BeginnerTopic 34 of 104Electronics & Embedded
Binary numbers
Digital systems represent information using 0 and 1.
In depth
Binary uses base 2: each bit weight doubles (1,2,4,8…). An n-bit number represents 2ⁿ values. Digital circuits use two voltage levels as 0 and 1. Groups: nibble (4), byte (8), word. Hex is shorthand for four bits.
Key points
- MSB and LSB
- Unsigned range 0 to 2ⁿ-1
- Bit rate vs baud rate
ExampleBinary 1101 = 8+4+0+1 = 13.
Binary is the language of digital circuits, so understanding bits explains how data, addresses and logic are represented.
What is Binary numbers?
Digital systems represent information using 0 and 1.
Why is it important to understand binary numbers?
Binary is the language of digital circuits, so understanding bits explains how data, addresses and logic are represented.
How many values can 8 bits represent?
Two to the eighth, which is 256 values, from 0 to 255 unsigned.
Why do computers use base 2?
Electronic circuits have two stable states that are easy to distinguish, so binary is more reliable than decimal at the hardware level.
How is Binary numbers used in practice?
Typical applications include converting a sensor reading to binary for a microcontroller register, reading a status byte where each bit means a flag and calculating the number of states in an 8-bit address bus.
What should I learn before Binary numbers?
Study "Datasheets" first (topic 33 of 104 in Electronics & Embedded). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
What are the key points of Binary numbers?
MSB and LSB. Unsigned range 0 to 2ⁿ-1. Bit rate vs baud rate.
Can you give an example of Binary numbers?
Binary 1101 = 8+4+0+1 = 13.
What comes after Binary numbers?
The next topic is "Number conversions", which builds directly on this one.
How difficult is Binary numbers?
It is classed as Beginner in Electronics & Embedded (topic 34 of 104). It is an entry-level topic. It relies only on basic school mathematics and the ideas introduced earlier in this discipline.