A digital circuit processes discrete signals represented by binary code (0s and 1s). It operates on digital information, offering precise and reliable processing in modern electronic systems.
Also see: Digital Number Systems Handbook
A digital circuit is a circuit that operates using digital signals, which are discrete signals representing two states: logic 0 (typically represented by a low voltage level) and logic 1 (typically represented by a high voltage level). Digital circuits are widely used in electronic devices to perform various tasks such as data processing, computation, and control.
An example of Digital Circuit:
The figure below displays equivalent circuit for the Exclusive-OR gate uses a strategy of two AND gates with inverters, set up to generate ”high” (1) outputs for input conditions 01 and 10. A final OR gate then allows either of the AND gates’ ”high” outputs to create a final ”high” output:
Also see: SSI vs MSI vs LSI vs VLSI vs ULSI vs WSI vs SoC vs 3D-IC
Key characteristics of digital circuits include:
- Binary Representation: Digital circuits use binary digits (bits) to represent information. These bits can have values of 0 or 1, and combinations of these values are used to represent different data or instructions.
- Digital Logic Gates: Digital circuits are constructed using digital logic gates, which are basic building blocks that perform logical operations (AND, OR, NOT, etc.) on input signals to produce output signals. See complete Digital Logic Gate Full Cheat Sheet here
- Combinational and Sequential Logic: Digital circuits can be classified into two main types – combinational and sequential. Combinational logic circuits produce outputs solely based on their current inputs, while sequential logic circuits incorporate memory elements (like flip-flops) to store information, allowing them to have a state that depends on both current inputs and previous states.
- Integrated Circuits (ICs): Digital circuits are often implemented using integrated circuits, which are compact assemblies of transistors, resistors, capacitors, and other components on a single chip. These ICs can contain thousands or even millions of transistors, enabling the creation of complex digital systems.
- Boolean Algebra: Digital circuits are analyzed and designed using Boolean algebra, which uses mathematical operations and rules to manipulate binary variables and expressions.
Also see: Microprocessor MCQs
Examples of digital circuits include microprocessors, memory units, arithmetic logic units (ALUs), and other components found in computers, smartphones, digital cameras, and many other electronic devices. Digital circuits offer advantages such as high noise immunity, ease of replication, and the ability to process information with high precision.