Why are there two different truth tables for BCD to Gray?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the discrepancies between different truth tables for converting Binary-Coded Decimal (BCD) to Gray Code. The primary rules established are: 1) MSB of BCD (A) equals MSB of Gray (W), 2) A ⊕ B = X, 3) B ⊕ C = Y, and 4) C ⊕ D = Z. The confusion arises from the existence of multiple BCD codes, such as BCD4221, which can lead to different Gray Code outputs. The participants emphasize the importance of Karnaugh mapping for creating accurate truth tables and highlight the need for clarity in the specific BCD and Gray Code used in examples.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Binary-Coded Decimal (BCD) representation
  • Familiarity with Gray Code concepts
  • Knowledge of Karnaugh mapping techniques
  • Basic principles of digital logic design
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the differences between various BCD codes, particularly BCD4221 and 8421
  • Learn how to implement Karnaugh maps for simplifying logic expressions
  • Study the principles of Programmable Array Logic (PAL) design
  • Explore additional examples of BCD to Gray Code conversions to identify patterns
USEFUL FOR

Digital logic designers, electrical engineering students, and anyone involved in the design of BCD to Gray Code converters will benefit from this discussion.

Differentiate1
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Having a bit of trouble understanding why there are two different truth tables for BCD to Gray.

Using ABCD as the BCD and WXYZ as the Gray,
The way I learned it is:
1) MSB of BCD (A) = MSB of Gray (W)
2) A ⊕ B = X
3) B ⊕ C = Y
4) C ⊕ D = Z
5) Since BCD only ranges from 0 - 9, 10 - 15 become "don't cares"

Following the rules, chart prints:
http://i.imgur.com/IPsPoAS.png

However, while browsing through examples of converting BCD to Gray, I found these:
Example Problem
Example Problem 2

The rules I posted don't work in the Example Problems.

Are there some sort of exceptions that may alter the Gray Code?
 
Last edited:
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There are at least 3 different BCD-codes:

BCD-Codes.jpg


Maybe that's the cause to confusion?

But why not choose the one you like, practise some Karnough mapping and make your own truth table ?

Observe: BCD4221(5) is wrong: It must be 1001 or 0111
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the reply,

The problem I'm facing requires me to,
"implement a BCD to Gray Code converter using a 4x16x4 PAL where each output collects 4 different product terms."

I completed the problem using the 8421 BCD code to Gray, but the solutions solved it the way shown here: Example Problem
Would using the 8421 BCD to Gray functions where
W = A
X = A'B
Y = A'BC' + B'C
Z = A'BC'D + B'C'D + AD + BCD + B'CD'

be considered correct in this problem still? I'm skeptical regarding my answer since the question requested "output collects 4 different product terms." I'm assuming that part just means the OR gates in the PAL needs to collect 4 connections from the AND gates.
 
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The rules here:
Differentiate1 said:
1) MSB of BCD (A) = MSB of Gray (W)
2) A ⊕ B = X
3) B ⊕ C = Y
4) C ⊕ D = Z

matches the BCD and gray-codes here:

IPsPoAS.png


In your examples in #1, there are other gray-codes, and of course your rules will not match these.

For example, how have you found: Z = A'BC'D + B'C'D + AD + BCD + B'CD' in #3 ? That's not right.
 
Yeah that's not right.
Re-did the K-Map and found Z = A'C'D + B'C'D + A'CD'

But how would you solve the problem in the example using their BCD-Gray Code instead of the 8421 choice?
Certainly the rules will not work in that.
 
Differentiate1 said:
Re-did the K-Map and found Z = A'C'D + B'C'D + A'CD'

I cannot find out what you are doing. Which BCD-code and which gray-code ar you using?

As for the BCD- and gray-codes shown in #4, the result is:

Z = C ⊕ D = ( C * !D ) + ( !C * D )

( ! means "not" )
 

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