depending on which input is activated. Figure 2 is the logic symbol of encoder with ‘m’ inputs

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and ‘n’ outputs. In short, it is multiple inputs and multiple outputs device with proper conversion
system. Note that encoder performs the reverse operation of the decoder.

Fig. 2: Logic Symbol of Encoder

An encoder has ‘m’ number of input lines and ‘n’ number of output lines. The numbers of
outputs (n) are always less than number of inputs (m). Here the number of inputs can have
following relation

m  2n
Thus, the encoder accepts an m-bit input digital word and converts it into an n-bit another digital
word. Encoders can also be devised to encode various symbols and characters for the keypads
and keyboards. Some of the most commonly used encoders are – (1) Linear encoders are octal
to binary, Decimal to BCD and Hexadecimal to binary where normal encoding is implemented
and (2) Priority encoders.

3.1 Liner encoders

Linear / normal encoders accepts m inputs, only one is activated at a given time and produces n-
bit output code. As the numbers of output lines are ‘n’, it is possible to encode maximum up to 2n
inputs. In many digital systems, octal, decimal or hexadecimal numbers are used as inputs. Let us
now discuss the working principal and designing of these encoders.

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3.1.1 Octal to binary encoder

An octal to binary encoder is also known as 8-line
line to 3-line encoder. It accepts 8- inputs and
produces a 3-bit output corresponding to the activated octal input. Figure-3 shows the logic
symbol of Octal to binary encoder.

Fig. 3: Logic symbol of Octal to binary encoder.

The truth table of octal to binary encoder is shown in Table-1 There are eight inputs
corresponding 8 octal inputs (I0, I1, I2, I3, I4, I5, I6, I7) and 3 Outputs (Y0, Y1, Y2). Let us look
at the table carefully. Note that in encoders only one input is activated (logic 1) and other inputs
are not activated (i.e. at logic 0).
TABLE-1: Truth – Table for Octal Binary Encoder
Octal Inputs Binary Outputs
I0 I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 I6 I7 Y2 Y1 Y0
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1
0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1

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In the truth table, the input variable I0 represents the least significant digit (LSD) and and I7
represents most significant digit (MSD). Similarly, in the outputs Y0 represents least significant
bit (LSB) and Y2 is the most significant bit (MSB).
(MSB) The truth table includes only all valid
combinations of the inputs. The valid combinations are those which have exactly one input equal
to logic 1 while all other inputs are logic 0’s.
As the number of inputs are 8, K-maps cannot be used to derive the Boolean expressions. The
Boolean expression can be directly derived from the truth table by visual inspection. Let us
obtain the Boolean expression for each output.
Output Y0 is 1 if any of the inputs I1 or I3 or I5 or I7 is 1. Then, the Boolean expression
Y0 = I1 +I3 +I5 +I7
Similarly,
Y1 = I2 +I3 +I6 +I7
and
Y2 = I4 +I5 +I6 +I7
From these Boolean expressions, the Octal to Binary Encoder can be implemented by using
simply three 4 input Or gates. Figure-4 indicates the logic diagram for Octal to Binary Encoder.

Fig. 4: Octal to Binary Encoder

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This octal to binary encoder design has few drawbacks.

drawbacks In the encoder, at a time only one input
must be active. (1) If number of active inputs is greater than one then the output is incorrect. (2)
Similarly, when no inputs are active then all outputs are low which is also similar to the output
generated by active input I0. To resolve first problem, one must design and use priority encoder
where the output corresponding to input with higher weightage is generated. The solution to the
second drawback is to generate additional output signal to check the validity of inputs. If no
inputs are active, data is invalid.

3.1.2 Decimal to BCD encoder

A decimal to BCD (binary coded decimal) encoder is also known as 10-line to 4-line encoder. It
accepts 10- inputs and produces a4-bit output corresponding to the activated decimal input.
Figure-5 shows the logic symbol of decimal to BCD encoder.

