Experiment 5 - The 2-bit Magnitude Comparator

A 2-bit magnitude comparator compares two 2-bit numbers.

From the truth table you realize immediately, that a 2-bit magnitude comparator is much more demanding.

Although you can still simplify the truth table, one possible circuit still looks like this...

Circuit diagram of a 2-bit magnitude comparator.

This is not a circuit that you can quickly build up on your breadboard. With each further digit, the circuit becomes more complicated.

Therefore, it is time to use the C-MOS IC 4063, with a pre-programmed 4-bit magnitude comparator...