DLD 7-1
DLD 7-1
Group Members
(ID):…………………………………………………………………………………….
Experiment # 07
Seven Segment Display
OBJECTIVES:
The objective of this experiment is to become familiar with the encoding/decoding and
display of numbers under different systems by learning the conversion of BCD numbers to
Decimal numbers to be displayed on a ‘Seven Segment Display’
Overview:
A BCD to seven-segment decoder is a logic circuit often used for the visual display of digital
information. The seven outputs of the decoder will drive the seven segments on a corresponding
display. BCD is the acronym for Binary Coded Decimal. The BCD system is used to represent
the decimal numbers from 0 to 9 in a binary format suitable for digital devices. A four-bit code
is required with the decimal characters 0 through 9 represented by the binary numbers 0000
through 1001. The combinations 1010 through 1111 are not used. A BCD to seven-segment
decoder will allow the display of a binary coded decimal on a seven segment display. The input
to the decoder is a number from 0 through 9 in BCD and the output provides the seven inputs
required to drive the seven-segment display.
The seven segment display chip contains 7 LEDs, similar to the ones you have been using. The
only difference is that they have been packaged into a single chip, and they have a different
shape. The seven LEDs are not used individually; instead they are wired so their one end is
common. If the anodes of the LEDs are wired together it is called “Common Anode”
configuration and if the cathodes are connected together, it is known as “Common Cathode”
configuration. Both the configurations are shown below.
1. Check the configuration of your 7-segment display using a Multi-meter. Find out its
configuration and pin-assignment.
2. Create the truth table describing the function of a BCD to seven-segment decoder
according to the configuration of your display. The lower case letters, a-g, represent
the segments on the display while the upper case letters A0-A3 represent the BCD
input. Note that the output of the decoder is active-low.
Inputs Outputs
A3 A2 Al A0 a b c d e f g
4. Implement the circuit on the trainer. Enter BCD numbers from 0 to 9 and see the
corresponding decimal digit on the display.
Student Exercise:
Make K-maps for each of the output of the BCD to 7-segment decoder. Find out the minimal
SOP for each output. Design the decoder using minimum number of gates.