Learning the BCD-To-Seven-Segment Decoder By Counting Coins

One of the most frequent laboratories taught to students learning digital logic circuit design is the design and implementation of the Binary-Coded Decimal (BCD)-to-Seven-Segment Decoder. This design involves a four-bit binary input, which is then converted to its decimal equivalent. Students do not always understand how to convert between binary and decimal numbers. Unless a student performs a digital design requiring the conversion in the design process, he or she often goes through the digital logic design course never learning the conversion or not being able to do the conversion quickly. Here, Creaco and Meyers present a method of standard base conversions and numerical procedures, which helps students understand fully how to convert between decimal and binary numbers.