BTC 215 – Digital Electronics

LESSON 1

DIGITAL NUMBER SYSTEMS

Introduction

Because computers can only

"read" numbers, any
characters or words that we
write will immediately be
converted into their
numerical counterparts. This
is because computers can
only "read" numbers. The
positional number system is
simple for computers to
understand since it uses a
condensed form of the numbering system's standard symbols (digits). This is
because the meaning of the symbols changes based on where they are
positioned inside a numerical value and the importance of the symbols shifts
depending on where they are located.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:

● Explain the concept and applications of digital system in the real world.

● Discuss the principles and applications of the different number systems used in the
digital world.

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ACTIVITY

Manan-aw sa ta!

Instruction: Click the links below and watch the videos about digital electronics.

1. Digital Electronics and Its Importance in our Life

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HdQOb7DKxs

2. Digitization in the World – Application of Digital Electronics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QD8ODo7AFs

ANALYSIS

1. In terms of Technology Development, describe your current situation?

2. With your current situation, do you think having the digital knowledge is
significant? Support your answer.

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ABSTRACTION

Concepts of Digital System

A continuous signal in which one time-

varying quantity reflects another time-

based variable constitutes an analog

signal. Theoretically, analog systems

may represent an infinite number of

values, since any value is feasible

within the system's governing

parameters.

Digital signal, by contrast, express

variation in the system’s variable in response to a set of discrete values

(more like a light with an “on/off” switch or a three-way bulb with

multiple, discrete levels of output).

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Applications and Advantages of Digital Systems

One definition of a digital system is "a set of

devices designed to manipulate logical
information or physical quantities that are
represented in a separate digital
representation." This definition describes the
purpose of the equipment that makes up a digital
system. The storage, processing, and transmission of digital information are the
primary functions of digital systems.
Examples of well-known digital systems
include digital audio and video equipment,
digital computers and calculators, and the
telephone system, which is the largest digital
system in the world. Another example of a
well-known digital system is the Internet.

The chief reasons for the shift in

digital technology are:

1. Digital systems are generally easier to design.

2. Information storage is easy.

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3. Accuracy and precision is easier to maintain throughout the system.

4. Operation can be programmed.

5. Digital circuits are

less affected by noise.

6. More digital circuitry can be fabricated on IC

chips.

Digital Number System

Digital systems can only interpret numbers. In these systems, digit symbols signify

distinct values based on their number system index. With this, digital information is

represented using numbers such as decimal, binary, octal and hexadecimal.

Decimal Numbers

The decimal numbers are used in our day

to day life. The decimal number system
contains ten digits from 0 to 9(base 10).

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Binary Number System

The binary numbering system is the most elementary of all computer-based

and digital numbering systems. In this system, there are just two digits: 0 or 1.
This indicates that in this number system there are only two unique types of
electrical pulses. The first
condition is the absence of an
electronic pulse representing
"0," whereas the second
condition is the presence of
an electronic pulse
representing "1." Each
individual digit is known as a
bit. A nibble is a collection of
four bits (1101), whereas a byte is a collection of eight bits (11001010). The
location of a binary digit corresponds to a certain power of the number system's
base (2).

Characteristics

1. It holds only two values, i.e., either 0 or 1.

2. It is also known as the base 2 number system.

3. The position of a digit represents the 0 power of the base (2).

Example: 20

4. The position of the last digit represents the x power of the base (2).
Example: 2x, where x represents the last position, i.e., 1

Examples of Binary Numbers:

(10100)2, (11011)2, (11001)2, (000101)2, (011010)2.

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Octal Number System

The octal number system, or oct for short, is one sort of number representation
systems with an eight-digit basis. Thus, there are only eight potential symbols
or digit values: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Any other digit would render the octal
number invalid. Based on the
binary system with a 3-bit
boundary, just 3 bits are required
to express the value of every octal
digit. Every number position has a
weight that is a power of 8. Each
rank in the Octal system is eight
times more important than the preceding level.

83 82 81 80 . 8-1 8-2 8-3

512 64 8 1 . 1/8 1/64 1/512

Most Sig. Decimal Least Sig.

Digit Point Digit

Applications of Octal Number System

This number base was originally widely used, particularly in older computer
systems such as the UNIVAC 1050, PDP-8, ICL 1900, and IBM mainframes that
utilized 6-bit, 12-bit, 24-bit, or 36-bit words, but it is now seldom deployed.
Octal is used, however, when the amount of bits in a single word is a multiple of
3. It is also used as a shortcut to indicate file permissions on UNIX systems and
UTF8 numbers, among other things.

