PROJECT ABSTRACT

This project presents the design and implementation of a Binary-Coded Decimal (BCD) to
7segment decoder, a crucial component in digital display systems. The primary objective
is to convert BCD inputs, which represent decimal digits (0-9) in binary form, into the
corresponding signals that drive a 7-segment display. The system employs combinational
logic to achieve accurate decoding, utilizing basic logic gates such as AND, OR, and NOT.
The decoder's output enables the illumination of the appropriate segments of the display,
ensuring that decimal digits are visually represented. Through simulation and practical
implementation, this project highlights the significance of the BCD to 7-segment decoder
in various applications, including digital clocks, calculators, and electronic counters. The
results demonstrate effective conversion and reliable performance, showcasing the
efficiency of digital techniques in real-world applications.

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 INTRODUCTION

Modern digital electronics depends on the use of clear display mechanisms, and among
them, the 7-segment display is the most popular for representing decimal digits, consisting
of seven segments that can be illuminated to form numbers from 0 to 9.

An important component of this display system is the BCD to 7-segment decoder, which
translates the binary coded decimal input-the BCD for each decimal digit, as depicted
belowinto the signals that drive the display. The BCD for the decimal digit '5' is 0101. Valid
inputs to the decoder include the decimal digits from 0 through 9, although invalid inputs
are 1010 through 1111. The decoder produces the correct outputs to make the correct
segments light up for valid BCD inputs but does nothing (remains dormant) if there are
invalid inputs.

This project consists of the design and implementation of a BCD to 7-segment decoder
using the IC 7447. In this process, while understanding how it operates and practically
applies, we will appreciate its use in digital clocks, calculators, and counters. The objective
is hence deeper understanding about digital electronics and core skills in putting together
effective display systems.

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 WORKING PRINCIPLE

Seven Segment Displays

Seven segment displays are the output display device that provides a way to display
information in the form of images or text or decimal numbers which is an alternative to the
more complex dot matrix displays. It is widely used in digital clocks, basic calculators,
electronic meters, and other electronic devices that display numerical information. It
consists of seven segments of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) which are assembled like
numerical 8.

Working of Seven Segment Displays

The number 8 is displayed when the power is given to all the segments and if you
disconnect the power for ‘g’, then it displays the number 0. In a seven-segment display,
power (or voltage) at different pins can be applied at the same time, so we can form
combinations of display numerical from 0 to 9. Since seven-segment displays cannot form
alphabets like X and Z, so it cannot be used for the alphabet and they can be used only for
displaying decimal numerical magnitudes. However, seven-segment displays can form
alphabets A, B, C, D, E, and F, so they can also be used for representing each display unit

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is usually has a dot point (DP). The display point could be located either towards the left
or towards the right of the display pattern.

This type of pattern can be used to display numerals from 0 to 9 and letters from to F
hexadecimal digits.

Truth Table

We can produce a truth table for each decimal digit

Decimal Inputs Outputs

B3 B2 B1 B0 a b c d e f g

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1

2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0

3 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0

4 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0

5 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0

6 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

7 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 1

8 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

9 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

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Therefore, Boolean expressions for each decimal digit that requires respective light-
emitting diodes (LEDs) are ON or OFF. The number of segments used by digit: 0, 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are 6, 2, 5, 5, 4, 5, 6, 3, 7, and 6 respectively. Seven segment displays
must be controlled by other external devices where different types of microcontrollers are
useful to communicate with these external devices, like switches, keypads, and memory.

Types of Seven Segment Displays

According to the type of application, there are two types of configurations of seven-
segment displays: common anode display and common cathode display.

• Common Cathode

In common cathode seven segment displays, all the cathode connections of LED segments
are connected together to logic 0 or ground. We use logic 1 through a current limiting
resistor to forward bias the individual anode terminals a to g.

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 • Common Anode

Whereas all the anode connections of the LED segments are connected together to logic 1
in a common anode seven segment display. We use logic 0 through a current limiting
resistor to the cathode of a particular segment a to g.

Common anode seven segment displays are more popular than cathode seven segment
displays because logic circuits can sink more current than they can source and it is the same
as connecting LEDs in reverse.

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Use of a Decoder for Driving the Seven Segment Display

• Many times, the seven segment LED displays are connected at the output of
digital ICs such as counters. Now as the counter output is in the BCD (binary
coded decimal) form, which has only four lines, it cannot drive the seven-
segment display directly.

• Therefore, we have to use a BCD to seven segment decoder / driver IC

(integrated circuit) between the counter output and seven segment display.

• The common anode type display is being used here.

Connections

• Common Pin: The common anode pin is connected to a positive voltage (e.g.,
+5V).
• Segment Pins: Each of the segments (a to g) has its own pin. To light a segment,
the respective pin needs to be connected to ground.

