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In digital electronics, a binary decoder is a combinational logic circuit that converts binary information from the n coded inputs to a maximum of 2 unique outputs. They are used in a wide variety of applications, including instruction decoding, data multiplexing and data demultiplexing, seven segment displays, and as address decoders for memory and port-mapped I/O.
There are several types of binary decoders, but in all cases a decoder is an electronic circuit with multiple input and multiple output signals, which converts every unique combination of input states to a specific combination of output states. In addition to integer data inputs, some decoders also have one or more "enable" inputs. When the enable input is negated , all decoder outputs are forced to their inactive states.
Depending on its function, a binary decoder will convert binary information from n input signals to as many as 2 unique output signals. Some decoders have less than 2 output lines; in such cases, at least one output pattern may be repeated for different input values.
A binary decoder is usually implemented as either a stand-alone integrated circuit or as part of a more complex IC. In the latter case the decoder may be synthesized by means of a hardware description language such as VHDL or Verilog. Widely used decoders are often available in the form of standardized ICs.