ITM 151

Digital Logic

TU BITM / BIM · Semester 2 · BITM curriculum and programme regulation

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Dean's Office Official Model Question Paper 2026

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Tribhuvan University

Faculty of Management

Office of the Dean

2082 BS / Regular Examination

Course: ITM 151 · Digital Logic

Level: Bachelor of Information Technology Management (BITM / BIM) (BITM / BIM) · Semester 2

Full Marks: 60

Time: 3 hrs.

Candidates are required to answer all the questions in their own words as far as practicable. Figures in brackets indicate full marks.

  1. Simplify xy+x’z+yz to minimum number of literals using Boolean Algebra.

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    Simplification of xy+xz+yzxy + x'z + yz to Minimum Literals

    Given expression:

    F=xy+xz+yzF = xy + x'z + yz

    Step-by-Step Algebraic Simplification:

    Multiply the third term (yz) by ((x + x’)), which equals 1 (Identity Law):

    F=xy+xz+yz(x+x)F = xy + x'z + yz(x + x')
    F=xy+xz+xyz+xyzF = xy + x'z + xyz + x'yz

    Rearrange and group like terms:

    F=(xy+xyz)+(xz+xyz)F = (xy + xyz) + (x'z + x'yz)

    Factor out common literals:

    F=xy(1+z)+xz(1+y)F = xy(1 + z) + x'z(1 + y)

    Since ((1 + A) = 1) (Dominance Law):

    F=xy(1)+xz(1)F = xy(1) + x'z(1)
    F=xy+xz\mathbf{F = xy + x'z}

    (Note: This is the formal algebraic proof of the Consensus Theorem in Boolean algebra).

  2. Implement OR and AND gate using NAND gates only.

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    Implementation of OR and AND Gates Using NAND Gates Only

    1. AND Gate Implementation (Requires 2 NAND gates):

    • First NAND gate computes (\overline{AB}).
    • Second NAND gate acts as an inverter by tying inputs together:
      Y=AB=ABY = \overline{\overline{AB}} = AB

    2. OR Gate Implementation (Requires 3 NAND gates):

    • Invert (A) using a NAND gate: (\bar{A} = \overline{AA}).
    • Invert (B) using a NAND gate: (\bar{B} = \overline{BB}).
    • Feed (\bar{A}) and (\bar{B}) into a third NAND gate (De Morgan’s Law):
      Y=AˉBˉ=Aˉˉ+Bˉˉ=A+BY = \overline{\bar{A} \cdot \bar{B}} = \bar{\bar{A}} + \bar{\bar{B}} = A + B
  3. We can’t have both input 1 in a basic flip flop constructed with NOR gates. Justify.

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    Justification: Why Input 1 Cannot Be Applied to Both Inputs of a NOR Flip-Flop

    In a basic SR latch constructed from two cross-coupled NOR gates:

    1. Violation of Complementary Outputs: The output of a NOR gate is 0 whenever any of its inputs is 1. When both (S = 1) and (R = 1) are applied:
      Q=R+Qˉ=1+Qˉ=0Q = \overline{R + \bar{Q}} = \overline{1 + \bar{Q}} = 0
      Qˉ=S+Q=1+Q=0\bar{Q} = \overline{S + Q} = \overline{1 + Q} = 0
      This causes both (Q) and (\bar{Q}) to become 0 simultaneously, which violates the fundamental operational definition that (Q) and (\bar{Q}) must always be complements of each other ((Q = \bar{\bar{Q}})).
    2. Metastable Race Condition: When the inputs abruptly transition from (S=1, R=1) back to (0, 0), the gates enter an unpredictable race condition where internal propagation delays dictate which gate stabilizes first, causing indeterminate circuit behavior.
  4. In what case is it economical to use PLA than PAL? Explain.

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    When is it Economical to Use a PLA Rather Than a PAL?

    A Programmable Logic Array (PLA) features both a programmable AND array and a programmable OR array, whereas a PAL (Programmable Array Logic) has a programmable AND array but a fixed OR array.

    Economic Advantages of PLA:

    1. Sharing of Product Terms: When multiple output functions share identical minterms (product terms), a PLA generates each shared product term only once in the AND plane and connects it to multiple OR gates. A PAL cannot share product terms across outputs and must regenerate them redundantly.
    2. Complex Functions with Large Literal Overlap: For intricate multi-output combinational systems (e.g., control unit micro-sequencers, bus decoders), the PLA requires significantly less silicon chip area and fewer total gates, making it more cost-effective.
  5. List out the major characteristics of IC.

