If your like me and you suck at basic math then instead of taking out your calculator or using your fingers , you can use this 4-bit binary adder . This is a very simple but fun circuit to build and is used in phones , computers and of course calculators .

Supplies

For this circuit you will need :
SN5483AJ
LED (×4)
220 ohm (×4)
5V battery

Step 1: FOLLOW THE SCHEMATIC

So this circuit relies on the SN5483AJ IC which is a 4 bit binary adder IC and the LEDs are simply there so that we can observe the output of the IC.

Pins 1 , 3 , 8 and 10 are inputs for the first 4 bit number and pins 4, 7 , 11 and 16 are the inputs for our second 4 bit binary number . Pins 5 and 12 are simply 5V and ground respectively.

Step 2: HOW TO WORK IT

In order to use the IC you have to connect inputs A,B,C and D to either ground or 5V producing one binary number . Then you connect pins 1,2,3 and 4 to either ground or 5V producing the same or a different number .Remember that it is a binary input so if you only connect , for example , B to 5V then your first binary number will be 2 and not 1.

Step 3: THROW AWAY YOUR CALCULATOR

Try out different inputs and see if you get the expected result . If you are having issues with your outputs then try separating the input pins from one another and or of course check for faulty connections .