Important Questions

CSC116 · Exam intelligence

Digital Logic important questions

From 6 past TU papers: which questions keep coming back, how much they carry, and what is most likely to show up next. Every question links to a model answer.

Most likely in the next examStatistical

Ranked by how often a topic is asked, its marks weight, and whether it is due after skipping the 2081 paper. No guarantees; study the whole syllabus.

1asked 7xavg 7 marks · Design Procedure
Answer

Explain design procedure of combinational circuits. Design a combinational circuit with three inputs x, y, and z, and three outputs, A, B, and C. When the binary input is 0, 1, 2, or 3, the binary output is one greater than the input. When the binary input is 4, 5, 6, or 7, the binary output is one less than the input.[10]

  1. Problem statement: Understand and state the requirement clearly. 2. Determine input/output variables: Assign symbols and decide the number of input/output lines. 3. Derive the truth table: List all $2^n$ input combinations with corres...
2asked 7xavg 6 marks · Decoders and Encoders
Answer

What is decoder? Describe the 3 to 8 line decoder circuit. [5]

Decoder and 3-to-8 Line Decoder

What is a Decoder?

A decoder is a combinational circuit that converts information of n input lines to a maximum of 2^n unique output lines. The purpose of a decoder is to generate one or more minterms of the n input variables. If any n-bit decoded information has unused or don't-care condition combinations, the decoder will have fewer than 2^n outputs.


3-to-8 Line Decoder

In a 3-to-8 line decoder, three inputs are converted into 8 outputs. It takes 3 input lines (A, B, C) and generates 8 output lines (D0 to D7), where each output corresponds to one unique minterm of the three input variables.

Truth Table

ABCD0D1D2D3D4D5D6D7
00010000000
00101000000
01000100000
01100010000
10000001000
10100000100
11000000010
11100000001

Boolean Expressions for Each Output

Each output is active HIGH (equals 1) for exactly one input combination:

D0 = A'B'C'    (minterm 0)
D1 = A'B'C     (minterm 1)
D2 = A'BC'     (minterm 2)
D3 = A'BC      (minterm 3)
D4 = AB'C'     (minterm 4)
D5 = AB'C      (minterm 5)
D6 = ABC'      (minterm 6)
D7 = ABC       (minterm 7)

Logic Circuit Diagram

The circuit uses 3 inverters (to generate complements A', B', C') and 8 three-input AND gates (one for each output):

        A ---+-------+--- A'(inverter)
             |
        B ---+-------+--- B'(inverter)
             |
        C ---+-------+--- C'(inverter)

A' B' C' ---> [AND] ---> D0
A' B' C  ---> [AND] ---> D1
A' B  C' ---> [AND] ---> D2
A' B  C  ---> [AND] ---> D3
A  B' C' ---> [AND] ---> D4
A  B' C  ---> [AND] ---> D5
A  B  C' ---> [AND] ---> D6
A  B  C  ---> [AND] ---> D7

Key Points

  • The decoder has 3 inputs and 8 outputs (since 2^3 = 8).
  • At any given time, exactly one output is HIGH and all others are LOW.
  • Each output represents a unique minterm of the input variables.
  • A decoder with an enable input can also function as a demultiplexer, where the enable line acts as the data input and the input lines act as select lines.
3asked 6xavg 7 marks · Design with state equations and state reduction table
Answer

Explain state diagram, state table, state reduction and state assignment with suitable example. [5]

--- A state diagram is a graphical representation of a sequential circuit that shows all possible states, transitions between states, inputs, and outputs. Conventions: - Each circle represents a state (labeled with binary number inside) ...

4asked 6xavg 5 marks · Shift registers
Answer

Mention different types of shift registers. Explain SIPO with timing diagram. [5]

Types of Shift Registers and SIPO with Timing Diagram

Types of Shift Registers

As stated in the notes, a shift register is any register capable of shifting its binary information either to the right or to the left. It consists of a chain of flip-flops connected in cascade, with the output of one flip-flop connected to the input of the next, and all flip-flops sharing a common clock pulse.

The four different types of shift registers are:

TypeFull Form
SISOSerial In Serial Out
SIPOSerial In Parallel Out
PISOParallel In Serial Out
PIPOParallel In Parallel Out

Serial In Parallel Out (SIPO) Shift Register

Definition

In a SIPO shift register, data is entered one bit at a time serially (one bit per clock pulse) through a single input line, and all stored bits are available simultaneously at the output (parallel output) after all bits have been shifted in.

