Skip to content
geeksforgeeks
  • Tutorials
    • Python
    • Java
    • Data Structures & Algorithms
    • ML & Data Science
    • Interview Corner
    • Programming Languages
    • Web Development
    • CS Subjects
    • DevOps And Linux
    • School Learning
    • Practice Coding Problems
  • Courses
    • DSA to Development
    • Get IBM Certification
    • Newly Launched!
      • Master Django Framework
      • Become AWS Certified
    • For Working Professionals
      • Interview 101: DSA & System Design
      • Data Science Training Program
      • JAVA Backend Development (Live)
      • DevOps Engineering (LIVE)
      • Data Structures & Algorithms in Python
    • For Students
      • Placement Preparation Course
      • Data Science (Live)
      • Data Structure & Algorithm-Self Paced (C++/JAVA)
      • Master Competitive Programming (Live)
      • Full Stack Development with React & Node JS (Live)
    • Full Stack Development
    • Data Science Program
    • All Courses
  • Aptitude
  • Engineering Mathematics
  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Operating System
  • DBMS
  • Computer Networks
  • Digital Logic and Design
  • C Programming
  • Data Structures
  • Algorithms
  • Theory of Computation
  • Compiler Design
  • Computer Org and Architecture
Open In App
Next Article:
Parallel Adder and Parallel Subtractor
Next article icon

Full Subtractor in Digital Logic

Last Updated : 10 Apr, 2025
Comments
Improve
Suggest changes
Like Article
Like
Report

A Full Subtractor is a combinational circuit used to perform binary subtraction. It has three inputs:

  • A (Minuend)
  • B (Subtrahend)
  • B-IN (Borrow-in from the previous stage)

It produces two outputs:

  • Difference (D): The result of the subtraction.
  • Borrow-out (B-OUT): Indicates if a borrow is needed for the next stage.

The full subtractor is essential because a half-subtractor can only subtract the least significant bit (LSB) of binary numbers. However, if a borrow is generated during the subtraction of the LSBs, it will affect the subtraction in the next stages. A full subtractor handles this situation by considering the borrow from the previous stage, ensuring accurate subtraction even when a borrow is present.

The full subtractor is used to subtract binary numbers with borrow handling, making it suitable for multi-bit subtraction in digital circuits like Arithmetic Logic Units (ALUs). 

Full-Subtractor-in-Digital-Logic
Full Subtractor in Digital Logic

Truth Table of Full Subtractor

Input

Output

A

B

Bin

D

Bout

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

1

0

1

0

1

1

0

1

1

0

1

1

0

0

1

0

1

0

1

0

0

1

1

0

0

0

1

1

1

1

1

K-Map for Full Subtractor

From above table we can draw the K-Map as shown for "difference" and "borrow".

Full-Subtractor-in-Digital-Logic-1
K-Map for Difference

Logical expression for difference

The basic expression is:

D = A'B'Bin + A'BBin' + AB'Bin' + ABBin

Factoring common terms:

D = Bin(A'B' + AB) + Bin'(AB' + A'B)

Recognizing XOR and XNOR properties:

A'B' + AB = A XNOR B
AB' + A'B = A XOR B

Substituting these values:

D = Bin(A XNOR B) + Bin' (A XOR B)

Using XNOR identity:

D = Bin ⊕ (A ⊕ B)

Thus, the final simplified expression for the difference in a full subtractor is:
D = (A ⊕ B) ⊕ Bin

Full-Subtractor-in-Digital-Logic-2
K-Map for Borrow

Logical expression for borrow

The borrow (Bout) output is derived as follows:

The basic expression:

Bout = A'B'Bin + A'BBin' + A'BBin + ABBin

Factoring common terms:

Bout = A'Bin(B + B') + A'B(Bin + Bin') + BBin(A + A')

Simplifying:

Bout = A'Bin + A'B + BBin

Alternatively, using another approach:

Bout = A'B'Bin + A'BBin' + A'BBin + ABBin

Factoring common terms:

Bout = Bin(AB + A'B') + A'B(Bin + Bin')

Using XOR and XNOR properties:

AB + A'B' = A XNOR B

Substituting these values:

Bout = Bin(A XNOR B) + A'B

Using XNOR identity:

