Dual Dice Using BCD Converter & 7-Segment Display
1. Project Description
This project demonstrates the design and implementation of an electronic dual-dice system using digital logic ICs, a timer circuit, and 7-segment displays. The system generates random dice values (1–6) and displays them on two separate 7-segment displays. Each dice circuit is implemented on a separate breadboard, and they share a common push-button trigger. The project highlights practical applications of digital electronics, timing circuits, counters, and display drivers.
2. Objective
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To design and implement an electronic dual dice system capable of generating random values from 1 to 6.
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To utilize digital ICs for sequential counting and display driving.
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To understand the practical application of timers, decade counters, and BCD-to-7-segment decoders.
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To develop a dual-dice arrangement replicating traditional dice functionality for games.
3. Components
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IC NE555 – Timer IC configured in astable mode to generate clock pulses.
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IC CD4017 – Decade counter used to sequence outputs (representing dice values).
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IC 4511 – BCD-to-7-segment display driver for decoding and driving the display.
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7-Segment Displays (Common Cathode) – To visually represent dice numbers (1–6).
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Push button (for triggering and oscillation control).
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Resistors and capacitors (for timing control of the 555).
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Breadboards and connecting wires.
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Power supply (9V DC regulated).
4. Working Principle
1. Pulse Generation (NE555 Timer):
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The NE555 timer is configured in astable mode to generate continuous clock pulses.
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When the push button is pressed, the 555 oscillator starts generating high-frequency pulses, simulating randomization.
2. Counting Sequence (CD4017 Decade Counter):
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The clock pulses are fed into the CD4017 counter.
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The CD4017 has 10 outputs (Q0–Q9), but only 6 are used to represent dice values (1–6).
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Unused outputs are either left unconnected or used for feedback to reset after the 6th output, ensuring the counter cycles between 1 and 6.
3. Display Driving (IC 4511 BCD to 7-Segment Decoder):
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The output of the CD4017 (in BCD format) is fed into the 4511 decoder IC.
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The 4511 decodes the BCD signals and drives the 7-segment display accordingly.
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Each dice value (1–6) is displayed clearly on the 7-segment display.
4. Dual Dice Configuration:
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The NE555 timer is configured in astable mode to generate continuous clock pulses.
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When the push button is pressed, the 555 oscillator starts generating high-frequency pulses, simulating randomization.
Circuit Diagram
Circuit diagram of the Dice system using NE555 Timer, CD4017 Decade Counter, and 4511 BCD-to-7-Segment Decoder.
5. Hardware & Results
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The hardware consists of two breadboards, each implementing one dice circuit with ICs and a 7-segment display.
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Upon pressing the button, both dice start to oscillate, and when released, the displays freeze at random values between 1 and 6.
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This replicates the functionality of traditional mechanical dice in a digital form.
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Result: The dual dice system successfully demonstrates digital random number generation and real-time display.
Hardware setup and output of the Dual Dice system.
6. Applications
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Can be used as an electronic replacement for traditional dice in board games.
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Demonstrates practical use of digital electronics, counters, and display drivers for educational purposes.
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Useful as a teaching aid in laboratories to explain timing circuits, sequential logic, and display interfacing.
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Can be extended into random number generation circuits for basic gaming and simulation systems.
7. Conclusion
The Dual Dice project successfully demonstrates the integration of timing circuits, counters, and display drivers to replicate real-world applications of digital electronics. The use of two dice operating simultaneously under a common trigger provides a practical example of synchronous digital systems. This project enhances understanding of IC-level design and lays the groundwork for more advanced digital system applications.