Circuit Diagram (4-bit SIPO using D Flip-Flops)

Serial                                         Parallel Outputs
Input
        +------+     +------+     +------+     +------+
SI ---->| D  Q |---->| D  Q |---->| D  Q |---->| D  Q |
        |  FF0 |     |  FF1 |     |  FF2 |     |  FF3 |
CLK --->| CLK  | --->| CLK  | --->| CLK  | --->| CLK  |
        +------+     +------+     +------+     +------+
           |            |            |            |
           Q0           Q1           Q2           Q3
        (Parallel Output Available at Q0, Q1, Q2, Q3)
  • Data enters at SI (Serial Input) of FF0.
  • At each clock pulse, data shifts from FF0 -> FF1 -> FF2 -> FF3.
  • After 4 clock pulses, all 4 bits are available simultaneously at Q0, Q1, Q2, Q3.

Operation (Loading the 4-bit data: 1 0 1 1, MSB first)

Clock PulseSI (Input)Q0Q1Q2Q3
Initial-0000
CLK 111000
CLK 200100
CLK 311010
CLK 411101

After 4 clock pulses, Q0=1, Q1=1, Q2=0, Q3=1 are available in parallel.


Timing Diagram

CLK  : __|--|__|--|__|--|__|--|__

SI   : __|1111|0000|1111|1111|__
         (bit1)(bit2)(bit3)(bit4)

Q0   : __|1111|0000|1111|1111|__

Q1   : ______|1111|0000|1111|__

Q2   : __________|1111|0000|1111

Q3   : _______________|1111|0000
  • Each bit shifts one stage to the right on every rising edge of the clock.
  • After 4 clock pulses, all outputs Q0 through Q3 hold the complete 4-bit word simultaneously.

Key Characteristics of SIPO

  • Input: Single serial line (1 bit per clock)
  • Output: All bits available simultaneously (parallel)
  • Clock pulses needed: Equal to the number of bits (n pulses for n-bit register)
  • Application: Used in serial-to-parallel data conversion, communication interfaces (e.g., UART receivers)
5asked 6xavg 5 marks · Ripple Counters
Answer

Design a 2 bit asynchronous binary counter using T Flip Flop. Draw its timing diagram. [5]

A binary ripple (asynchronous) counter consists of a series connection of complementing flip-flops where the output of each flip-flop is connected to the clock input of the next higher-order flip-flop. The flip-flop holding the Least Sig...

Most repeated questions

Topics asked at least twice, most-asked first.

asked 7xavg 7 marks · 2081, 2080, 2079, 2078, 2077...
Answer

Explain design procedure of combinational circuits. Design a combinational circuit with three inputs x, y, and z, and three outputs, A, B, and C. When the binary input is 0, 1, 2, or 3, the binary output is one greater than the input. When the binary input is 4, 5, 6, or 7, the binary output is one less than the input.[10]

  1. Problem statement: Understand and state the requirement clearly. 2. Determine input/output variables: Assign symbols and decide the number of input/output lines. 3. Derive the truth table: List all $2^n$ input combinations with corres...
asked 7xavg 6 marks · 2081, 2080, 2075
Answer

What is decoder? Describe the 3 to 8 line decoder circuit. [5]

Decoder and 3-to-8 Line Decoder

What is a Decoder?

A decoder is a combinational circuit that converts information of n input lines to a maximum of 2^n unique output lines. The purpose of a decoder is to generate one or more minterms of the n input variables. If any n-bit decoded information has unused or don't-care condition combinations, the decoder will have fewer than 2^n outputs.


3-to-8 Line Decoder

In a 3-to-8 line decoder, three inputs are converted into 8 outputs. It takes 3 input lines (A, B, C) and generates 8 output lines (D0 to D7), where each output corresponds to one unique minterm of the three input variables.

Truth Table

ABCD0D1D2D3D4D5D6D7
00010000000
00101000000
01000100000
01100010000
10000001000
10100000100
11000000010
11100000001

Boolean Expressions for Each Output

Each output is active HIGH (equals 1) for exactly one input combination:

D0 = A'B'C'    (minterm 0)
D1 = A'B'C     (minterm 1)
D2 = A'BC'     (minterm 2)
D3 = A'BC      (minterm 3)
D4 = AB'C'     (minterm 4)
D5 = AB'C      (minterm 5)
D6 = ABC'      (minterm 6)
D7 = ABC       (minterm 7)

Logic Circuit Diagram

The circuit uses 3 inverters (to generate complements A', B', C') and 8 three-input AND gates (one for each output):

        A ---+-------+--- A'(inverter)
             |
        B ---+-------+--- B'(inverter)
             |
        C ---+-------+--- C'(inverter)

A' B' C' ---> [AND] ---> D0
A' B' C  ---> [AND] ---> D1
A' B  C' ---> [AND] ---> D2
A' B  C  ---> [AND] ---> D3
A  B' C' ---> [AND] ---> D4
A  B' C  ---> [AND] ---> D5
A  B  C' ---> [AND] ---> D6
A  B  C  ---> [AND] ---> D7

