Standard Combinational Blocks/Functions.

Block / Function Symbols / Truth Table / Equations Details

Decoder. Outputs can be active at LOW or at HIGH level.
It activates its outputs Decoders can have an Enable input.
depending on the code at its
inputs. Binary decoders have M outputs and N inputs (code
inputs), being
Two of the he most used N
M=2
decoders are:

Binary decoders. Used for

selecting or activating one
Each output corresponds to one possible input
N
from 2 outputs (where N is combination. Therefore, a binary decoder is
the number of inputs). considered a fixed AND matrix, containing all possible
products for a given number of inputs.
The numbered output which
corresponds to the binary
code value at the input is
activated

BCD to 7-segment decoders. BCD- 7 segments decoder can be used with common
Used for displaying numbers anode (active LOW outputs) or common cathode 7
segment displays (active HIGH outputs)

Input Test allows to display an 8 and check that all

segments are OK

RBI input allows to turn-off (blank) the display

 Block / Function
Encoder.
It performs the opposite
function of a decoder.
Generates a code to identify
an active (or highest priority
active) input
Multiplexer (MUX).
It is a data selector. It can be
represented as an electronic
switch that connects one of
the M inputs to the output.
The control inputs
SEL(SELECTION) determine
which input is selected (or
connected) to the output
Symbols / Truth Table / Equations Details
74(LS)147 is a BCD encoder
74(LS)148 is a binary encoder, with M inputs and N
code outputs, being
N
M=2
Notice in the truth-table, how some inputs have
highest priority than others (7th is the highest, 0th the
lowest)
Indicating outputs EO and GS are used for showing the
state of the encoder and for cascading (to connect
several encoders together to codify more inputs).
Each data input can be a bit or a bus of n bits, and
output will be respectively a bit or a bus of n bits.
MUXes have M data inputs and N the number of bits
for selection (SEL), being
N
M=2
MUX can also be used as a truth table, setting data
entry values to match desired output values for each
combination.
Look at the truth table on the left, it is straightforward
to change values D0, D1, D2 and D3 to any desired
values.
 Block / Function Symbols / Truth Table / Equations Details
Demultiplexer (DEMUX) DEMUXes have M data outputs and N bits for selection
It performs the opposite (SEL), being
function of a MUX. It can be N
M=2
considered a switch with one
input and M outputs
Each data output can be a bit or a bus of n bits, then
The control inputs
each input will be respectively a bit or a bus of n bits.
SEL(SELECTION) determine
which output is selected (or
connected) to the input

Adders. Carry – indicates that an addition or subtraction of

They perform the addition unsigned numbers, need more digits. It should be
and subtraction of two considered the most significant bit.
numbers. Can accept a carry Overflow – indicates that an addition or subtraction of
input. Can indicate a carry signed numbers is beyond the possible range of
output and overflow. representation and that the result has no meaning.

These circuits are used as Adders can use a ripple carry circuit (slow, but simple)
components in multiplication to obtain the sum and produce carry output signal or
and division circuits. they can use a look-ahead carry circuit (faster, but
more complex).

Basic addition circuits for one bit numbers are Half-

Adder and Full-Adder.

Signed numbers use 2’s complement format for

representation of negative numbers.
Comparators. They compare
(normally) two unsigned
binary numbers, indicating
their relationship (equal,
greater or smaller).
ALU. The Arithmetic-Logic
Unit is a combinational
circuit that performs
arithmetic and bit a bit logic
operations on the two binary
numbers. It can accept a
carry input. ALU indicates
carry and overflow
conditions.
Parity generators and
detectors.
These circuits are used in
basic memory and data
transmission protection
circuits.
XNOR gates are the basic circuits for detecting if two
binary numbers, of one bit (digit), are equal or not.
It is a basic building block in Processors.
Carry – indicates that an addition or subtraction of
unsigned numbers, need more digits. It should be
considered the most significant bit.
Overflow – indicates that an addition or subtraction of
unsigned numbers is beyond the possible range of
representation and that the result has no meaning
The output ODD produces a 1, if the number of inputs
at 1 is odd.
The output EVEN produces a 1, if the number of inputs
at 1 is even.