Displaying Digits

To display a number, you need to connect the corresponding segment pins to ground. Here’s
how each number is represented:

• 0: Light segments a, b, c, d, e, f (connect pins for these segments to ground)

• 1: Light segments b, c
• 2: Light segments a, b, d, e, g
• 3: Light segments a, b, c, d, g
• 4: Light segments b, c, f, g
• 5: Light segments a, c, d, f, g
• 6: Light segments a, c, d, e, f, g
• 7: Light segments a, b, c
• 8: Light all segments

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BLOCK DIAGRAM

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CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

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 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

➢ ADVANTAGES

1. Simplicity: Seven Section Presentations are straightforward and simple to use since
they just showcase mathematical digits (0-9) and a couple of characters like A-F for
hexadecimal numbers.
2. Cost-viable: Seven Section Presentations are generally modest and require less parts to
work than different sorts of showcases like LCDs or OLEDs.
3. High perceivability: Seven Portion Presentations have high perceivability even in low
light circumstances as they are intended to emanate splendid, high-contrast light in a
particular example that is not difficult to peruse.
4. Durability: Seven Section Presentations are strong and sturdy since they are produced
using materials that are impervious to temperature changes and mechanical pressure.

➢ DISADVANTAGES

1. Limited usefulness: Seven Section Presentations are restricted to showing mathematical

digits and a couple of characters, which can be a disservice in applications that require
more mind-boggling shows like designs or message.
2. Limited review points: Seven Fragment Showcases have restricted survey points, and
that implies that the presentation might be hard to peruse from specific points or in
splendid daylight.
3. Power utilization: Seven Portion Presentations consume more power than different sorts
of showcases since they produce light constantly, which can be a burden in battery-
worked gadgets.
4. Limited customization: Seven Portion Showcases are not effectively adaptable since
they are intended to show just unambiguous examples of digits and characters, making
it hard to show custom images or illustrations

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➢ Applications of Seven Segment Displays

1. Digital clocks
2. Clock radios
3. Calculators
4. Wristwatches
5. Speedometers
6. Motor-vehicle odometers
7. Radiofrequency indicators

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 Components

1. Connecting wires: Connecting wires are essential for establishing electrical

connections between various components on the breadboard. They come in
different lengths and colors, making it easier to organize and identify connections
in your circuit.

2. Bread board: A breadboard, solderless breadboard, or protoboard is a construction

base used to build semi-permanent prototypes of electronic circuits. Unlike a
perfboard or stripboard, breadboards do not require soldering or destruction of
tracks and are hence reusable. For this reason, breadboards are also popular with
students and in technological education.

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3. 7447 IC:
IC Type: BCD to 7-segment decoder

4. Battery: The nine-volt battery, is an electric battery that supplies a nominal voltage
of 9 volts. Actual voltage measures 7.2 to 9.6 volts, depending on battery chemistry.
Batteries of various sizes and capacities are manufactured; a very common size is
known as PP3, introduced for early transistor radios. The PP3 has a rectangular
prism shape with rounded edges and two polarized snap connectors on the top. This
type is commonly used for many applications including household uses such as
smoke and gas detectors, clocks, and toys

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5. Resistor: For segment current limiting (typically around 330Ω to 1kΩ, depending
on your power supply) Here, we have used 1kΩ resistor

6. Common anode 7-seg Display: A common anode 7-segment display is an electronic

display device that uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to display numbers from 0 to
9 IC LT 543

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ACTUAL CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

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OUTPUTS

• In the given image when we give input binary ‘0’ i.e. ‘0000’ then we get the output on
the 7-segment led display is decimal ‘0’.

• In the given image when we give input binary ‘1’ i.e. ‘0001’ then we get the output on
the 7-segment led display is decimal ‘1’.

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• In the given image when we give input binary ‘2’ i.e. ‘0010’ then we get the output on
the 7-segment led display is decimal ‘2’.

• In the given image when we give input binary ‘3’ i.e. ‘0011’ then we get the output
on the 7-segment led display is decimal ‘3’.

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• In the given image when we give input binary ‘4’ i.e. ‘0100’ then we get the output on
the 7-segment led display is decimal ‘4’.

• In the given image when we give input binary ‘5’ i.e. ‘0101’ then we get the output
on the 7-segment led display is decimal ‘5’.

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• In the given image when we give input binary ‘6’ i.e. ‘0110’ then we get the output on
the 7-segment led display is decimal ‘1’.

• In the given image when we give input binary ‘7’ i.e. ‘0111’ then we get the output on
the 7-segment led display is decimal ‘7’.

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• In the given image when we give input binary ‘8’ i.e. ‘1000’ then we get the output
on the 7-segment led display is decimal ‘8’.

• In the given image when we give input binary ‘9’ i.e. ‘1001’ then we get the output on
the 7-segment led display is decimal ‘1’.

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Digital Techniques Micro Project

CONCLUSION

Thus, seven-segment displays are an integral part of digital electronics since numeric
information gets presented easily and with simplicity. Having found applications in a host of
electronic and digital applications, from calculators and clocks to more complicated digital
devices, they are relatively easy in terms of design and use. Be it a hobbyist or a professional,
knowing how to interface and drive a seven-segment display is a skill that will pay dividends
for their electronic projects.

Even with advancing technology day in and day out, seven-segment displays can still be
envisioned as a sure and more economical approach to numeric output. Their ease of use and
wide application make them arguably one of the most persistent elements in electronics design.

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Digital Techniques Micro Project

REFERENCE AND SOURCES USED

1. Used Digital Techniques Textbook for proper information of our project.

2. https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/seven-segment-displays
3. Collected information from ChatGPT and google

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