Key Points

  • The decoder has 3 inputs and 8 outputs (since 2^3 = 8).
  • At any given time, exactly one output is HIGH and all others are LOW.
  • Each output represents a unique minterm of the input variables.
  • A decoder with an enable input can also function as a demultiplexer, where the enable line acts as the data input and the input lines act as select lines.
asked 6xavg 7 marks · 2081, 2079, 2078, 2077, 2075
Answer

Explain state diagram, state table, state reduction and state assignment with suitable example. [5]

--- A state diagram is a graphical representation of a sequential circuit that shows all possible states, transitions between states, inputs, and outputs. Conventions: - Each circle represents a state (labeled with binary number inside) ...

asked 6xavg 5 marks · 2081, 2080, 2079, 2078, 2077...
Answer

Mention different types of shift registers. Explain SIPO with timing diagram. [5]

Types of Shift Registers and SIPO with Timing Diagram

Types of Shift Registers

As stated in the notes, a shift register is any register capable of shifting its binary information either to the right or to the left. It consists of a chain of flip-flops connected in cascade, with the output of one flip-flop connected to the input of the next, and all flip-flops sharing a common clock pulse.

The four different types of shift registers are:

TypeFull Form
SISOSerial In Serial Out
SIPOSerial In Parallel Out
PISOParallel In Serial Out
PIPOParallel In Parallel Out

Serial In Parallel Out (SIPO) Shift Register

Definition

In a SIPO shift register, data is entered one bit at a time serially (one bit per clock pulse) through a single input line, and all stored bits are available simultaneously at the output (parallel output) after all bits have been shifted in.

Circuit Diagram (4-bit SIPO using D Flip-Flops)

Serial                                         Parallel Outputs
Input
        +------+     +------+     +------+     +------+
SI ---->| D  Q |---->| D  Q |---->| D  Q |---->| D  Q |
        |  FF0 |     |  FF1 |     |  FF2 |     |  FF3 |
CLK --->| CLK  | --->| CLK  | --->| CLK  | --->| CLK  |
        +------+     +------+     +------+     +------+
           |            |            |            |
           Q0           Q1           Q2           Q3
        (Parallel Output Available at Q0, Q1, Q2, Q3)
  • Data enters at SI (Serial Input) of FF0.
  • At each clock pulse, data shifts from FF0 -> FF1 -> FF2 -> FF3.
  • After 4 clock pulses, all 4 bits are available simultaneously at Q0, Q1, Q2, Q3.

Operation (Loading the 4-bit data: 1 0 1 1, MSB first)

Clock PulseSI (Input)Q0Q1Q2Q3
Initial-0000
CLK 111000
CLK 200100
CLK 311010
CLK 411101

After 4 clock pulses, Q0=1, Q1=1, Q2=0, Q3=1 are available in parallel.


Timing Diagram

CLK  : __|--|__|--|__|--|__|--|__

SI   : __|1111|0000|1111|1111|__
         (bit1)(bit2)(bit3)(bit4)

Q0   : __|1111|0000|1111|1111|__

Q1   : ______|1111|0000|1111|__

Q2   : __________|1111|0000|1111

Q3   : _______________|1111|0000
  • Each bit shifts one stage to the right on every rising edge of the clock.
  • After 4 clock pulses, all outputs Q0 through Q3 hold the complete 4-bit word simultaneously.

Key Characteristics of SIPO

  • Input: Single serial line (1 bit per clock)
  • Output: All bits available simultaneously (parallel)
  • Clock pulses needed: Equal to the number of bits (n pulses for n-bit register)
  • Application: Used in serial-to-parallel data conversion, communication interfaces (e.g., UART receivers)
asked 6xavg 5 marks · 2081, 2080, 2079, 2078, 2077...
Answer

Design a 2 bit asynchronous binary counter using T Flip Flop. Draw its timing diagram. [5]

A binary ripple (asynchronous) counter consists of a series connection of complementing flip-flops where the output of each flip-flop is connected to the clock input of the next higher-order flip-flop. The flip-flop holding the Least Sig...

asked 4xavg 10 marks · 2081, 2080, 2079, 2078
Answer

Differentiate between synchronous and asynchronous counter. Design a 3-bit synchronous binary counter using T Flip Flop. Draw its timing diagram.[10]