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Advantages

 It has fewer computations and less computational errors since it uses

less digits than decimal and Hexadecimal number system.
 It is easy to convert octal numbers to binary numbers and vice-versa
since a 3-bit binary number represents only a single digit in octal system.
 It is also easier to handle input and output in the octal form.

Disadvantage

 Computer does not understand octal number system directly, so we need

octal to binary converter.

Hexadecimal Number System

The Hexadecimal Number System is a form of number representation with a

base value of 16. Therefore, there are only 16 potential digit values: 0, 1, 2, 3,

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D, and F. The letters A through F in hexadecimal

numerals correspond to the decimal values

10-15, respectively. In hexadecimal, each

digit's value is represented by just four

bits. Every digit position in this system is

assigned a weight that is a power of 16.

Each place in the Hexadecimal system is

16 times more important than the

preceding position.

163 162 161 160 . 16-1 16-2 16-3

4096 256 16 1 . 1/16 1/256 1/4096

Most Decimal Least

Significant Point Significant
Digit Digit

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Applications of Hexadecimal Number System

Programmers often utilize the hexadecimal numbering scheme to simplify the

binary numbering system. There is a linear connection between the numbers 2
and 16, as 16 equals 2 4. Therefore, one hexadecimal number corresponds to
four binary digits. Computers employ the binary numbering system, whereas
humans use the hexadecimal numbering system to simplify and shorten binary.

Hexadecimals are used in the following:

 To define locations in memory. Hexadecimals can characterize every
byte as two hexadecimal digits only compared to eight digits when using
binary.

 To define colours on web pages. Each primary colour – red, green and
blue is characterised by two hexadecimal digits. The format being used
is #RRGGBB. RR stands for red, GG stands for green and BB stands for
blue.

 To represent Media Access Control (MAC) addresses. MAC addresses

consist of 12-digit hexadecimal numbers. The format being used is either
MM:MM:MM:SS:SS:SS or MMMM-MMSS-SSSS. The first 6 digits of the
MAC address represent the ID of the adapter manufacturer while the last
6 digits represent the serial number of the adapter.

 To display error messages. Hexadecimals are used to define the memory

location of the error. This is useful for programmers in finding and fixing
errors.

Advantages

 By using a base of 16, the number of digits required to represent a

particular number is often smaller than in binary or decimal. It permits
the storage of more data in less space.

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 It is easy and quick to convert between hexadecimal and binary numbers.

Hexadecimal allows for the representation of big binary integers with just
a few digits.

 It facilitates the grouping of binary integers, making them simpler to

read, write, and comprehend. It is more user-friendly, since humans are
used to grouping numbers and objects for simpler comprehension.
Additionally, writing fewer numbers reduces the likelihood of making a
mistake.

Disadvantages

 Hexadecimal number system is not an easily understood by people.

 It is difficult to perform operations like multiplications, divisions using

hexadecimal number system.

 Hexadecimal system is most difficult number system for dealing with

Computer’s data.

Closure

Having been explained the importance and applications of digital system and its

various number systems in the real world, you can now explore the next lesson which

will be the conversions and manipulation of these number systems.

References

BOOKS/eBOOKS

1. Crowe, J. & Hayes-Gill, B. (n.d.). Introduction to Digital Electronics.

Newnes

2. Evans, A.J. (1997). Basic Digital Electronics. Prompt

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3. Feher, J. (2009). Introduction to digital logic with laboratory exercises. A

Global Text Project

4. Maini, A.K. (2007). Digital Electronics Principles, Devices and Applications.

John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

5. Predko, M. (2005). Digital Electronics Demystified. McGraw-Hill

WEBSITE

1. Anon. n.d. “Analog vs Digital: Difference Between Analog & Digital

Signals | Arrow.Com.” Arrow.Com. Retrieved August 14, 2020
(https://www.arrow.com/en/research-and-events/articles/analog-vs-
digital-what-is-an-analog-signal).

2. Anon. 2016. “Applications and Advantages of Digital Systems »

ExamRadar.” ExamRadar. Retrieved August 12, 2020
(http://examradar.com/applications-and-advantages-of-digital-
systems/).

3. Anon. n.d. “Number System in Digital Electronics Tutorial - Javatpoint.”

Www.Javatpoint.Com. Retrieved August 12, 2020
(https://www.javatpoint.com/number-system-in-digital-electronics).

4. Anon. 2013. “Binary to Decimal and How to Convert Binary to Decimal.”

Basic Electronics Tutorials. Retrieved August 14, 2020
(https://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/binary/bin_2.html).

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