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    Major Characteristics of Integrated Circuits (ICs)

    Digital integrated circuits are evaluated based on the following key operational parameters:

    1. Propagation Delay (tpdt_{pd}): The time delay between the application of an input signal and the resulting change at the output (measured in nanoseconds, ns).
    2. Power Dissipation (PDP_D): The electrical power consumed by the IC during operation, dissipated as heat (measured in milliwatts, mW).
    3. Fan-Out: The maximum number of standard logic inputs that the output of an IC gate can drive reliably without voltage degradation.
    4. Noise Margin: The maximum unwanted extraneous voltage noise signal that can be superimposed on the input without causing a false output transition.
    5. Operating Speed / Frequency: The maximum clock frequency at which the IC can reliably function.

  1. Differentiate between T and JK flip-flop along with its Truth Table and logic diagram.

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    Differences Between T and JK Flip-Flop with Truth Table & Diagram

    1. Comparison:

    • A JK Flip-Flop is a universal 2-input sequential element ((J) for Set, (K) for Reset).
    • A T Flip-Flop is a 1-input sequential element derived from the JK flip-flop by tying both (J) and (K) inputs together ((T = J = K)).

    2. Truth Tables:

    JK Flip-Flop:

    (J) (K) Next State ((Q_{n+1})) Mode
    0 0 (Q_n) Hold
    0 1 0 Reset
    1 0 1 Set
    1 1 (\bar{Q}_n) Toggle

    T Flip-Flop:

    (T) Next State ((Q_{n+1})) Mode
    0 (Q_n) Hold (No Change)
    1 (\bar{Q}_n) Toggle (Invert)

    3. Logic Conversion:

    A T flip-flop is created from a JK flip-flop by connecting a single control line (T) directly to both (J) and (K) inputs.

  2. Implement the function F(W,X,Y,Z)=∑(0,2,4,6,10,12,14) using multiplexer.

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    Implement F(W,X,Y,Z)=(0,2,4,6,10,12,14)F(W, X, Y, Z) = \sum(0, 2, 4, 6, 10, 12, 14) Using Multiplexer

    We implement the 4-variable function using an 8:1 Multiplexer.

    • Select lines: Connect the three most significant variables:
      S2=W,S1=X,S0=YS_2 = W, \quad S_1 = X, \quad S_0 = Y
    • Input data lines ((I_0) to (I_7)): Expressed in terms of the remaining variable (Z).

    Implementation Table:

    Select ((W X Y)) MUX Input Minterms with (Z=0) Minterms with (Z=1) Value of Input Line
    0 0 0 (I_0) 0 1 (\bar{Z})
    0 0 1 (I_1) 2 3 (\bar{Z})
    0 1 0 (I_2) 4 5 (\bar{Z})
    0 1 1 (I_3) 6 7 (\bar{Z})
    1 0 0 (I_4) 8 9 0
    1 0 1 (I_5) 10 11 (\bar{Z})
    1 1 0 (I_6) 12 13 (\bar{Z})
    1 1 1 (I_7) 14 15 (\bar{Z})

    Connection Scheme:

    1. Connect select lines: (S_2 = W, S_1 = X, S_0 = Y).
    2. For inputs (I_0, I_1, I_2, I_3, I_5, I_6, I_7): Connect to (\bar{Z}) (via NOT gate from (Z)).
    3. For input (I_4): Connect to Logic 0 (Ground).
  3. Design a 3-bit synchronous binary counter using any flip-flop.

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    Design of a 3-Bit Synchronous Binary Counter Using JK Flip-Flops

    A 3-bit binary counter advances through states: (000 \rightarrow 001 \rightarrow 010 \rightarrow 011 \rightarrow 100 \rightarrow 101 \rightarrow 110 \rightarrow 111 \rightarrow 000).

    Excitation Table for JK Flip-Flops:

    Present State ((Q_2 Q_1 Q_0)) Next State ((Q_2^+ Q_1^+ Q_0^+)) (J_2, K_2) (J_1, K_1) (J_0, K_0)
    0 0 0 0 0 1 (0, X) (0, X) (1, X)
    0 0 1 0 1 0 (0, X) (1, X) (X, 1)
    0 1 0 0 1 1 (0, X) (X, 0) (1, X)
    0 1 1 1 0 0 (1, X) (X, 1) (X, 1)
    1 0 0 1 0 1 (X, 0) (0, X) (1, X)
    1 0 1 1 1 0 (X, 0) (1, X) (X, 1)
    1 1 0 1 1 1 (X, 0) (X, 0) (1, X)
    1 1 1 0 0 0 (X, 1) (X, 1) (X, 1)