Synchronous vs Asynchronous Counter and 3-bit Synchronous Binary Counter Design


Part 1: Difference Between Synchronous and Asynchronous Counter

FeatureSynchronous CounterAsynchronous Counter (Ripple Counter)
ClockAll flip-flops are triggered by the same common clock pulse simultaneouslyEach flip-flop is triggered by the output of the previous flip-flop
SpeedFaster - no propagation delay accumulationSlower - delay accumulates through each stage
Propagation DelayMinimal (all FFs switch at same time)Total delay = sum of individual FF delays
ComplexityMore complex (requires combinational logic)Simpler in design and construction
GlitchesLess prone to glitchesMore prone to glitches due to ripple effect
PowerConsumes more powerConsumes less power
ConstructionUses T or JK FF with additional combinational gatesSimple series connection of complementing FFs
SynchronizationAll outputs change simultaneouslyOutputs change one after another (ripple effect)

Part 2: Design of 3-bit Synchronous Binary Counter Using T Flip-Flop

Step 1: State Sequence

A 3-bit binary counter counts from 000 to 111 (0 to 7) and resets back to 000.

Let the three flip-flops be Q2 (MSB), Q1, Q0 (LSB).

Step 2: State Transition Table

CountQ2Q1Q0Q2(next)Q1(next)Q0(next)T2T1T0
0000001001
1001010011
2010011001
3011100111
4100101001
5101110011
6110111001
7111000111

Note for T Flip-Flop: T = 0 means no change (Q(next) = Q), T = 1 means toggle (Q(next) = Q') Therefore: T = Q(next) XOR Q(present)

Step 3: Derive Boolean Expressions Using K-Map

For T0:

Q2Q1 \ Q001
0011
0111
1111
1011

All cells = 1, therefore:

$$\boxed{T_0 = 1}$$

For T1:

Q2Q1 \ Q001
0001
0101
1101
1001

T1 = 1 only when Q0 = 1, therefore:

$$\boxed{T_1 = Q_0}$$

For T2:

Q2Q1 \ Q001
0000
0111
1111
1000

T2 = 1 when Q1 = 1 and Q0 = 1, therefore:

$$\boxed{T_2 = Q_1 \cdot Q_0}$$

Step 4: Summary of Excitation Equations

$$T_0 = 1$$ $$T_1 = Q_0$$ $$T_2 = Q_1 \cdot Q_0$$

Step 5: Logic Circuit Diagram

CLK ----+----------+----------+
        |          |          |
      [T FF]     [T FF]     [T FF]
  T0=1 |     T1=Q0|    T2=Q1.Q0
        |          |          |
       Q0         Q1         Q2
        |          |          |
        +----------+          |
        |    AND --+----------+
        +----------+

Detailed Circuit:

                    +-------+         +-------+         +-------+
CLK --------------->| T  FF |-------->| T  FF |-------->| T  FF |
                    |       |         |       |         |       |
T0 = 1 ----------->| T  Q0 |    +--->| T  Q1 |    +--->| T  Q2 |
                    +-------+    |    +-------+    |    +-------+
                                 |                  |
                          Q0 ----+           Q1 & Q0 (AND) --+
                          (T1 = Q0)          (T2 = Q1.Q0)

Each T flip-flop shares the same clock line, so all three stages switch simultaneously (a true synchronous counter, unlike a ripple counter where each stage is clocked by the previous stage's output). Flip-flop Q0 toggles on every clock pulse since $T_0 = 1$, flip-flop Q1 toggles whenever Q0 is 1, and flip-flop Q2 toggles only when both Q1 and Q0 are 1, exactly reproducing the 3-bit binary counting sequence $000 \to 001 \to \cdots \to 111 \to 000$.

asked 4xavg 9 marks · 2081, 2080, 2079, 2078
Answer

What is Multiplexer. Design 8 to 1 Multiplexer with low level Multiplexers. [5]

--- A Multiplexer (MUX) is a combinational circuit that accepts input from 2^n input lines and gives the output on a single output line. The selection of a particular input line is controlled by a set of selection lines. Generally, there...

asked 4xavg 5 marks · 2081, 2080, 2079, 2078
Answer

Given A=46 and B=35 represent them in binary and perform A-B using 1's complement method. [5]

A − B Using 1's Complement Method

Step 1 - Given Data

  • $A = 46$ (minuend)
  • $B = 35$ (subtrahend)
  • Operation: $A - B$ using 1's complement.

Step 2 - Solve

Convert to 8-bit binary

$46_{10}$: $32+8+4+2 = 46 \Rightarrow 0010,1110$

$35_{10}$: $32+2+1 = 35 \Rightarrow 0010,0011$

DecimalBinary (8-bit)
$A = 46$$0010,1110$
$B = 35$$0010,0011$

1's complement of B (invert all bits)

$$B = 0010,0011 ;\Rightarrow; \overline{B} = 1101,1100$$

Add A and 1's complement of B

    0010 1110    (A)
  + 1101 1100    (1's comp of B)
  -----------
  1 0000 1010
  ^
  carry out = 1

End-around carry

A carry out of the MSB occurred, so add it back to the sum:

    0000 1010
  +         1
  -----------
    0000 1011

Result

$$0000,1011_2 = 8 + 2 + 1 = 11_{10}$$

Since a carry-out (end-around carry) was produced, the result is positive.

