Digital Electronics

NUMBERING SYSTEMS

INTRODUCTION

Mathematical computations have been performed using decimal numbers 0–9 for ages. All the data from the commercial bills to the very countdown timing for the launch of a satellite is done using decimal digits. Owing to the extensive usage of decimal number system, the other number systems are overshadowed. However, these decimal representations are restricted to manual counting, while computerized counting requires an alternative method—binary system. Computers cannot operate 10 digits as its processor’s circuitry has millions of tiny switches that have to be either turned ON or OFF. It works only in two states: when the switch is in ON state its input is 1 and when the switch is in OFF state it is 0. These digits ...