Parallel in / Parallel out (PIPO) shift register – effect of clocking after a parallel load A 4-bit PIPO register is loaded with D3 D2 D1 D0 = 0 1 1 1 (i.e., D0 = 1, D1 = 1, D2 = 1, D3 = 0). After three left-shifts on the subsequent clock pulses (zero fill), what are Q3 Q2 Q1 Q0?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 1000

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Many parallel-access registers support both a parallel load and shift operations. This question checks whether you can track the bit pattern through several left shifts after an initial parallel load.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Initial parallel load: Q3 Q2 Q1 Q0 = 0 1 1 1 (from D3=0, D2=1, D1=1, D0=1).
  • Three left shifts are applied on subsequent clock pulses.
  • On left shift, zero is shifted into Q0 (zero fill).
  • No additional loads during the three clocks.


Concept / Approach:
A left shift moves each bit toward the MSB. Q3 is discarded each shift, Q0 receives a zero. Track the pattern step by step for three clocks.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Initial after load: 0 1 1 1After 1st left shift: 1 1 1 0After 2nd left shift: 1 1 0 0After 3rd left shift: 1 0 0 0


Verification / Alternative check:
Count the number of ones: initially three ones. After three left shifts with zero fill in a 4-bit word, only the most significant position remains 1 and the rest become 0, giving 1000 as obtained.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 1110: This is the result after a single left shift, not after three shifts.
  • 0001: Would correspond to three right shifts with zero fill from 0111, not left shifts.
  • 1100: This is the state after two left shifts, not three.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Confusing left shift with right shift direction.
  • Assuming circular rotation; here, it is a shift with zero fill, not a rotate.
  • Forgetting that the parallel load sets the starting Q3..Q0.


Final Answer:
1000

More Questions from Shift Registers

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion