All questions of Encoders & Decoders for Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) Exam

How many outputs will a decimal-to-BCD encoder have?
  • a)
    4
  • b)
    8
  • c)
    12
  • d)
    16
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Kalyan Roy answered
Question Analysis:
The question asks about the number of outputs that a decimal-to-BCD (Binary Coded Decimal) encoder will have. To answer this question, we need to understand the concept of BCD encoding.

BCD Encoding:
BCD is a binary representation of decimal numbers, where each decimal digit is represented by a 4-bit binary code. In BCD encoding, the decimal numbers 0 to 9 are represented by their corresponding 4-bit binary codes.

Explanation:
A decimal-to-BCD encoder takes a decimal input and converts it into its BCD equivalent. The BCD output represents the individual digits of the decimal number in binary form.

To determine the number of outputs of a decimal-to-BCD encoder, we need to consider the maximum decimal digit that can be encoded. Since BCD is a 4-bit representation, it can encode decimal digits from 0 to 9.

Number of Decimal Digits:
The maximum number of decimal digits is determined by the largest decimal number that can be encoded. In BCD, the largest decimal number is 9. Therefore, the number of decimal digits is 1.

Number of Outputs:
Since we have one decimal digit, and each decimal digit is represented by a 4-bit BCD code, the number of outputs will be equal to the number of bits required to represent the decimal digits.

The BCD encoder will have 4 outputs because each decimal digit is represented by 4 bits in BCD encoding.

Answer:
Therefore, the correct answer is option A) 4.

A decoder converts n inputs to __________ outputs.
  • a)
    n
  • b)
    n2
  • c)
    2n
  • d)
    nn
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Preethi Tiwari answered
The correct answer is option 'C', which states that a decoder converts n inputs to 2^n outputs. Let's understand why this answer is correct by breaking it down into the following points:

1. Definition of a decoder:
- A decoder is a digital circuit that takes a binary input of n bits and produces 2^n possible output combinations.
- It is the opposite of an encoder, which converts 2^n inputs into n outputs.

2. Understanding the input:
- In the given question, it is stated that a decoder converts n inputs.
- Here, 'n' represents the number of input lines or bits that the decoder takes as input.

3. Understanding the output:
- The question asks about the number of outputs produced by the decoder.
- The answer option 'C' states that the decoder produces 2^n outputs.
- Here, '2^n' represents the total number of possible output combinations that can be generated from 'n' input lines.

4. Explanation:
- To understand why the decoder produces 2^n outputs, let's consider an example. Suppose we have a 2-input decoder with input lines A and B.
- The decoder will have 2^2 = 4 possible combinations of inputs: (00, 01, 10, 11).
- For each input combination, the decoder will produce a unique output combination.
- In this case, the decoder will have 4 outputs: Y0, Y1, Y2, and Y3.
- So, for 'n' input lines, the decoder will have 2^n possible combinations and hence, 2^n outputs.

5. Conclusion:
- Based on the above explanation, it is clear that a decoder converts 'n' inputs to 2^n outputs.
- Therefore, option 'C' is the correct answer to the given question.

If we record any music in any recorder, such types of process is called ___________
  • a)
    Multiplexing
  • b)
    Encoding
  • c)
    Decoding
  • d)
    Demultiplexing
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Encoding in Music Recording Process

Introduction:
In the context of music recording, encoding refers to the process of converting analog audio signals into a digital format. This enables the audio to be stored, processed, and transmitted in a more efficient and versatile manner. Let's delve into the details of encoding in the music recording process.

Process:
The process of encoding involves several key steps:

1. Analog to Digital Conversion:
- The first step in encoding is to convert the analog audio signals, which are continuous waveforms, into digital data.
- This is achieved using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), which samples the audio signal at regular intervals and measures its amplitude.
- The ADC assigns binary values to these amplitude measurements, creating a digital representation of the original analog signal.

2. Quantization:
- Once the audio signal is sampled and measured, it needs to be quantized to a specific bit depth.
- Quantization involves dividing the amplitude range into discrete levels or steps.
- The bit depth determines the number of possible amplitude levels and directly influences the dynamic range and fidelity of the digital audio.

3. Pulse Code Modulation (PCM):
- PCM is a widely used method for encoding digital audio signals.
- In PCM, the digital audio samples are represented as binary codes.
- Each sample is assigned a binary value based on its amplitude and the quantization levels.
- These binary codes form a stream of digital data that represents the original audio signal.

4. Data Compression:
- In some cases, data compression techniques may be applied to reduce the size of the digital audio file.
- Lossless compression algorithms preserve all the original audio data, while lossy compression algorithms discard some data that is considered less perceptible.
- Compression helps in reducing storage requirements and enables efficient transmission over networks or the internet.

5. Storage and Transmission:
- The encoded digital audio can now be stored on various storage media such as hard drives, CDs, or flash drives.
- It can also be transmitted over networks or the internet to be played back on different devices.

Conclusion:
In summary, encoding in the music recording process involves converting analog audio signals into digital data using an ADC, quantizing the data, applying pulse code modulation, and potentially compressing the digital audio. This process enables efficient storage, processing, and transmission of music in various digital formats. Therefore, the correct answer to the given question is option 'B' - Encoding.

___________ converts binary-coded information to unique outputs such as decimal, octal digits, etc.
  • a)
    Decoder
  • b)
    Demultiplexing
  • c)
    Multiplexing
  • d)
    Encoder
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Sudhir Patel answered
Decoder:
  • A decoder is a combinational circuit that has ‘n’ input lines and a maximum of 2n output lines.
  • Decoder converts binary-coded information to unique outputs such as decimal, octal digits, etc.
  • A particular output will be active High depending upon the combination of inputs present when the decoder is enabled.
  • We can, therefore, conclude that a decoder detects a particular code.
A 2 to 4 decoder is shown in the block diagram below:
Truth Table:
Application:
A decoder is used to convert a BCD code to a 7 segment code. This is explained in the following block diagram:

If two inputs are active on a priority encoder, which will be coded on the output?
  • a)
    The lower value
  • b)
    The higher value
  • c)
    Neither of the inputs
  • d)
    Both of the inputs
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Avik Yadav answered
Understanding Priority Encoders
A priority encoder is a combinational circuit that converts multiple input lines into a smaller number of output lines. When more than one input is active, the priority encoder will encode the highest-priority input.
Why the Higher Value is Coded
- Priority Assignment: In most priority encoders, each input line is assigned a priority based on its position. The input with the highest position (usually the lowest numbered input) is given the highest priority.
- Output Representation: The output will represent the binary value corresponding to the highest priority active input. For example, if inputs 2 and 3 are active, the encoder will output the binary value for input 3 because it has a higher priority than input 2.
Example for Clarity
- Inputs: Let's consider a 4-to-2 priority encoder with inputs I0, I1, I2, and I3.
- Active Inputs: If I1 (lower value) and I3 (higher value) are active:
- The encoder will prioritize I3, resulting in the output that corresponds to I3, thus coding it as '11' in binary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when multiple inputs are active on a priority encoder, the output will always reflect the highest-priority input, which is typically the higher value input in terms of priority assignment. Therefore, the correct answer is indeed option 'B' – the higher value.

An encoder has _________ input lines _________ output lines.
  • a)
    2n, n
  • b)
    n2, 2
  • c)
    n, 2n
  • d)
    n, n2
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Soumya Shah answered
An encoder is a combinational circuit that converts a set of inputs into a coded output. The number of input lines and output lines in an encoder is determined by the number of unique input combinations and the desired output code.

In this question, we are given that an encoder has "2n" input lines and "n" output lines. Let's understand why the correct answer is option 'A' - 2n input lines and n output lines.

Explanation:
1. Understanding the input lines:
- The number of input lines in an encoder represents the total number of unique input combinations that can be applied to the encoder.
- In this case, the number of input lines is given as "2n". This means that there are 2 possible input values (0 and 1) for each of the 'n' input variables.
- Since each input variable can have 2 possible values (0 or 1), the total number of unique input combinations is 2^n.

2. Understanding the output lines:
- The number of output lines in an encoder represents the number of distinct output codes that the encoder can generate.
- In this case, the number of output lines is given as "n". This means that the encoder can generate 'n' distinct output codes.
- The output codes are typically represented using binary numbers, where each output line corresponds to a bit in the binary code.

3. Relationship between input and output lines:
- The relationship between the number of input lines and output lines in an encoder is determined by the number of unique input combinations and the desired output code.
- Since the number of unique input combinations is 2^n (as discussed in point 1), and the encoder has 'n' output lines (as given in point 2), the correct relationship is "2n input lines" and "n output lines".

Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A' - 2n input lines and n output lines.

How many inputs will a decimal-to-BCD encoder have?
  • a)
    4
  • b)
    8
  • c)
    10
  • d)
    16
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Sudhir Patel answered
An encoder is a combinational circuit encoding the information of 2n input lines to n output lines, thus producing the binary equivalent of the input. Thus, a Decimal-to-bcd converter has decimal values as inputs which range from 0-9. So, a total of 10 inputs are there in a decimal-to-BCD encoder.

Which of the following represents a number of output lines for a decoder with 4 input lines?
  • a)
    15
  • b)
    16
  • c)
    17
  • d)
    18
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Answer:

A decoder is a combinational circuit that converts binary information from 'n' input lines to a maximum of 2^n unique output lines. The number of output lines for a decoder with 'n' input lines can be calculated using the formula 2^n.

In this case, we are given that the decoder has 4 input lines. So, the number of output lines can be calculated as 2^4, which is equal to 16.

Explanation:

A decoder is a digital circuit that takes binary inputs and produces a unique output line for each possible combination of input values. The number of input lines in a decoder determines the number of unique combinations it can represent.

In general, a decoder with 'n' input lines can represent 2^n unique combinations. This is because each input line can have two possible values, either 0 or 1. So, for 'n' input lines, there are 2^n possible combinations.

In this case, the decoder has 4 input lines. So, the number of unique combinations it can represent is 2^4, which is equal to 16. Therefore, the number of output lines for this decoder is 16.

Conclusion:

The correct answer is option 'B', which represents 16 output lines for a decoder with 4 input lines.

Decoder is constructed from ________________
  • a)
    Inverters
  • b)
    AND gates
  • c)
    Inverters and AND gates
  • d)
    None of the mentioned
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Explanation:

A decoder is a combinational logic circuit that converts binary information from n input lines to a maximum of 2^n unique output lines. It is used to decode a binary code of n bits to a set of 2^n unique outputs.

A decoder is constructed from inverters and AND gates. Inverters are used to complement the input signals, while AND gates are used to combine the complemented and non-complemented inputs to form the output signals.

Construction of a Decoder:

A decoder is constructed using the following steps:

1. Determine the number of input lines (n) and output lines (2^n) required for the desired decoding scheme.

2. Construct the truth table for the decoder. The truth table lists all possible combinations of inputs and their corresponding outputs.

3. Identify the output functions for each output line. The output functions are derived based on the desired decoding scheme and the truth table.

4. Use the output functions to construct the logic gates required for each output line. Inverters are used to complement the input signals, while AND gates are used to combine the complemented and non-complemented inputs.

5. Connect the logic gates together to form the decoder circuit. The inputs are connected to the inverters, and the outputs of the inverters are connected to the AND gates. The outputs of the AND gates represent the decoded output lines.

Advantages of using Inverters and AND gates:

1. Inverters are simple and easy to implement logic gates. They can be easily constructed using basic electronic components such as transistors or diodes.

2. AND gates are also simple and easy to implement logic gates. They can be constructed using basic electronic components such as transistors or diodes.

3. Using inverters and AND gates allows for a compact and efficient decoder design.

4. Inverters and AND gates can be easily cascaded together to construct decoders with larger numbers of input and output lines.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, a decoder is constructed from inverters and AND gates. Inverters are used to complement the input signals, while AND gates are used to combine the complemented and non-complemented inputs to form the output signals. This combination of inverters and AND gates allows for the efficient decoding of binary information.

A _________ is a multiple-input, multiple-output logic circuit which converts coded inputs into coded outputs, where the input and output code are different.
  • a)
    decoder
  • b)
    demultiplexer
  • c)
    multiplexer
  • d)
    encoder
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Yash Patel answered
Encoder:
An encoder has 2n input lines and n output lines. In the encoder, the output lines generate the binary code corresponding to the input value which is active high.
Decoder:
It is a multi-input and multi-output logic circuit that converts coded inputs into coded outputs where input and output codes are different. Input code has fewer bits than output code. There is one to one mapping from input to output.
Multiplexer:
It is a digital switch. It allows digital information from several sources to be routed onto a single output line. A basic multiplexer has several data input lines and a single output line. The selection of a particular input line is controlled by selection lines. It is many to one mapping and provides the digital equivalent of an analog selector switch. Therefore it is the correct answer
Demultiplexer:
It is a circuit that receives information on a single line and transmits information on one of the 2n output lines. Selection of output line is controlled by values of n selection lines. 