Fig. 5: Decimal to BCD Encoder

The truth table of Decimal to BCD encoder is shown in Table-2 There are ten inputs
corresponding 10 decimal inputs (I0, I1, I2, I3, I4,
I I5, I6, I7, I8, I9) and 4 Outputs (Y0, Y1, Y2,
Y3). Let us look at the table carefully. Note the encoder assumption that only one of the inputs is
activated (logic 1) and other inputs are not activated (i.e. at logic 0).

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TABLE-2: Truth – Table for Decimal to BCD Encoder

Decimal Inputs BCD Outputs

I0 I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 I6 I7 I8 I9 Y3 Y2 Y1 Y0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the truth table, the input variable I0 represents the least significant digit (LSD) and and I9
represents most significant digit (MSD). Similarly, in the outputs Y0 represents least significant
bit (LSB) and Y3 is the most significant bit (MSB).
(MSB) The truth table includes only all valid
combinations of the inputs. The valid combinations are those which have exactly one input equal
to logic 1 while all other inputs are logic 0’s.
As the number of inputs is 10, K-maps cannot be used to derive the Boolean expressions. The
Boolean expression can be directly derived from the truth table by visual inspection. Let us
obtain the Boolean expression for each output.
Output Y0 is 1 if any of the inputs I1 or I3 or I5 or I7 is 1. Then, the Boolean expression
Y0 = I1 +I3 +I5 +I7 +I9
Similarly,

Y1 = I2 +I3 +I6 +I7

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Y2 = I4 +I5 +I6 +I7

Y3 = I8 +I9
From these Boolean expressions, the Decimal to BCD Encoder can be implemented by using
simply three 4 OR gates. Figure-6 indicates the logic diagram for Decimal to BCD Encoder.

Fig.-6: Decimal to BCD Encoder

This decimal to BCD encoder design also provides few drawbacks as mentioned in Octal to
Binary encoder. The solution to this problem is to use priority encoder and use of additional
valid output in the encoder design.

3.2.3 Hexadecimal to Binary encoder –

It accepts sixteen inputs (0, 1, 2, …..9, A,B,C,D,E,F) and produces 4-bit binary code
corresponding to the activated Hexadecimal input.
input The logic diagram for Hexadecimal to Binary
encoder can be developed on the similar line of Decimal to BCD encoder. The truth table for the
same encoder can be prepared by simply writing four bit binary code for each activated
hexadecimal input as shown in Table-3

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Table- 3: Truth table for Hexadecimal to Binary encoder

Hexadecimal Binary Outputs
Inputs Y3 Y2 Y1 Y0
0 0 0 0 0
1 0 0 0 1
2 0 0 1 0
3 0 0 1 1
4 0 1 0 0
5 0 1 0 1
6 0 1 1 0
7 0 1 1 1
8 1 0 0 0
9 1 0 0 1
A 1 0 1 0
B 1 0 1 1
C 1 1 0 0
D 1 1 0 1
E 1 1 1 0
F 1 1 1 1

3.2 Priority Encoder

Standard encoders generate the wrong output code when there is more than one input present at
logic 1. This is one of the major disadvantages of the linear encoders. One of the simplest ways
to overcome this problem is to prioritize the inputs.
inputs If there are more than one input at logic ‘1’
then the actual code correspond to the highest designated priority are produced and all other
inputs with lower priority will be ignored. This type of encoder is known as priority encoder.

4 to 2 priority encoder

Fig. 7: 4 to 2 priority encoder

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Figure – 7 shows the logic symbol of 4 to 2 priority encoder. Priorities are given to the input
lines. In this case input I3 is having highest priority than other inputs, I2 has second highest
priority as compare to I1 and I0 and so on. If two or more inputs are at logic ‘1’ at the same time,
the input line with highest priority will be considered for generating binary output.
Table -4: Truth table of 4 to 2 priority encoder

Inputs Outputs
I3 I2 I1 I0 Y1 Y0

0 0 0 0 X X
0 0 0 1 0 0
0 0 1 X 0 1
0 1 X X 1 0
1 X X X 1 1

There are four inputs I0 through I3 and two outputs Y0 and Y1. With these four inputs, the actual
truth table would have been with 16 possible input conditions. But for simplicity a truth table is
prepared wisely and contain only few conditions with the help of X – do not care condition. As
shown in table-4. Out of the four inputs I3 has highest priority and I0 has lowest priority. That
means when I3=1 then Y1 Y0 = 11 irrespective of the other inputs.