    K-Map Simplification:

    • J0=1,K0=1J_0 = 1, \quad K_0 = 1
    • J1=Q0,K1=Q0J_1 = Q_0, \quad K_1 = Q_0
    • J2=Q1Q0,K2=Q1Q0J_2 = Q_1 Q_0, \quad K_2 = Q_1 Q_0

    Circuit Implementation:

    • All clock inputs are tied synchronously to the master clock line.
    • (FF_0): (J_0 = K_0 = 1) (toggles every clock).
    • (FF_1): (J_1 = K_1 = Q_0).
    • (FF_2): (J_2 = K_2 = Q_1 \cdot Q_0) (output of an AND gate receiving (Q_0) and (Q_1)).
  4. What is Shift Register? You are provided with a bit sequence 1101, and you are asked to extract those bits after right shifting. Which shift register would you use? Discuss with necessary block diagrams and timing diagrams.

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    Shift Register Selection for Right Shifting Bit Sequence 1101

    1. Definition of Shift Register:

    A shift register is a cascade of flip-flops sharing a common clock, designed to store binary data and shift the bits laterally from one stage to the next on each clock edge.

    2. Recommended Register:

    For extracting the bit sequence 1101 serially after shifting to the right, a Serial-In Serial-Out (SISO) or Parallel-In Serial-Out (PISO) shift register configured for Right-Shift operation is used.

    3. Operation (4-Bit Right Shift Register):

    • Bits are shifted from (FF_3 \rightarrow FF_2 \rightarrow FF_1 \rightarrow FF_0).
    • On Clock Pulse 1: Input bit 1 enters (FF_3).
    • On Clock Pulse 2: Next bit 1 enters (FF_3); previous bit moves to (FF_2).
    • On Clock Pulse 3: Bit 0 enters (FF_3); previous bits shift right.
    • On Clock Pulse 4: Bit 1 enters (FF_3); register holds 1101.
    • Additional clock pulses extract each bit serially from the (Q_0) output pin.
  5. Design 8X1 multiplexer.

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    Design of 8 × 1 Multiplexer

    An 8 × 1 Multiplexer selects one of 8 input data lines ((I_0) to (I_7)) and directs it to a single output (Y) using 3 select lines ((S_2, S_1, S_0)).

    1. Truth Table:

    (S_2) (S_1) (S_0) Output ((Y))
    0 0 0 (I_0)
    0 0 1 (I_1)
    0 1 0 (I_2)
    0 1 1 (I_3)
    1 0 0 (I_4)
    1 0 1 (I_5)
    1 1 0 (I_6)
    1 1 1 (I_7)

    2. Boolean Function:

    Y=Sˉ2Sˉ1Sˉ0I0+Sˉ2Sˉ1S0I1+Sˉ2S1Sˉ0I2+Sˉ2S1S0I3+S2Sˉ1Sˉ0I4+S2Sˉ1S0I5+S2S1Sˉ0I6+S2S1S0I7Y = \bar{S}_2\bar{S}_1\bar{S}_0 I_0 + \bar{S}_2\bar{S}_1 S_0 I_1 + \bar{S}_2 S_1\bar{S}_0 I_2 + \bar{S}_2 S_1 S_0 I_3 + S_2\bar{S}_1\bar{S}_0 I_4 + S_2\bar{S}_1 S_0 I_5 + S_2 S_1\bar{S}_0 I_6 + S_2 S_1 S_0 I_7

    3. Circuit Realization:

    Consists of three NOT gates (producing (\bar{S}_2, \bar{S}_1, \bar{S}_0)), eight 4-input AND gates, and one 8-input OR gate.

  6. Design a 3-bit synchronous counter.

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    Design of 3-Bit Synchronous Counter (State Equations)

    A 3-bit synchronous counter employs 3 flip-flops clocked simultaneously.

    State Equations:

    • Let the states be (A, B, C) where (C) is LSB.
    • Clock transitions occur simultaneously at all stages.
    • Flip-flop excitation equations:
      TC=1T_C = 1
      TB=CT_B = C
      TA=BCT_A = B \cdot C
      This ensures that (C) toggles every clock, (B) toggles when (C=1), and (A) toggles when both (B=1) and (C=1).
  7. Mention the design procedure of a combinational circuit.