Check: $46 - 35 = 11$ ✓

Summary

StepValue
$A$$0010,1110$
$B$$0010,0011$
$\overline{B}$$1101,1100$
$A + \overline{B}$$1\ 0000,1010$
After end-around carry$0000,1011$
Final Result$0000,1011_2 = 11_{10}$
asked 3xavg 5 marks · 2081, 2079, 2078
Answer

Simplify $F(A,B,C,D)=\sum(1,3,4,6,9,11,12,14)$ and realize the equation using NOR gates only. [5]

Simplification of F(A,B,C,D) = Σ(1,3,4,6,9,11,12,14) and NOR Realization

Step 1: Given Data

  • Function: $F(A,B,C,D) = \sum(1,3,4,6,9,11,12,14)$
  • 4 variables: A (MSB), B, C, D (LSB)
  • Requirement: simplify, then realize using NOR gates only

Step 2: K-Map Plot

Minterms in binary (ABCD):

  • m1 = 0001, m3 = 0011, m4 = 0100, m6 = 0110
  • m9 = 1001, m11 = 1011, m12 = 1100, m14 = 1110
CD\AB00011110
0001 (m4)1 (m12)0
011 (m1)001 (m9)
111 (m3)001 (m11)
1001 (m6)1 (m14)0

Let me verify placement (columns are AB, rows are CD):

  • m1 (A=0,B=0,C=0,D=1): AB=00, CD=01 ✓
  • m3 (0,0,1,1): AB=00, CD=11 ✓
  • m4 (0,1,0,0): AB=01, CD=00 ✓
  • m6 (0,1,1,0): AB=01, CD=10 ✓
  • m9 (1,0,0,1): AB=10, CD=01 ✓
  • m11 (1,0,1,1): AB=10, CD=11 ✓
  • m12 (1,1,0,0): AB=11, CD=00 ✓
  • m14 (1,1,1,0): AB=11, CD=10 ✓

Step 3: Group the 1s

Group 1 (Quad): m1, m3, m9, m11 → cells with B=0, D=1

  • A varies (0,1), C varies (0,1), B=0 fixed, D=1 fixed → B'D

Group 2 (Quad): m4, m6, m12, m14 → cells with B=1, D=0

  • A varies, C varies, B=1 fixed, D=0 fixed → BD'

Step 4: Simplified SOP

$$\boxed{F = B'D + BD' = B \oplus D}$$

Step 5: Convert for NOR Realization

NOR gates naturally give POS form. Group the 0s to find $F'$.

Zeros at: m0, m2, m5, m7, m8, m10, m13, m15

Group A (0s): m0, m2, m8, m10 → B=0, D=0 → B'D' Group B (0s): m5, m7, m13, m15 → B=1, D=1 → BD

$$F' = B'D' + BD$$

Complement to get POS:

$$F = (F')' = (B'D' + BD)' = (B'D')'\cdot(BD)'$$

$$F = (B + D)(B' + D')$$

Step 6: NOR Gate Implementation

For a POS expression, standard NOR realization uses a NOR-NOR structure. We write each sum term as a NOR (inverted OR) and combine.

Note the identity: $(X)(Y) = \overline{\overline{X} + \overline{Y}} = \overline{,\overline{X}\ \text{NOR}\ \overline{Y},}$... rather, express directly:

$$F = (B+D)(B'+D') = \overline{\overline{(B+D)(B'+D')}} = \overline{\ \overline{(B+D)} + \overline{(B'+D')}\ }$$

So: $$F = \overline{(B \text{ NOR } D) + (B' \text{ NOR } D')} = (B \text{ NOR } D)\ \text{NOR}\ (B' \text{ NOR } D')$$

Gate list (NOR only):

GateFunctionOutput
G1 (inverter)B NOR B$B'$
G2 (inverter)D NOR D$D'$
G3B NOR D$\overline{B+D}$
G4B' NOR D'$\overline{B'+D'}$
G5G3 NOR G4$\overline{\overline{(B+D)}+\overline{(B'+D')}} = (B+D)(B'+D') = F$

Circuit sketch:

B --------+------[G3: NOR]---+
D --------|--+---            |
          |  |               +--[G5: NOR]--> F
B --[G1:NOR B,B]=B'--[G4:NOR]--+
D --[G2:NOR D,D]=D'--

