Applications of Decoders

Decoders are commonly used combinational circuits. It converts n inputs to generate 2ⁿ outputs. The decoders have applications in multiple fields like computers, communication systems, digital circuits and many more. In this article, we will explore the applications of decoders along with the basic information of the decoders.

What are Decoders?

Decoders are combinational circuit that generates 2ⁿ outputs with the help of enable signal when n inputs are provided to it. Decoders are represented as n: 2ⁿ. Decoders are used to decode information and also to convert one code to other code.

Block Diagram of Decoder

The below diagram represents the block diagram of the decoder.

Decoder

Applications of Decoders

Decoders have many applications in different fields. Some applications of decoders are listed below.

• Memory Address Decoding
• Data Routing
• Seven-Segment Display Decoder
• Implementing common digital circuits
• Address Decoding
• Barcode Scanner
• Television Remote Control
• Traffic Light Control
• Security Systems
• Sound Synthesis

Memory Address Decoding

The decoders are used in various memory address decoding like in control unit, in the multiple chip memory organization etc. In multiple chip memory organization when multiple RAM chips are connected in a computer system, we have to select the RAM chips according to the instructions. This is done using the decoder. Decoder is used to select all the chips in the vertical arrangement of the chips when the address required is more than one chip address. The control unit uses decoders in different ways.

The hardwired control unit uses the decoder to select the type of instruction given in the opcode of instruction present in the instruction register. The vertical microprogrammed control unit uses the decoder to decode the group of control signals to reduce the size of the microinstruction. Below fig-1 is the application of decoder in hardwired control unit whereas fig-2 is the application of the decoder in vertical microprogrammed control unit.

Application of Decoder in Hardwired Control unit

Application of decoder in Microprogrammed control unit

Data Routing

The data routing process in the communication system uses decoder to send the data to its desired destination based on the given input information. Decoders are used in data transmission and for demultiplexing. If the data streams are divided into several parts and are to be routed in different destinations decoder helps in verifying that the data stream part in reached to its desired destination or not. The decoders also understand the packet header to get its destination address and then route the packet to its destination address. The below diagram represents the application of decoder in data routing.

Data Routing

Seven-Segment Display Decoder

The decoder is seven segment display decoders. Decoder converts the binary codes to alphanumeric codes to be displayed in the seven-segment display. A decoder in 7-segment display converts input signals into its corresponding control signal to the LEDs (seven LEDs from a to g) present in the seven-segment display.

If we want to display any number, then the decoder selects the LEDs to be turned on using the given number which results in displaying the given number in the seven-segment display. The 7-segment display decoders are used in digital clocks, voltmeters and ammeters etc. The below image represents the decoder to implement seven segment display.

Seven-Segment Display Decoder

Implementing Common Digital Circuits

The decoder plays an important part in the implementation of other digital circuits and gates. The common digital circuits like logic gates and combinational circuits like adders can be easily generated using the decoders. The decoders can be used to implement circuits like full adder, full subtractor, comparator and other logic diagrams according to the given logic. The below diagram represents the implementation of full adder using decoder.

Implementing Common Digital Circuits

Address Decoding

The address decoders are used to decode the desired address from the given information. It is used to decode various address from given information. The below diagram represents the address decoders.

Address Decoding

Bar Code Scanner

The decoders are one of the important components of the bar code scanner. It decodes the lines in the bar codes and to the desired item code so that we can get the information about the item. The decoder in barcode scanners helps in data interpretations, error correction and detection, inventory management, delivery and shipping operations and billing systems.

The decoders present in the bar code scanners decodes the information of the item which helps in billing and inventory management of goods. It also keeps track of the shipping and delivery of goods by decoding the barcodes on shipping boxes.

Television Remote Control

The remote-control devices like televisions, air conditioners have their own internal decoders which decodes the signal generated when any button in the remote is pressed and makes the desired action.

Traffic Light Control

The decoders are an important part of the traffic light control systems. The decoder in these systems helps to control sequence of traffic light and are used in dynamic traffic light control. The decoders control the sequence of the traffic lights by decoding input signals and decides which light should be ON at particular time. Decoder is also used in managing the timing and color of the traffic lights, to reduce the traffic flow and congestion based on the information provided by sensors.

Security Systems

Decoders play an important role in the security systems. The decoders are used in various security systems like alarm system, video processing system, CCTV cameras and many more. Decoders are used to convert the digital signal of the videos to analog signals that can be displayed in the monitors. It is also used activate alarms by decoding the signals received from the sensors. Decoders are also used in upgrading the security systems.

Sound Synthesis

Decoders in sound synthesis are used in sound modelling, MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), Digital Audio Workstations, sound synthesizers etc. The decoder in sound modelling is used in generating sounds that can traverse and provides new sound models. The decoders in the sound synthesizers are used to take input signals and generate different types of sounds to get required output.

In Digital Audio Workstations and MIDI the decoders are used to transform the digital signals or MIDI signals into audio signals for music production and to integrate the musical instrument sounds.

Conclusion

From the above discussion we can conclude that decoders are used in different fields like computers, communication systems, bar codes etc. In computer system decoders are used in different ways for memory organization, control unit, data routing and many more. The decoders are also useful in data routing in the communication systems.

Applications of Decoders – FAQs

What role do decoders play in address decoding in microprocessors?

Decoders are utilized in microprocessor systems for address decoding, enabling the selection of specific memory or I/O devices. They decode the memory address bus signals to enable communication between the CPU and peripheral devices.

What are the applications of decoders in digital display systems?

Decoders are extensively used in digital display systems such as LED and LCD screens. They decode binary input signals to select specific segments or pixels to be activated on the display.

How are decoders utilized in memory systems?

Decoders are crucial components in memory systems such as RAM and ROM.I n RAM (Random Access Memory), decoders select specific memory cells for read or write operations based on the address provided by the CPU.