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    Standard Design Procedure of a Combinational Circuit

    Designing a combinational logic circuit follows five sequential steps:

    1. Problem Specification: Clearly define the required functional behavior, inputs, and outputs of the circuit.
    2. Variable Assignment: Identify the number of binary input variables and output variables, assigning distinct letter symbols (e.g., (A, B, C) for inputs; (X, Y) for outputs).
    3. Truth Table Formulation: Construct the truth table defining the exact required output value (0 or 1) for every possible (2^n) input combinations.
    4. Boolean Simplification: Derive Boolean output functions from the truth table and simplify them using Karnaugh Maps (K-Maps) or algebraic laws to minimize literals and gate counts.
    5. Logic Circuit Drawing: Draw the schematic circuit diagram using standard logic gate symbols (or universal NAND/NOR gates).

  1. Design 4X16 decoder using suitable number of 2X4 along with its truth table and explain its operating mechanism.

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    Design of 4 × 16 Decoder Using 2 × 4 Decoders

    A 4 × 16 decoder has 4 inputs ((A_3, A_2, A_1, A_0)) and 16 outputs ((Y_0) to (Y_{15})).

    Hierarchy Construction:

    It is constructed using five 2 × 4 decoders with Enable (E) inputs:

    • 1 Master Decoder (Decoder 0):
      • Inputs: (A_3, A_2)
      • Enabled permanently ((E = 1)).
      • Its 4 outputs ((D_0, D_1, D_2, D_3)) drive the Enable ((E)) inputs of the four secondary decoders.
    • 4 Slave Decoders (Decoders 1 to 4):
      • All 4 share inputs (A_1, A_0).
      • Decoder 1 (Enabled by (D_0)): Generates outputs (Y_0) to (Y_3) when (A_3 A_2 = 00).
      • Decoder 2 (Enabled by (D_1)): Generates outputs (Y_4) to (Y_7) when (A_3 A_2 = 01).
      • Decoder 3 (Enabled by (D_2)): Generates outputs (Y_8) to (Y_{11}) when (A_3 A_2 = 10).
      • Decoder 4 (Enabled by (D_3)): Generates outputs (Y_{12}) to (Y_{15}) when (A_3 A_2 = 11).

    Operating Mechanism:

    Only one slave decoder is active at any given moment based on the high-order bits (A_3, A_2), ensuring strictly one of the 16 outputs is activated.

  2. Design a circuit diagram for a given state diagram following standard design procedure.

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    Circuit Design from State Diagram (Sequential Machine)

    Standard Design Procedure:

    1. State Assignment: Assign binary codes to abstract states (e.g., (S_0 = 00, S_1 = 01, S_2 = 10, S_3 = 11)).
    2. Form State Table: List Present State, Input, Next State, and Output.
    3. Determine Flip-Flop Type: Choose D, JK, or T flip-flops and derive the excitation requirements.
    4. K-Map Simplification: Map Next State and Output functions into K-maps to obtain minimal input equations.
    5. Draw Logic Schematic: Connect flip-flops and combinational gates according to the derived equations.
  3. Design a MOD-16 synchronous Up/Down Counter.

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    Design of MOD-16 Synchronous Up/Down Counter

    A MOD-16 Synchronous Up/Down Counter counts through 16 states ((0000_2) to (1111_2)):

    • When control input (M = 1): Counts UP ((0 \rightarrow 1 \rightarrow 2 \dots \rightarrow 15 \rightarrow 0)).
    • When control input (M = 0): Counts DOWN ((15 \rightarrow 14 \dots \rightarrow 0 \rightarrow 15)).

    Construction (4 T Flip-Flops Q3,Q2,Q1,Q0Q_3, Q_2, Q_1, Q_0):

    • (FF_0) (LSB): Always toggles on every clock edge:
      T0=1T_0 = 1
    • (FF_1): Toggles when (Q_0=1) in UP mode OR when (\bar{Q}_0=1) in DOWN mode:
      T1=MQ0+MˉQˉ0T_1 = M \cdot Q_0 + \bar{M} \cdot \bar{Q}_0
    • (FF_2): Toggles when both (Q_1 Q_0 = 1) (UP) OR when (\bar{Q}_1 \bar{Q}_0 = 1) (DOWN):
      T2=MQ1Q0+MˉQˉ1Qˉ0T_2 = M \cdot Q_1 Q_0 + \bar{M} \cdot \bar{Q}_1 \bar{Q}_0
    • (FF_3) (MSB):
      T3=MQ2Q1Q0+MˉQˉ2Qˉ1Qˉ0T_3 = M \cdot Q_2 Q_1 Q_0 + \bar{M} \cdot \bar{Q}_2 \bar{Q}_1 \bar{Q}_0

    All clock inputs are connected synchronously to the master clock source.