Digital Electronics – Module 1: Number Systems &
Codes
Models 1, 2 and 3 – 5 Mark Questions with Point-wise Answers
Model 1
1. Explain different types of number systems used in digital electronics.
• Decimal Number System (Base 10) uses digits 0–9.
• Binary Number System (Base 2) uses digits 0 and 1 and is used in digital electronics.
• Octal Number System (Base 8) uses digits 0–7 and simplifies binary representation.
• Hexadecimal Number System (Base 16) uses digits 0–9 and A–F and is used in programming
and memory addressing.
2. Explain Decimal to Binary conversion.
• Divide the decimal number repeatedly by 2.
• Write the remainder at each step.
• Continue until the quotient becomes zero.
• Read the remainders from bottom to top to obtain the binary number.
3. Explain 1’s Complement and 2’s Complement.
• 1’s complement is obtained by changing all 0s to 1s and 1s to 0s.
• 2’s complement is obtained by adding 1 to the 1’s complement.
• Used in binary subtraction and representation of negative numbers.
4. Explain Binary Coded Decimal (BCD).
• BCD represents each decimal digit by a 4■bit binary number.
• Example: Decimal 25 = 0010 0101 in BCD.
• Used in calculators, digital clocks, and display systems.
5. Explain Weighted and Non■Weighted Codes.
• Weighted codes have positional weights such as 8421 BCD.
• Non■weighted codes do not have positional weights.
• Gray code is an example of non■weighted code.
6. Explain Parity Generator and Parity Checker.
• Parity generator adds a parity bit to data before transmission.
• Even parity makes the number of 1s even.
• Odd parity makes the number of 1s odd.
• Parity checker detects errors in received data.
7. Explain Alphanumeric Codes.
• Used to represent letters, numbers and symbols in binary form.
• ASCII code uses 7 or 8 bits.
• EBCDIC is another character code used in IBM systems.
Model 2
1. Explain Binary Number System.
• Binary number system has base 2.
• It uses only digits 0 and 1.
• Each position represents powers of 2.
• Used in computers and digital electronics.
2. Explain Binary to Decimal conversion.
• Multiply each binary digit by its positional power of 2.
• Add the results to obtain the decimal number.
3. Explain Octal Number System.
• Octal system has base 8.
• Digits used are 0–7.
• Each octal digit represents three binary bits.
4. Explain Hexadecimal Number System.
• Hexadecimal system has base 16.
• Digits include 0–9 and A–F.
• Commonly used in programming and memory addressing.
5. Explain Gray Code.
• Gray code is a non■weighted binary code.
• Only one bit changes between successive numbers.
• It reduces errors during transitions.
6. Explain Excess■3 Code.
• Excess■3 code is obtained by adding 3 to each decimal digit.
• The result is converted into binary form.
• It is a non■weighted code used in digital systems.
7. Explain Binary Addition.
• Binary addition rules: 0+0=0, 0+1=1, 1+0=1, 1+1=10.
• Carry is generated when two 1s are added.
• Used in digital arithmetic operations.
Model 3
1. What is a Number System?
• A number system is a method of representing numbers using digits and a base.
• Components include base (radix), digits and positional value.
2. Explain Binary to Octal Conversion.
• Group binary digits in sets of three from right to left.
• Convert each group into its octal equivalent.
3. Explain Binary to Hexadecimal Conversion.
• Group binary digits into sets of four.
• Convert each group into its hexadecimal equivalent.
4. Explain Code Conversion.
• Code conversion means converting one type of code into another.
• Examples include Binary to Gray and BCD to Excess■3.
5. Explain Error Detecting Codes.
• Used to detect errors during data transmission.
• Examples include parity code, checksum method and Hamming code.
6. Explain Binary Subtraction.
• Binary subtraction rules: 0−0=0, 1−0=1, 1−1=0, 0−1 requires borrow.
• Borrow is taken from the next higher bit.
7. Explain the importance of codes in digital systems.
• Codes represent data in binary form.
• They help in data transmission and error detection.
• They simplify digital circuit design.