BINARY CODED DECIMAL

Binary coded decimal (BCD) is a binary representation of decimal numbers where each digit is represented by a fixed number of bits.

There are two types of binary coded decimals; the 8421 BCD and the excess -3BCD.

The 8421 BCD, here each decimal digit is represented by 4 bits (0000 to 1001).

The excess-3BCD, here each decimal digit is represented by 4bits with an offset of 3.

The advantages of BCD are as follows; BCD numbers can be easily converted to and from decimal to binary and vice versa. BCD arithmetic operations are straight forward. BCD numbers are easy to understand and interpret.

The disadvantages of BCDs are as follows; BCD numbers require more bits than binary representation. BCD numbers have a limited range due to the fixed number of bits.

BCDs find application in the following systems and devices and they are; BCDs is used in digital displays such as calculators and counters. BCDs are used in embedded systems such as industrial control systems. BCDs is used in financial applications such as currency counters.

The future of BCDs is based on the advances and development of the following technologies; BCDs will continue to be used in specific applications where decimal representation is essential. Improvement in display technology will continue to utilize BCDs. BCDs precision and accuracy will remain valuable in various industries.

 

SOURCES:

• Digital logic and computer design by M. Morris Mano.
• Digital electronics by S. Salivahanan and S. Arwazhagan.
• Digital systems : Principles and applications by Ronald J. Tocci and Neal S. Widmer.
• The art of electronics by Paul Horowitz and Winfield Hill.
• Digital fundamentals by Thomas L. Floyd.