Final Answer

$$\boxed{F = B'D + BD' = B \oplus D = (B+D)(B'+D')}$$

Realized with 5 NOR gates: 2 as inverters (for B', D'), 2 for the sum terms, 1 for the final combination.

asked 2xavg 5 marks · 2080, 2077
Answer

Design a full subtractor with necessary tables and logic diagram. [5]

A full subtractor is a combinational circuit that performs subtraction of three bits: the minuend (A), the subtrahend (B), and the borrow-in (Bin) from the previous stage. It produces two outputs: the difference (D) and the borrow-out (B...

asked 2xavg 5 marks · 2080, 2077
Answer

How race condition in JK flip flop can be resolved? Explain. [5]

In a JK flip flop, the inputs are: - J (acts like Set) - K (acts like Reset) The truth table of JK flip flop includes the condition: J K Q (next state) ---------------------- 0 0 Q (No change) 0 1 0 (Reset) 1 0 1 (Set) 1 1 Q' (Toggle) Wh...

asked 2xavg 5 marks · 2079, 2078
Answer

Derive the Boolean expression for sum and carry of half adder. Draw its combinational circuit. Implement it using only NOR gates. [5]

Half Adder: Derivation, Circuit, and NOR Implementation

STEP 1 - Given Data

  • Inputs: two single-bit binary values, $A$ and $B$
  • Outputs: Sum $S$, Carry $C$
  • Constraint: implement using only NOR gates

All required information is present in the question.


STEP 2 - Solution

Truth Table

ABSum (S)Carry (C)
0000
0110
1010
1101

Boolean Expressions

Sum: $S = 1$ for the minterms $(A=0,B=1)$ and $(A=1,B=0)$:

$$S = \bar{A}B + A\bar{B} = A \oplus B$$

Carry: $C = 1$ only when both inputs are 1:

$$C = A \cdot B$$

Combinational Circuit (XOR + AND)

A ──┬───────────┐
    │          [XOR]───── S = A ⊕ B
B ──┼───────────┘
    │
    ├───────────┐
    │          [AND]───── C = A·B
B ──┘───────────┘

NOR-Only Implementation

Basic NOR identities:

  • $\bar{X} = X \text{ NOR } X$
  • $X + Y = (X \text{ NOR } Y) \text{ NOR } (X \text{ NOR } Y)$
  • $X \cdot Y = (X \text{ NOR } X) \text{ NOR } (Y \text{ NOR } Y)$

Carry $C = A \cdot B$. Using AND-from-NOR:

$$C = (A \text{ NOR } A) \text{ NOR } (B \text{ NOR } B) = \overline{\bar A + \bar B} = A\cdot B$$

Sum $S = A \oplus B$. The standard 5-gate NOR realization of XOR:

GateInputsOutput
G1$A$ NOR $B$$\overline{A+B}$
G2$A$ NOR G1$\overline{A + \overline{A+B}} = \bar A(A+B) = \bar A B$
G3$B$ NOR G1$\overline{B + \overline{A+B}} = \bar B(A+B) = A\bar B$
G4G2 NOR G3$\overline{\bar A B + A\bar B} = \overline{A\oplus B}$
G5G4 NOR G4$A \oplus B = S$

Verification of G4/G5: $\text{G4} = \overline{S}$, so $\text{G5}=\overline{\overline S}=S$. Correct.

Circuit diagram (NOR gates only):

A ─┬───────────[G1]────┬───────[G2]───┐
   │      B ────┘       │  A ───┘      │
   │                    └──[G3]────┐   ├─[G4]──[G5]── S
   │              B ───────────────┘   │  (G4 fed twice)
   │
   ├─[Ga: A NOR A = A']──┐
   │                     ├─[Gc]── C
   └─────────────────────┘
       B ─[Gb: B NOR B = B']──┘

Gate count:

  • Sum: 5 NOR gates (G1-G5)
  • Carry: 3 NOR gates (Ga = $\bar A$, Gb = $\bar B$, Gc = final NOR)
  • G1 is shared, but counting independently: Sum = 5, Carry = 3.

Summary

OutputExpressionNOR gates
Sum$S = A \oplus B$5
Carry$C = A \cdot B$3

A wiring trap worth knowing: one tempting XOR construction does not work. Taking:

  • G4 = G1 NOR G2 = $\overline{\overline{A+B} + \bar A}$. Evaluate: $= (A+B)\cdot A = A$, not $A\bar B$.
  • G5 = G1 NOR G3 = $(A+B)\cdot B = B$, not $\bar A B$.
  • G6 = G4 NOR G5 = $A$ NOR $B = \overline{A+B}$, which is NOT $A\oplus B$.

