DIGITAL ELECTRONICS PAST QUESTIONS SOLUTION
(2022/2023)
QUESTION ONE
Ai. Briefly expalin digital multiplexer and demultiplexer [2 marks]
ANSWER
A digital multiplexer is a combinational circuit that selects one data input from
multiple sources and route it to a single output based on the select lines' values.
A demultiplexer performs the reverse operation, taking a single input and
routing it to one of several possible outputs based on the select lines.
i. In one sentence give the main function of a multiplexer [1 marks]
ANSWER
The main function of a multiplexer is to select one of many inputs and allow it
to pass through to the output based on the control signals.
ii. Show that x + xy = x [6 marks]
ANSWER
x + xy = x
x(1 + y) = x (Factor out x)
X*1 = x (Identity law: 1 + y = 1.)
x=x (Identity law: x * 1 = x)
iv. Explain k map in relation to graphing [2 marks]
ANSWER
A K-map is a graphical method used to simplify Boolean expressions. It helps
identify patterns and groupings of terms in a truth table, making it easier to
minimize the logic required for a given function.
OR
A K-map is a graphical representation of a logic function’s truth table, where
the minterms are grouped in such a way that it allows one to easily see which of
the minterms can be combined.
Bi. Distinguish between SOP and POS [2 marks]
ANSWER
SOP (Sum of Products) represents a Boolean expression as a sum of terms
where each term is a product of literals.
POS (Product of Sums) represents a Boolean expression as a product of terms
where each term is a sum of literals.
iii. Match the following digital logic families to the statements below
[8 marks]
A. MOS3 B. CMOS4 C. TTL D. ECL
1 That is widespread logic family that has been in operation for some
time and it is considered as standard.
2. That has an advantage in system requiring high speed operation
3. That is suitable for circuits that need high component density
4 That is preferrable in systems requiring low power consumption
ANSWER
ANSWER ONE: C. TTL
ANSWER TWO: D. ECL
ANSWER THREE: A. MOS3
ANSWER FOUR: B. CMOS4
iv. Highlight the problems that arise when algebraic procedure are
adpoted in simplification of Boolean functions [2 marks]
ANSWER
Problems with algebraic procedures in Boolean function simplification include:
1. complexity with larger functions,
2. potential for errors in manual manipulation, and
3. difficulty in visualizing patterns.
iv. Differentiate between latch and register [2 marks]
ANSWER
Latch: A latch is a sequential logic circuit that stores information, typically
with feedback for retaining its state.
Register: A register is a sequential logic circuit composed of multiple flip-flops
used for storing binary data. It has parallel load and parallel output capabilities.
A latch is a sequential logic device that stores one bit of data. It remains in its
current state until the input changes.
A register is a collection of multiple latches that store multiple bits of data. It
has a clock input to synchronize data transfers.
QUESTION 2
Ai. Enumerate the logic gates that are called universal gates, and state the
reasons why that are referred to as universal logic gates? [2 marks]
ANSWER
The universal gates are:
I. NAND and
II. NOR
NAND and NOR gates are called universal gates because any logic function can
be implemented using only combinations of these gates.
They are versatile and can perform all basic logic operations (AND, OR, NOT).
ii. Enumerate the logic gate that can be deployed in encryption technique
[1 marks]
ANSWER
XOR (Exclusive OR) gate is commonly used in encryption techniques due to its
ability to produce a true output only when the number of true inputs is odd.
iii. Use a truth table to prove that x . ( y + z) = (x.y) + (x.z) [5 marks]
ANSWER
x y z x . ( y + z) (x.y) + (x.z)
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 1 0 0
0 1 0 0 0
0 1 1 0 0
1 0 0 0 0
1 0 1 1 1
1 1 0 1 1
1 1 1 1 1
Iv. In digital electronic circuits only two voltage levels are employed, justify
this statement. [2 marks]
ANSWER
In digital electronic circuits, only two voltage levels, typically "high" and "low"
or "1" and "0", are employed due to the binary nature of digital systems. The
adoption of two voltage levels is driven by considerations of simplicity,
reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in digital system design and
implementation.
Bi. Simplify the function using K map f (A, B,C,D) = Σm(0,1,2,4,5,7,11,15)
[10 marks]
ANSWER
ii. Employ an inverter and AND gates to implement 2-bit parallel decoder
[5 marks]
ANSWER
The logic circuit of a 2-bit parallel decoder using an inverter and AND gates is
illustrated below:
Figure 1: 2-bit parallel decoder
As can be seen from Figure 1, an input combination or vector of BA= 00 selects
the mo output line, BA= 01 selects the m1 output line, and so on
QUESTION 3
ai. Base on heating boiler, if chimney is not blocked and the engineering
workshop is cold and the laboratory attender light is lit, then open the main
energy regulatory to begin boiler
b = chimney blocked
c = engineering workshop is cold
i = laboratory attendant lit
e = open energy regulator
Use logic gates to implement the logical expression. [6 marks]
ANSWER
In terms of a logical (Boolean) expression e = (NOT b) AND c AND i
c e = b`.c.i
i
ii. Given the following Boolean expression
F = A`B`C + A`BC +A`BC` + AB`C +ABC
A. Express it in forms of minterms [1 marks]
B. Find the minimal sum of products expression using graphical
method [6 marks]
ANSWER
The minterms are read directly from the map to be 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7.