Direction: Given question consists of two statements, one labeled as the 'Assertion (A)' and the other as 'Reason (R)'. You are to examine these two statements carefully and select the answers to these items using the codes given below.
Assertion (A): A de-multiplexer cannot be used as a decoder.
Reason (R): A de-multiplexer selects one of many outputs, whereas a decoder selects an output corresponding to the coded input.
  • a)
    Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
  • b)
    Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
  • c)
    A is true but R is false
  • d)
    A is false but R is true
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Devika Shah answered

Explanation:

Assertion (A): A de-multiplexer cannot be used as a decoder.
- A de-multiplexer is used to route data from one input to multiple outputs based on the control signals.
- It has one input line and multiple output lines.

Reason (R): A de-multiplexer selects one of many outputs, whereas a decoder selects an output corresponding to the coded input.
- A decoder is used to convert coded inputs into one of many outputs.
- It has multiple input lines and one or more output lines.

Explanation:
- The assertion is false because a de-multiplexer can be used as a decoder by connecting specific control signals to select the desired output.
- The reason is true as it correctly explains the difference between a de-multiplexer and a decoder.
- A de-multiplexer can function as a decoder when the control signals are appropriately configured to select the desired output based on the input code.
- Therefore, the correct answer is option 'D' i.e., A is false but R is true.

How is an encoder different from a decoder?
  • a)
    The output of an encoder is a binary code for 1-of-N input
  • b)
    The output of a decoder is a binary code for 1-of-N input
  • c)
    The output of an encoder is a binary code for N-of-1 output
  • d)
    The output of a decoder is a binary code for N-of-1 output
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Madhavan Nair answered
Encoder vs Decoder:

Encoder and decoder are digital circuits that perform different functions. An encoder is a circuit that converts an active input signal into a coded output signal. In contrast, a decoder is a circuit that converts a coded input signal into an active output signal. Let's dive into the differences between the two:

Output of an Encoder:

The output of an encoder is a binary code for 1-of-N input. Here's what this means:

- An encoder has N input lines and 2^N output lines.
- When a signal is active on one of the input lines, the encoder produces a binary code on its output lines that represents the active input line.
- The binary code is typically in the form of a 1-of-N code, which means that only one of the output lines is active at a time, and the rest are inactive.

Output of a Decoder:

The output of a decoder is a binary code for N-of-1 output. Here's what this means:

- A decoder has 2^N input lines and N output lines.
- When a binary code is applied to the input lines, the decoder activates the corresponding output line.
- The binary code is typically in the form of a N-of-1 code, which means that only one of the input lines is active at a time, and the rest are inactive.

Conclusion:

In summary, an encoder converts an active input signal into a coded output signal, while a decoder converts a coded input signal into an active output signal. The key difference between the two is the type of binary code that they produce. An encoder produces a 1-of-N code, while a decoder produces a N-of-1 code.

A _________ is a multiple-input, multiple-output logic circuit which converts coded inputs into coded outputs, where the input and output code are different.
  • a)
    decoder
  • b)
    demultiplexer
  • c)
    multiplexer
  • d)
    encoder
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Sudhir Patel answered
Encoder:
An encoder has 2n input lines and n output lines. In the encoder, the output lines generate the binary code corresponding to the input value which is active high.
Decoder:
It is a multi-input and multi-output logic circuit that converts coded inputs into coded outputs where input and output codes are different. Input code has fewer bits than output code. There is one to one mapping from input to output.
Multiplexer:
It is a digital switch. It allows digital information from several sources to be routed onto a single output line. A basic multiplexer has several data input lines and a single output line. The selection of a particular input line is controlled by selection lines. It is many to one mapping and provides the digital equivalent of an analog selector switch. Therefore it is the correct answer
Demultiplexer:
It is a circuit that receives information on a single line and transmits information on one of the 2n output lines. Selection of output line is controlled by values of n selection lines. 

In a decoder, if the input lines are 4 then number of maximum output lines will be:
  • a)
    2
  • b)
    16
  • c)
    4
  • d)
    8
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Kalyan Roy answered
Decoder and Output Lines:
In digital electronics, a decoder is a combinational logic circuit that converts coded inputs into coded outputs. It is used to decode the information from one format to another. The number of output lines in a decoder depends on the number of input lines and the logic used in the circuit.

Calculation:
In this question, we are given that the number of input lines is 4. Let's assume that each input line can be either 0 or 1, so there are two possible values for each input line. Therefore, the total number of possible combinations of input values is 2^4 = 16.

Output Lines:
Since a decoder converts coded inputs into coded outputs, the number of output lines should be equal to the number of possible combinations of input values. In this case, there are 16 possible combinations of input values, so the number of maximum output lines will also be 16.

