 Working principle

The 8421 code also known as BCD represents decimal digits using four binary bits. The digits 0
through 9 are represented in binary.
On the other hand the 2421 code also represents decimal digits but the bit pattern is different . in the
2421 code each decimal digit is represented using four bits according to the following scheme. For
digits 0-4 the mapping remain the same. For 5-9 a specific mapping is applied.

8421 2421

Num 8 4 2 1 Num 2 4 2 1
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1

2 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 1 0
3 0 0 1 1 3 0 0 1 1
4 0 1 0 0 4 0 1 0 0
5 0 1 0 1 5 0 1 0 1

6 0 1 1 0 6 0 1 1 0

7 0 1 1 1 7 0 1 1 1

8 1 0 0 0 8 1 1 1 0

9 1 0 0 1 9 1 0 0 1

10 1 0 1 0 10 X X X X

11 1 0 1 1 11 X X X X

12 1 1 0 0 12 X X X X

13 1 1 0 1 13 X X X X

14 1 1 1 0 14 X X X X

15 1 1 1 1 15 X X X X
 1 1 1

X X X X

1 1 X X
To find the corresponding digital circuit we have to
use the KMap technique for each of the 2421 code bits
as output with all of the bits of the BCD number as input

1
CD 11
00 01 10
AB
00 A’BC

01

11
A’BD

10

AB’C’
2

CD
00 01 11 10
AB
A’BC
00

1 1 1
01

X X X X
11 A’BD

1 1 X X
10

AB’C’

3
CD
00 01 11 10
AB 1 1 A’B’C
00

1
01

X X X X
11 BC’D

1 1 X X
10

AB’C’
4
CD
00 01 11 10
 AB 1 1
00

1 1
01

X X X X A’D
11

1 X X
10

AB’C

 BLOCK DIAGRAM

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BCD Input (8421 Code) 8421 to 2421 Code Converter

BCD Output (2421 Code):** 2421 to 8421 Code Converter

 Detailed Description:

BCD Input (8421 Code):Represents the binary-coded decimal number in the 8421 code.
 8421 to 2421 Code Converter: Converts the BCD input from the 8421 code to the 2421 code.Includes the logic for
rearranging the bits within each 4-bit group.
2421 to 8421 Code Converter: Converts the BCD input from the 2421 code back to the 8421 code.Includes the logic
for rearranging the bits within each 4-bit group.
BCD Output (2421 Code): Represents the resulting binary-coded decimal number in the 2421 code after the
conversion.

 Operational Flow:
1. The BCD input in the 8421 code is fed into the "8421 to 2421 Code Converter."
2. The "8421 to 2421 Code Converter" processes the input, rearranging the bits within each 4-bit group to convert the
BCD number to the 2421 code.
3. The converted BCD number in the 2421 code is then passed to the "2421 to 8421 Code Converter."
4. The "2421 to 8421 Code Converter" processes the input, rearranging the bits within each 4-bit group to convert the
BCD number back to the 8421 code.
5. The final BCD output in the 2421 code is obtained.
This block diagram provides a high-level overview of the 8421 to 2421 code conversion system, emphasizing the input,
conversion processes, and output stages. The actual implementation details, such as specific logic gates and circuitry,
would depend on the level of abstraction and the hardware/software platform used for the implementation.

 Real-Time Application:
The 8421 to 2421 code converter can find applications in various digital systems where binary-coded decimal
(BCD) representation is used. Here are a few potential applications:
1. Display Systems:
Seven-Segment Displays: Many digital displays, such as seven-segment displays, use BCD representation. The
converter can be employed to switch between different BCD codes based on the requirements of the display system.
2.Calculator Design:
Decimal Arithmetic Units: In the design of calculators or digital arithmetic units, BCD representation is often used. The
converter can be utilized to adapt between different BCD codes depending on the calculator's internal architecture.
3. Process Control Systems:
Industrial Automation: In certain process control systems where decimal data is crucial, the converter can be employed to
handle BCD representations. This is especially relevant in industrial applications where precise control is required.
4. Embedded Systems:
Microcontroller Applications: BCD is sometimes used in microcontroller applications where decimal representation is
essential. The converter can be integrated into embedded systems to facilitate communication between different
subsystems using different BCD codes.
5. Digital Signal Processors (DSP):
-BCD Processing in DSP: In digital signal processing applications that involve BCD representation, the converter can be
utilized to adapt between different BCD codes before further processing.
6. Communication Systems:
Serial Communication Protocols: In communication systems that use BCD for transmitting decimal data, the converter
can be used to ensure compatibility between different devices that may use different BCD codes.
7. Test Equipment:
Test and Measurement Devices BCD representation is sometimes used in test equipment. The converter can be
employed to standardize BCD representation when integrating multiple devices or modules.
8. Legacy System Integration:
Updating Systems In cases where there are existing systems that use one BCD code, and there is a need to upgrade or
integrate new components that use a different BCD code, the converter can be used to bridge the gap.