The function can be expressed in sum of minterms form F(A,B,C)=∑(1,2,3,5,7)
Bi. In a nutshell explain the following logic gates based on their generic
symbol and truth table [2 marks each]
a. AND GATE b. OR GATE c. EXCLUSIVE OR GATE
d. NAND GATE
ANSWER
A. AND GATE
a b y
0 0 0
0 1 0
1 0 0
SYMBOL 1 1 1
TRUTH TABLE
B. OR GATE
a b y
0 0 0
0 1 1
1 0 1
SYMBOL
1 1 1
TRUTH TABLE
C. EXCLUSIVE OR GATE
a b y
0 0 0
0 1 1
SYMBOL 1 0 1
1 1 0
TRUTH TABLE
C. NAND GATE
a b y
0 0 0
0 1 1
SYMBOL 1 0 1
1 1 0
TRUTH TABLE
ii. State Demorgan’s laws [1 marks]
ANSWER
DeMorgan's Laws state two fundamental rules in Boolean algebra:
The First Law: The complement of the product of two variables is equal to the
sum of the complements of the variables.
Mathematically:
(A⋅ B)′=A′+B′
The Second Law: The complement of the sum of two variables is equal to the
product of the complements of the variables.
Mathematically:
(A+B)′=A′⋅ B′
iii. Evaluate the tens compliment of the following [2 marks]
a. 012398
b. 246700
ANSWER
The 10’s complement of 012398 is (10^6 ─ 1) ─ 012398 = 987601
The 10’s complement of 246700 is (10^6 ─ 1) ─ 246700 = 753299
Iv. Evaluate the 2’s compliment of the following [2 marks]
a. 1101100
b. 0110111
ANSWER
The 2’s complement of 1101100 is: (2^7─ (1101100)) = 0010100
The 2’s complement of 0110111 is: (2^7 ─ (0110111)) = 1001001
QUESTION FOUR
Ai. Differentiate between combinatorial and sequential circuits with one
examples each [2 marks]
ANSWER
Combinatorial logic circuit is defined as a circuit whose outputs rely only on its
present inputs. Example include, decoder, digital multiplexer etc.
Sequential logic circuit is a circuit whose outputs do not rely only on the current
inputs, but also on the previous sequence of inputs. Such as register, traffic
controller and counter etc.
ii. As a Digital Electronics Engineer kindly highlight the essence of digital
systems over analog systems [6 marks]
ANSWER
1. Digital systems offer more flexibility than do analog systems in that they
can be more easily programmed to perform any desired algorithm
2. Digital circuits provide for more powerful processing capabilities in terms
of speed
3. Numeric information can be depicted digitally with greater precision and
range than it can with analog signals
4. Information storage and retrieval functions are much easier to implement in
digital form than in analog.
5. Digital techniques allow the use of built-in error detection and correction
mechanisms
6. Digital systems lend themselves to miniaturization more than do analog
systems.
v. Derive a truth table from the circuit diagram below [5 marks]
NOTE: I SAW THIS QUESTION IN MY DREAM, MAKE SURE TO
LEARN AND UNDERSTAND IT
ANSWER
In the diagram about, the function P and Q is given as:
P = (B`+C+A`) + (A+B)
Q = (B`+C) + A`
Hence,
The truth table of the circuit is:
A B C A` B` C` (B`+C) (A+B) (B`+C) + A` (B`+C+A`) + (A+B)
0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 1
0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 1
0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 1
0 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1
1 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 1
1 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1
1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 1
vi. Succinctly distinguished between discrete time signal and digital signal
[4 marks]
ANSWER
Discrete Time Signal: This type of signal represents a sequence of values,
typically sampled at specific discrete points in time. It can be continuous or
discrete in amplitude but is always defined at discrete instants of time.
WHILE
Digital Signal: A digital signal is a signal that consists of discrete vales that are
typically represented using binary digits (0s and 1s)
B convert the following hexadecimal numbers to binary
[1/2 marks each]
I.BEAD16
II. 9F.46C16
ANSWER
BEAD16 = 1011 1110 1010 11012
9F.46C16 = 1001 1111. 0100 0110 11002
Ci. Evaluate 100101 by 101 [2 marks]
ANSWER
4ii. Apply a block diagram to illustrate how analog input is converted to
analog output [5 marks]
ANSWER
DAC means Digital To Analog Converter while
ADC means Analog To Digital Converter