So those gate assignments do not yield the XOR. The correct minimal XOR uses 5 NOR gates with the wiring shown above, giving $S = A\oplus B$ and $C = A\cdot B$.

asked 2xavg 5 marks · 2079, 2075
Answer

Express F′=(x+y+z)′F' = (x + y + z)'F′=(x+y+z)′ as a sum of min-terms. [5]

  • Function: $F' = (x + y + z)'$ - Variables: $x, y, z$ (3 variables, so $2^3 = 8$ possible combinations) Evaluate $F = (x + y + z)$ and its complement $F' = (x+y+z)'$ for all 8 rows. The sum $(x+y+z) = 0$ only when all variables are 0; o...
asked 2xavg 5 marks · 2079, 2077
Answer

Write short notes on (Any two): a. Positive Logic b. I2L c. ASCII [5]

Short Notes (Any Two): a. Positive Logic and c. ASCII


a. Positive Logic

Positive Logic is a convention used in digital systems to assign binary logic values (0 and 1) to the two voltage levels present in a circuit.

Definition:

In positive logic, the higher voltage level is assigned the logic value 1 (HIGH) and the lower voltage level is assigned the logic value 0 (LOW).

Voltage LevelLogic Value
High Voltage (e.g., +5V)Logic 1
Low Voltage (e.g., 0V)Logic 0

Key Points:

  • It is the most commonly used logic convention in digital circuits and computers.
  • Logic gates (AND, OR, NOT, etc.) are designed and analyzed based on this convention.
  • The opposite convention is called Negative Logic, where the lower voltage level represents logic 1 and the higher voltage level represents logic 0.
  • The same physical circuit can perform different logical operations depending on whether positive or negative logic convention is applied.

Example:

  • In a TTL (Transistor-Transistor Logic) circuit, +5V = Logic 1 and 0V = Logic 0 under positive logic convention.

c. ASCII

ASCII stands for American Standard Code for Information Interchange.

Definition:

ASCII is a standard character encoding scheme used to represent text and control characters in computers and communication devices using binary numbers.

Key Features (from notes):

  • ASCII uses a 7-bit code, consisting of:
    • 3 zone bits (higher order bits)
    • 4 numeric bits (lower order bits)
  • Total possible combinations: 2^7 = 128 characters

Character Representation:

CategoryNumber of Characters
Alphabets (uppercase A-Z and lowercase a-z)62
Numerals (0-9)10
Special Characters66

Example:

CharacterASCII (Decimal)ASCII (Binary)
A65100 0001
a97110 0001
048011 0000

Additional Notes:

  • ASCII is considered an improvement over the BCD code as it can represent a much wider range of characters.
  • It is widely used in data communication, keyboards, and text files.
  • An extended version (ASCII-8) uses 8 bits, allowing 256 characters, which includes additional special and graphical symbols.
  • Another extended code, EBCDIC (Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code), is used mainly in IBM mainframe computers.

asked 2xavg 8 marks · 2081, 2075
Answer

De-Morgan's Law and Boolean Function Simplification

De-Morgan's Law and K-Map Simplification

Part 1: De-Morgan's Law

De-Morgan's Law relates the complement of a compound Boolean expression to the complements of its parts.

Theorem 1: $\overline{A + B} = \bar{A} \cdot \bar{B}$ The complement of a sum equals the product of the complements.

Theorem 2: $\overline{A \cdot B} = \bar{A} + \bar{B}$ The complement of a product equals the sum of the complements.

Truth-table verification:

AB$\overline{A+B}$$\bar A\bar B$$\overline{A\cdot B}$$\bar A+\bar B$
001111
010011
100011
110000

Columns match, so both theorems hold.


Part 2: K-Map Simplification

Given data

  • $F(P,Q,R,S)=\prod(0,1,4,5,11,14,15)$ → maxterms (cells = 0)
  • $d(P,Q,R,S)=\sum(2,3,7,8,9,13)$ → don't cares (X)
  • Remaining cells = 1: all ${0..15}$ minus maxterms minus don't cares
    • $F=1$ at ${6, 10, 12}$

K-map (rows PQ, cols RS)

Minterm positions:

        RS=00  01   11   10
PQ=00 |  m0 | m1 | m3 | m2 |
PQ=01 |  m4 | m5 | m7 | m6 |
PQ=11 | m12 |m13 |m15 |m14 |
PQ=10 |  m8 | m9 |m11 |m10 |

Filled values:

        RS=00  01   11   10
PQ=00 |  0  | 0  | X  | X  |
PQ=01 |  0  | 0  | X  | 1  |
PQ=11 |  1  | X  | 0  | 0  |
PQ=10 |  X  | X  | X  | 1  |

Note: $m_{11}$ is a don't care (it appears in the d-set), so it must not be entered as a 0.


