Blog | Decode Encoded Instruction In MATLAB | MATLAB Helper

You may be curious to know how encoded information returns to its original form and internal working of the same. The method used to convert the encoded information to the original form is called "Decoding" and the chip used is known as "Decoder". Let's understand the technique/logic behind decoding.

Introduction:

A Binary Decoder is a combinational logic circuit, a type of digital logic implemented by Boolean circuits, that converts binary information from the n coded inputs to a maximum of 2n unique outputs. That means it has n input lines and 2n output lines. We represent the Decoder symbolically with its size as n:2n Decoder.

Decoder Block Diagram

It converts every unique combination of input states to a specific combination of output states. In addition to integer data inputs, some decoders also have one or more "enable" inputs. All decoder outputs are forced to their inactive states when the enable Input is negated(disabled).

Working:

To understand its logic. Let's take n=3. That is a 3:8 decoder.

3:8 Decoder Block Diagram

An Ideal decoder will set 1 at the given input position. For example, if the Input is 000 then the output's zeroth position (D0) of the output is 1; the rest all outputs will be 0. Likewise, you can observe the truth table below and analyze it.  

3:8 decoder truth table

Using the truth table, we can construct the Boolean expression to build the logic circuit. And the method used to get Boolean expression is K-Map (Karnaugh map).

We have to apply K-map for every output bit (D0, D1, D2, D4, D5, D6, D7). We get 7 expressions for 7-bit output. Therefore 'n' expressions are obtained for 'n' output lines. Using those obtained expressions, construct the logic circuit.

3:8 decoder logic diagram

These logic gates are designed to place inside a small chip, as shown below.

IC 74LS42 (Decoder)

Modified Decoder:

The ideal Decoders can be modified at our convenience. To understand how to alter a decoder and use it as an "Instruction Decoder", we will take an example.

Consider the transmitted signal TxD=01010011(S) and Received Encoded signal RxD=0110. Encoded codes are given in the table below.

Using the provided Encoded codes. Let's build a Decoder that could decode the information. TxD has 8 bits in the above example, and RxD has 4 bits. Take a ratio of 8:4 that results in 4:2, which is the size of the Decoder to be considered, i.e.2:4 Decoder. Consider 2 bits from received signal 01; see the code table 01 corresponds to 0101 and 10 to 0011. Therefore by joining those, we get 01010011. Yes, We got our original information using Encoded codes. This is the actual logic applied to find a signal encoded message. But to see the decoded message for more than a single encoded message with the same encoded codes. We have to use the same as truth table values for the 2:4 Decoder. We need to get expressions back to our original information logically/generally. Below are the K-map expressions for 4 outputs.

MATLAB Code:

Conclusions:

Decoders are used for Instruction decoding and for Data multiplexing, Data Demultiplexing, Seven Segment displays, and as address decoders for memory and port-mapped I/O.

• A Decoder is an electronic circuit with multiple Input and multiple output signals.
• It has 'n' input lines and 2n output lines.
• Using truth table and K-map method. We can get a decoder.
• Use the obtained expression in MATLAB code and start MATLABing.