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Fig. 8: K-maps for the outputs of 4 to 2 line encoder

The k-maps for two outputs Y1 and Y0 are shown in figure-8. The logic ‘1’ is mapped for each
output for all input conditions. For output Y1, it is possible to group 8 neighboring cells to form
the octet. It is possible to form two octets. From these octet, we can eliminate three variables
each. The remaining unchanged variables are written in the simplified for. Thus

Similarly we can obtain Boolean expression for output Y0 using another K-map. After mapping
the ‘1’s in the map, it is possible to group neighboring cells to form Octet and Quad. Thus, we
get

Using these Boolean expressions, it is possible to obtain the logic diagram for 4 to 2 priority
encoder. The two binary outputs are obtained with the help of two OR gates, one AND gate and
a NOT gate. The logic diagram for 4 to 2 priority encoder is indicated in figure – 9.
If more than one input is active, the higher order input has priority over the lower order
input. The higher value is encoded at the output.. Further, one can introduce one more output for
the priority encoder to indicate whether the output is valid or not. This output is also called as
validity indicator. It is generated by simply ORing all possible inputs. If all the inputs are ‘0’ ,
the output is invalid. The output is valid (logic-1)) only when at least one input is active.

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Fig. 9: Logic diagram for 4 to 2 Priority Indicator

Priority Encoders are also available in the Integrated Circuit form. The TTL priority
encoders are:
IC 74148 – Octal to Binary priority encoder
IC 74147 – Decimal to BCD priority encoder

3 IC74147
Decimal
4 Decimal to Binary
Input Output
5 BCD Priority
Encoder
6

9
Fig. 10 Logic Symbol of Decimal to BCD Priority encoder IC 74147
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Keyboard Encoder

Keyboards are generally used for data entry into the computer and digital systems. The
Keyboards are either hexadecimal or ASCII type.
type For electronic calculators there are 10 switches
(Keys) for decimal number 0 to 9 and some function keys. When a digit key is pressed the
internal circuit understands which key is pressed and Keyboard encode will give a code
corresponding to key pressed. A typical Keyboard encoder using IC 74147 a priority Encoder is
shown in below figure 11.

+ VCC

BCD Priority

Encoder
Output
IC 74147

Fig.11 Keyboard Encoder

There are 10 Push button switches with pull-up

up resistors connected to the positive Supply. The
pull up resistor make the input line high when the switch is not closed. When a switch is closed
the corresponding line will be connected to ground.
ground This provides low level to the corresponding

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input to the encoder. When key corresponding to decimal digit say 3 is pressed, the encoder IC
generates a BCD code of 3 in complemented form.
form The generated binary code can be converted
to proper BCD by using inverter at the output of the encoder. In this encoder, there are nine
inputs with highest priority to number 9 and least to number 1.

4: Applications of Encoder

Encoders are normally preferred where there is a need to convert information of code from one
format to another. In addition to linear and priority encoders, encoders have many applications as
listed below.

1. Keyboard encoder for computers

2. Optical encoders –linear or rotary
3. Interfacing peripherals to microprocessors
4. Audio/video coding and transmission

5. Summary

The process of converting from human readable code to machine readable code i.e. binary is
known as encoding. An encoder is a combinational circuit that coverts more familiar numbers,
symbols or character into binary code. An encoder has a number of input lines but only one of
them is activated at a time representing a digit or character and produces a binary code
depending on which input is activated.

The encoder accepts an m-bit input digital word and converts it into an n-bit another digital
word. Commonly used encoders are – (1) Linear encoders are octal to binary, Decimal to BCD
and Hexadecimal to binary where normal encoding is implemented and (2) Priority encoders.

Encoders can also be used in keyboard and other peripheral interfacing, converting linear or
angular position into binary through optical encoders and audio/video coding and transmission.

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