Overview of 3 to 8 Line Decoders

A 3 to 8 line decoder IC is a digital logic circuit that converts a binary input code into an associated decimal output code. The decoder has 3 binary input lines and 8 decimal output lines. The binary input code ranges from 000 to 111, allowing the decoder to activate one of the 8 output lines based on the binary code.

Decoders are useful in various digital logic applications where binary information needs to be converted into control signals for other devices or circuits. Some common uses of 3 to 8 line decoders include:

• Driving display elements like LEDs or 7-segment displays
• Selecting 1 out of 8 memory chips or I/O devices
• Generating control signals for state machine logic

Logic Table

Here is the logic table showing the binary input codes and corresponding active decimal output for a 3 to 8 line decoder:

Internal Logic Diagram

The internal logic diagram of a 3 to 8 line decoder is shown below. It uses 3 input AND gates, each with inverted inputs connected to the decoder input lines. The outputs of the AND gates drive the respective decoder output lines.<img src=”decoder-logic.png” alt=”3 to 8 Line Decoder Logic Diagram” width=”400″>

Common ICs

Some commonly used 3 to 8 line decoder ICs are:

• 74138 – TTL logic decoder
• CD4514 – CMOS decoder
• MC14514 – CMOS decoder with enable input

These chips contain the internal decoding logic to convert 3 binary input lines into 1 of 8 decimal output lines. They provide buffered outputs to directly drive LEDs, seven segment displays, or other logic circuits.

Applications

Typical applications of 3 to 8 line decoder ICs include:

• Driving 7-segment LED displays
• Selecting 1 out of 8 memory ICs
• Decoding address lines to generate chip select signals
• Output port selection and control

In seven segment displays, the decoders are used to convert a 4-bit BCD code into 1 of 10 decimal digit drive signals. The enable input is used for multiplexing multiple displays.

In memory address decoding, the upper address bits are fed to the decoder to generate the chip select outputs for individual memory ICs. This avoids the need for complex logic circuits.

Advantages

Some advantages of using decoder ICs are:

• Simple implementation of binary to decimal conversion
• Buffered outputs can directly drive displays, memory chips etc.
• Available in TTL and CMOS logic versions
• Enable input for easy multiplexing and expansion

Overall, decoder ICs provide a convenient and straightforward way to implement binary-to-decimal conversion for driving displays, selecting devices, address decoding, and other useful functions in digital systems.

FQA

What is the main purpose of a 3 to 8 line decoder?

The main purpose of a 3 to 8 line decoder is to convert a 3-bit binary input code into one of 8 decimal output lines. It essentially functions as a binary-to-decimal converter circuit.

How does a 3-8 decoder work internally?

Internally, a 3-8 decoder contains logic gates like 3-input AND gates. Each AND gate checks for a specific 3-bit binary input code and activates its corresponding output line. Only one output is active for any input code.

What are some common applications of 3-8 decoder ICs?

Some common applications are:

• Driving 7-segment LED displays
• Decoding address lines for memory chip selection
• Selecting 1 of 8 I/O devices
• Generating control signals for state machines

What are the advantages of using a decoder IC?

The advantages include:

• Simple logic for binary-to-decimal conversion
• Buffered outputs to directly drive displays and logic
• Available in TTL and CMOS versions
• Enable input for easy multiplexing

How is a 3-8 decoder IC different from a 1-8 decoder?

A 3-8 decoder uses 3 input bits to provide 8 outputs. A 1-8 decoder uses only 1 input bit to give 8 outputs. The 3-8 decoder can decode more input combinations and is more flexible.