Magnitude comparator trainer is intended to study the comparison between two binary number systems. It is used to determine the weight-age of two binary numbers and decide which number is (a) equal = (b) less than < or (c) greater than > the other number. This is an important concept that is used extensively in digital communications systems. This comparison is analogues to

determine which car is running faster than the other or which is cheaper than the other etc. Of-course one has to decide this after due consideration of comparing other operating parameters also. The application of magnitude comparison is very wide in nature and the limit is only imagination and innovation.

For example, the result of such a comparison is used to set the duty cycle of a clock signal that is used to generate synchronization signal. Therefore it is necessary to understand what this magnitude comparator is all about. The scope of this trainer restricts itself in experimenting to find out upto the comparisons only.

This trainer uses 8-bit magnitude comparator as basic building block. The necessary signal generation is accomplished by using switches as inputs and LEDs as output indicators. This trainer uses two sets of BCD thumbwheel switches as inputs. One set of two (the first switch in units position, the other in tens position) switches-A, act as a comparing input while the other set of two switches-B, as compared number. There by allowing you to set numbers in the range of 0 to 9910, as inputs to the comparator. There are two numbers of 4 bit magnitude comparators, with a provision to cascade the outputs of first block with the inputs of next block, thus allowing you to make an 8bit comparator system. This trainer has other associated electronics also as part of the experimental setup.