Assignment: Number Systems and Coding Representations
1. Conversion Process
To begin, I take the first three digits of my birthdate as instructed. Suppose my birthdate
is 04-07-1999, the first three digits become 407. This decimal number will be converted
into binary, octal, and hexadecimal.
Step 1: Convert Decimal to Binary
The binary system is base-2, using digits 0 and 1. The conversion is performed by
repeatedly dividing the number by 2 and recording remainders:
- 407 ÷ 2 = 203 remainder 1
- 203 ÷ 2 = 101 remainder 1
- 101 ÷ 2 = 50 remainder 1
- 50 ÷ 2 = 25 remainder 0
- 25 ÷ 2 = 12 remainder 1
- 12 ÷ 2 = 6 remainder 0
- 6 ÷ 2 = 3 remainder 0
- 3 ÷ 2 = 1 remainder 1
- 1 ÷ 2 = 0 remainder 1
Reading the remainders upward, 407 in binary is 110010111.
Step 2: Convert Decimal to Octal
The octal system is base-8, using digits 0–7. We divide by 8 and record remainders:
- 407 ÷ 8 = 50 remainder 7
- 50 ÷ 8 = 6 remainder 2
- 6 ÷ 8 = 0 remainder 6
Reading upward, 407 in octal is 627.
Step 3: Convert Decimal to Hexadecimal
The hexadecimal system is base-16, using digits 0–9 and A–F. Divide by 16:
- 407 ÷ 16 = 25 remainder 7
- 25 ÷ 16 = 1 remainder 9
- 1 ÷ 16 = 0 remainder 1
Thus, 407 in hexadecimal is 197.
Summary:
- Decimal: 407
- Binary: 110010111
- Octal: 627
- Hexadecimal: 197
2. Importance of Conversion Skills in Industry
In the technical industry, proficiency in number system conversions is crucial because
digital systems rely on multiple representations of data. Two important use cases are:
1. Embedded Systems Development: Engineers working with microcontrollers often
handle data in binary or hexadecimal to configure registers, manage memory, and
optimize code performance. Misunderstanding conversions could result in faulty system
behavior.
2. Networking and Data Communication: Protocols such as IPv4/IPv6 rely on binary and
hexadecimal formats. A professional must fluently convert between decimal, binary, and
hex to debug connectivity issues, configure devices, and ensure interoperability between
systems.
3. Comparison of Coding Representations
When communicating data between systems, choosing the correct coding representation
is vital. Below is a comparison of three common standards:
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange):
- Character set size: 128 characters
- Compatibility: Excellent with older systems
- Applications: Text files, programming languages, legacy devices
- Efficiency: Lightweight but limited, cannot represent many global characters
Unicode (UTF-8 encoding):
- Character set size: Over 143,000 characters
- Compatibility: Widely supported across modern platforms
- Applications: Multilingual software, web development, international systems
- Efficiency: Variable length (1–4 bytes), efficient for global applications
BCD (Binary-Coded Decimal):
- Character set size: Limited to decimal digits (0–9) encoded in binary
- Compatibility: Often used in calculators and financial systems
- Applications: Banking, currency transactions, digital displays
- Efficiency: Less compact than binary but prevents rounding errors
Recommendation: For this project, I recommend Unicode (UTF-8). Since the system
must communicate across various devices and possibly across languages, Unicode
ensures compatibility, a broad character set, and efficiency in modern computing.
4. Example of the Importance of Coding Representation
Consider an international e-commerce platform exchanging customer names, addresses,
and product details. If ASCII were used instead of Unicode, many characters from non-
English alphabets (such as Arabic, Chinese, or accented European letters) would be lost
or misrepresented. This could result in incorrect shipping addresses, failed transactions,
or poor customer experiences.
By choosing Unicode, the system ensures accurate representation of global text, seamless
data exchange, and reliable customer service. Had ASCII been used, the project might
have failed in non-English markets, leading to financial losses and reputational damage.
Conclusion
Mastering number system conversions enables professionals to work confidently in fields
like embedded systems and networking. Understanding and selecting suitable coding
representations, such as Unicode, is equally important for accurate communication across
diverse systems. By following systematic conversion processes, recognizing the
significance of these skills, and carefully choosing coding standards, professionals can
ensure reliable, efficient, and globally compatible technological solutions.
References
Forouzan, B. A. (2017). Foundations of computer science. Cengage Learning.
Stallings, W. (2018). Computer organization and architecture: Designing for performance
(11th ed.). Pearson.
Unicode Consortium. (2024). The Unicode Standard. https://www.unicode.org
