Are you a newbie to binary-decimal number systems?

If yes then you must use the circuit to understand electronically the binary-decimal conversion.

This project is intended for beginners who are new to binary number systems and to understand the conversion with more fun and deeper understanding.This will let them to learn circuit making on breadboard and using the 7-segment display.

This is based on CD4511 ,BCD to 7 segment latch decoder driver IC.

So let's get started.

Step 1: Parts Required

1. CD4511 IC (1 piece)

2. 1 DIP switch (4 switch version)

3. 7 Segment Common Cathode display

4. Wires

5. 4 resistors of any value between 1-10K

6. 5-7V power source

7. Breadboard/Solder kits

Step 2: Working of Circuit

The heart of the circuit is the CD4511 BCD to 7 segment latch driver IC. What basically it does that it simply can convert a binary value to its equivalent decimal which is shown in the display board.This IC can generate decimal values between 0-9. Inside it contain some logic gates that can take those binary inputs and convert those to values that can drive the 7-segment display. There are 4 inputs.

The 7 segment display has 7 LED connected as in figure.See the pic above. Properly lighting up the LED can show different numbers. The CD4511 can drive those 7LEDs as per the input is received.The logic gates inside the IC take up the responsibility of lighting those LED properly as per the inputs. The datasheet of it is attached here for more info.

Now in digital electronics 0V represent binary 0 and 5V represent binary 1. So when the dip switch is in off position, it represents binary 0 and when on represents 1.See the pic attached for better understanding.So a binary number 0101 represents that 1st switch is off,2nd switch is On,3rd switch is off,4th switch is on. So this switch arrangement will display 5 on the 7 segment display and so on for other numbers.

cd4511b.pdf
Download

Step 3: Making Circuit on Breadboard

Connect the components as in the pics. Check out the pinouts of the IC and connect likewise. The DIP switch might spring out of it's position due to it's small pins. So you might need holding them with your fingers. Use 5-7V for powering it up.Connect any of the middle pins of the display to ground.

Step 4: Using the Circuit

Now switch on represents binary 1 and off represents 0. So now see the pic attached and you will understand the circuit working. Example- 0110(off on on off) will represent 6,0000(off off off off) represents 0 and so on.A table is given for easy reference.

So now play with the circuit and at the end try to remember and memorize all the binary forms of the decimal numbers.It will be helpful in your latter studies.

If in case, when switch up represents off and switch down represents on and output are shown likewise, then simply connect the A input to D, D input to A, B to C, and C to B, i.e. reversing the input lines.

You can also build in a perfboard.

So happy learning and playing with numbers.

In case of any problem like numbers not showing properly or anything else please comment below.