Answer:
Therefore, the correct answer is option B) 16.

How many OR gates are required for an octal-to-binary encoder?
  • a)
    3
  • b)
    2
  • c)
    8
  • d)
    10
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Octal-to-binary Encoder:
An octal-to-binary encoder is a combinational circuit that converts an octal input into its binary equivalent. It has 8 input lines (3 bits) and 3 output lines (binary representation).

Solution:
To design an octal-to-binary encoder, we need to consider the input and output requirements. Since the encoder has 8 input lines, we need to use 8 OR gates to implement it.

Explanation:
1. Inputs: An octal input has 3 bits (8 possibilities: 000 to 111), so we need 8 input lines.
2. Outputs: The binary representation of an octal digit requires 3 bits. Since there are 8 octal digits (0 to 7), we need 3 output lines to represent the binary equivalent.
3. Truth Table: The octal-to-binary encoder truth table will have 8 rows (for 8 inputs) and 3 columns (for 3 outputs). Each row of the truth table represents the binary equivalent of the corresponding octal digit.
- For example, the truth table for input 0 (000) will have the output as 000, the truth table for input 1 (001) will have the output as 001, and so on.
4. Implementation: Each output line of the encoder requires an OR gate. Since there are 3 output lines, we need 3 OR gates.
- Each OR gate takes 8 inputs from the octal input lines and produces a single output for the corresponding bit of the binary representation.
- The output of each OR gate will be connected to its corresponding output line of the encoder.
5. Simplification: Since there are no specific requirements mentioned in the question, we assume a simple implementation using individual OR gates for each output line.
- More complex implementations using fewer gates are possible, but they are beyond the scope of this question.
6. Answer: Based on the above explanation, we require 8 OR gates to implement an octal-to-binary encoder.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A' - 3 OR gates are required for an octal-to-binary encoder.

The number of input lines in a common BCD to seven segment decoder is _____.
  • a)
    8
  • b)
    2
  • c)
    16
  • d)
    4
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Sudhir Patel answered
  • In BCD to 7-segment Decoder, the outputs of a digital circuit are often displayed as decimal digits.
  • BCD to 7-segment decoder is a combinational circuit that converts a BCD number into signals that are required for the display of the value of that number on a seven-segment display.
  • The number of input lines is 4. 

Match the following
  • a)
    P → 1, Q → 2, R → 1, S → 2
  • b)
    P → 2, Q → 1, R → 1, S → 1
  • c)
    P → 1, Q → 1, R → 3, S → 1
  • d)
    P → 2, Q → 1, R → 3, S → 2
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Sudhir Patel answered
Sequential circuit :
  • Sequential circuits are those circuits whose output depends on present output depends on present input and past output.
  • Sequential circuits contains memory elements.
  • Sequential circuits are constructed using Flip flops
  • examples: Counters, Shift registers, Serial adder
Combinational circuits :
  • Combinational circuits are those circuits whose present output depends only on the present input.
  • Combinational circuits do not contain memory elements.
  • Examples: adders, subtractions,  Decoder, Encoder, multiplexers
Combinational circuit: Parallel Adder,  BCD to 7 Segment Decoder, Priority Encoder
Sequential circuit: Serial adder,
P → 2, Q → 1, R → 1, S → 1

Can an encoder be a transducer?
  • a)
    Yes
  • b)
    No
  • c)
    May or may not be
  • d)
    Both are not even related slightly
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Sudhir Patel answered
Of course, a transducer is a device that has the capability to emit data as well as to accept. Transducer converts signal from one form of energy to another.

Which of the following is a decoder IC?
  • a)
    7890
  • b)
    8870
  • c)
    4047
  • d)
    4041
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Yash Patel answered
8870 is a DTMF decoder circuit, which decodes DTMF tune and produces corresponding output.

ln the circuit shown the device connected to Y5 can have an address in the range:
  • a)
    2000 - 20FF
  • b)
    2D00 - 2DFF
  • c)
    2E00 - 2EFF
  • d)
    FD00 - FDFF
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Sudhir Patel answered
Concept:
The simple decoder is shown below:
Addressing is done based on the inputs and their respective logic circuit connected to the address decoders.
Calculation:
In the given question the chip select for Y5 is 101.
A10A9A8 are used for that chip select so A10A9A8 = 101.
A7 ⋯ A0 are initially zeroes and at the final address these will be all 1’s.
To get the active high output for the NAND gate all the inputs must be 1 always.
The total addressing range is shown below:
FD00H to FDFFH

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