Part 2A: SOP (group 1s using X's)

Ones at: m6, m10, m12. Don't cares available: m2, m3, m7, m8, m9, m11, m13.

Group 1 (quad): m12, m13, m8, m9

  • $m8=1000,\ m9=1001,\ m12=1100,\ m13=1101$
  • Constant: $P=1,\ R=0$. Q and S vary.
  • Term: $P\bar R$

Group 2 (quad): m2, m3, m6, m7

  • $m2=0010,\ m3=0011,\ m6=0110,\ m7=0111$
  • Constant: $P=0,\ R=1$. Q and S vary.
  • Term: $\bar P R$

Check coverage of the 1's:

  • m6 → Group 2 ✓
  • m12 → Group 1 ✓
  • m10 → $1010$: not in Group 1 (needs R=0) nor Group 2 (needs P=0). NOT covered.

Cover m10 = $1010$ ($P=1,Q=0,R=1,S=0$). Available neighbours:

  • m11 ($1011$, X) → pair m10,m11: $P=1,Q=0,R=1$ → $P\bar Q R$
  • m8 ($1000$, X) → pair m10,m8: $P=1,Q=0,S=0$ → $P\bar Q\bar S$
  • Extend to quad m8,m9,m10,m11 (all X except m10): $P=1,Q=0$ → $P\bar Q$ (best, largest group).

So use quad $m8,m9,m10,m11 = P\bar Q$, which also covers m10.

Final SOP: $$F = P\bar R + \bar P R + P\bar Q$$

(Alternatively $P\bar R + \bar P R + P\bar Q R$ if the m8/m9 quad is not reused, but $P\bar Q$ is the minimal literal choice using don't cares.)

Minimal form: $$\boxed{F_{SOP} = \bar P R + P\bar R + P\bar Q}$$


Part 2B: POS (group 0s using X's)

Zeros at maxterms: m0, m1, m4, m5, m11(? no), actual zero cells = ${0,1,4,5,11,14,15}$. Don't cares: ${2,3,7,8,9,13}$.

Zero cells: m0, m1, m4, m5, m11, m14, m15.

Group A (quad): m0, m1, m4, m5

  • $0000,0001,0100,0101$: $P=0,R=0$ → $\bar P\bar R$
  • Maxterm factor: $(P+R)$

Group B (quad): m11, m15, m14, and pair up):

  • m14=$1110$, m15=$1111$, m11=$1011$
  • m14,m15 pair: $P=1,Q=1,R=1$ → extend with m10(1010, is a 1 → cannot), with m13(1101,X) no.
  • Quad m15,m14,m11,m10? m10 is a 1, so no.
  • Use m14,m15 + m6,m7? m6 is 1. No.

Group the zeros:

  • Group B: m14, m15 → $P=1,Q=1,R=1$; S varies → $PQR$ → factor $(\bar P+\bar Q+\bar R)$. Extend with X's: m14,m15,m10?(1), m6,m7(m6=1). Only m13(X) with m15,m14... m13=1101 differs in two bits. So m14,m15 stays a pair.
  • Group C: m11 = $1011$ → pair with X's: m9(1001,X)→ m9,m11: $P=1,Q=0,S=1$ → extend m9,m11,m13,m15: m13=1101(X), m15=1111(zero) all valid → quad $P=1,S=1$ → $PS$ → factor $(\bar P+\bar S)$. This quad {m9,m11,m13,m15} covers zero m11 and m15.

Reassess minimal cover of zeros ${0,1,4,5,11,14,15}$:

  • Group A $(P+R)$ covers 0,1,4,5.
  • Quad {9,11,13,15} = $PS$ covers 11,15 → factor $(\bar P+\bar S)$.
  • m14 = $1110$ remains. Pair m14 with m15(zero)? gives m14,m15 → $PQR$; or m14 with m10(1),m6(1) none. Use m14,m15 → $(\bar P+\bar Q+\bar R)$, or extend m14,m15,m13(X),m12(1 → no). Pair m14,m15,m11,m10? m10=1. So m14 covered by pair m14,m15 → factor $(\bar P+\bar Q+\bar R)$.

Final POS: $$\boxed{F_{POS} = (P+R)(\bar P+\bar S)(\bar P+\bar Q+\bar R)}$$


Summary

  • SOP: $F = \bar P R + P\bar R + P\bar Q$
  • POS: $F = (P+R)(\bar P+\bar S)(\bar P+\bar Q+\bar R)$

Common mistake: marking $m_{11}$ as a 0 in the K-map when it is a don't care in the given d-set. Treating it correctly gives the full SOP and POS results above.

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