Binary Number System-ICT 101 Discrete Mathematics for IT
Introduction
The binary number system also is known as the base-2 number system. This method represents numbers that are made up of two numerals i.e., 1 & 0 only. All computer manipulation and data, including movies, songs, graphics, numbers, text, etc. is done by using binary number systems. Using binary number 1 + 1 equals 10 not 2 because 2 is not in the binary number system. This is known base-10 number system. Another complicated system known as base-16 is also used in this system. Base-16 is also called a hexadecimal system. This is most widely used by programmers because it is more convenient as compared to base-10 or decimal system. Conversion from binary to hexadecimal is easier and vice versa.
Article and Book References
I have studied several articles and books while doing my research upon the binary number system. Three of my readings are mentioned below:
- Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software(Book) by Charles Petzold
- A Framework for Dynamic Binary Translation (Book) by Jason Souloglou
- Development of the Binary Number System and the Foundations of Computer Science of Computer Science (Article) by Daniel R. Lande
Article and Book Review
Review 1: History
The back end of all computer functioning is controlled by binary number system, which means that there is a code of either 0 or 1in between which the function toggles. The human brain may be faster than a computer in other ways of life but the binary system has made human life easier by running systems in a way much faster than the human brain. There might be tasks that would take so long to perform but the binary number system made it easier by coding. Gottfried Leibniz was the founder of the binary number system. He formalized the system and later solidified it by means of an analysis of Chinese I Ching. Some people have named Leibniz as the world’s first computer scientist. In the history of technology, the binary number system is considered to be the most influential development (Petzold, 2000).
Review 2: Binary to text Translation
The conversion of binary to text is a two-step process. In the first step, each letter is converted into its decimal version using some standard charts. By means of these charts, the decimal number is then converted to the letter, and which combines to form a sentence. Similarly, if we wish to convert text to binary, we will start by converting each letter to its binary number which is later converted into binary form (Souloglou, 1996).
Review 3: Applications of binary number systems
Today many modern applications use binary coding. Information technology is the field where binary coding is widely used. The whole computer language and programming is based upon the two-digit number. A big example of this is a picture shown upon our computer screen which is made up of pixels. These pixels on the back end are made up of binary codes basically. There are several other examples of its application such as modem sending the signal into phone lines, circuits switching on and off, etc.(Lande, 2014).
Application in information technology and My interest
Information technology uses several number systems. Decimal and hexadecimal systems are most commonly used. The decimal system is known by most of us as it is used in day-to-day activities. Binary system is not only used in computers but also in other fields such as physics, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. Since my interest is in electrical connection with binary number system. I will dig down deeply how the binary system is used in electrical systems.
The digital to Analogue conversion process is used in digital and analogue circuits. An example of this is a modem converting digital computer data into audio analogue signals that are later transmitted through the connection of telephone lines. The operation of circuits is based upon how binary numbers are converted into signals that have a theoretical meaning. Let’s see how the binary number system I used in circuits. The analogue voltage is represented by means of binary numbers. For example, an 8-bit number would represent decimal number between the range 0-255 hence we can say that an 8-bit number will be representing voltage between 0 to 2.55 Volts. The device that aids in digital to analogue conversion is known as DAC (DiMediagital to Analogue Converter). The figure below shows DAC circuits where we can see that output voltage is connected to binary patterns on the switches.
Looking into this figure, a lay man can never judge that its operations are being controlled by a system known as binary number system, which uses 0 and 1 to programme anything into a final action such as switching on and off or sending signal by means of a modem. This was my interest basically to find out how two simple digits of Maths i.e. 0 and 1 would make up such complicated patterns and end up into practical daily use operations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we can say that without the invention of binary number system, information technology would never have improved this much. Human lives have been made much easier and time-saving by the use of the coding system done by binary number system. Although this is not an easy language and not understood by everyone yet in order to understand and implement this completely, a detailed study or course must be done in computer language and coding. Binary translations are only possible for those who have studied these in detail. As quantum technology has now been introduced, it appears that the binary number system might lose its importance and value and there may come a time when it will completely be replaced by quantum technology. Today, the binary system is ruling upon computer technology all over the world and this is the only means that helps the world stay connected and perform complex tasks in a matter of seconds or minutes.
References
Lande, D.R., 2014. Development of the Binary Number System and the Foundations of Computer Science. The Mathematics Enthusiast, 11(3).
Petzold, C., 2000. Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software. Microsoft Press.
Souloglou, J., 1996. A Framework for Dynamic Binary Translation. University of Manchester.