Bout = Bin (A XOR B)' + A'B

Thus, the final simplified expression for borrow in a full subtractor is:

Logic Circuit for Full Subtractor

Full-Subtractor-in-Digital-Logic-3
Logic Circuit for Full Subtractor

Implementation of Full Subtractor using Half Subtractors

2 Half Subtractors and an OR gate is required to implement a Full Subtractor.

Full-Subtractor-in-Digital-Logic-4
Implementation of Full Subtractors using Half Subtractor

Next Article
Parallel Adder and Parallel Subtractor

H

Harshita Pandey
Improve
Article Tags :
  • Misc
  • GATE CS
  • Digital Logic
Practice Tags :
  • Misc

Similar Reads

    Digital Electronics and Logic Design Tutorials
    Digital Electronics and Logic Design are key concepts in both electronics and computer science. Digital systems are at the core of everything from basic devices like calculators to advanced computing systems. Digital systems use binary numbers (0s and 1s) to represent and process information.Logic g
    4 min read

    Number Systems

    Number System and Base Conversions
    Electronic and digital systems use various number systems such as Decimal, Binary, Hexadecimal and Octal, which are essential in computing. Binary (base-2) is the foundation of digital systems.Hexadecimal (base-16) and Octal (base-8) are commonly used to simplify the representation of binary data. T
    9 min read
    1's and 2's complement of a Binary Number
    Given a binary number s represented as a string. The task is to return its 1's complement and 2's complement in form of an array as [onesComplement, twosComplement].The 1's complement of a binary number is obtained by flipping all its bits. 0 becomes 1, and 1 becomes 0. Positive numbers remain uncha
    8 min read
    BCD or Binary Coded Decimal
    Binary Coded Decimal (BCD) is a binary encoding system in which each decimal digit is represented by a fixed number of binary bits, typically four. Instead of converting the entire decimal number into a binary number, BCD represents each decimal digit separately as its binary equivalent. BCD powers
    6 min read
    Error Detection Codes: Parity Bit Method
    Error Detection Codes: The binary information is transferred from one location to another location through some communication medium. The external noise can change bits from 1 to 0 or 0 to 1. This change in values changes the meaning of the actual message and is called an error. For efficient data t
    6 min read

    Boolean Algebra and Logic Gates

    Logic Gates - Definition, Types, Uses
    Logic Gates are the fundamental building blocks in digital electronics. There are basically seven main types of logic gates that are used to perform various logical operations in digital systems. By combining different logic gates, complex operations are performed, and circuits like flip-flops, coun
    10 min read
    Basic Conversion of Logic Gates
    In the Digital System, logic gates are the basic building blocks.  In these logic gates, we can find the gates having more than one input, but will have only one output. The connection between the input and the output of a gate is based on some logic. Based on this logic, different gates are develop
    6 min read
    Realization of Logic Gate Using Universal gates
    In Boolean Algebra, the NAND and NOR gates are called universal gates because any digital circuit can be implemented by using any one of these two i.e. any logic gate can be created using NAND or NOR gates only.Implementation of AND Gate using Universal GatesImplementation using NAND GatesThe AND ga
    6 min read
    Canonical and Standard Form
    Canonical Form - In Boolean algebra, the Boolean function can be expressed as Canonical Disjunctive Normal Form known as minterm and some are expressed as Canonical Conjunctive Normal Form known as maxterm. In Minterm, we look for the functions where the output results in "1" while in Maxterm we loo
    6 min read
    Types of Integrated Circuits
    In this article, we will go through the Types of Integrated Circuits, we will start our article with the introductions of the ICs, then we will go through different types of ICs one by one, At last, we will conclude our article will their applications, advantages, disadvantages and some FAQs. Table
    7 min read

    Minimization Techniques

    Minimization of Boolean Functions
    Boolean functions are used to represent logical expressions in terms of sum of minterms or product of maxterms. Number of these literals (minterms or maxterms) increases as the complexity of the digital circuit increases. This can lead to large and inefficient circuits. By minimizing Boolean functio
    4 min read
    Introduction of K-Map (Karnaugh Map)
    In many digital circuits and practical problems, we need to find expressions with minimum variables. We can minimize Boolean expressions of 3, 4 variables very easily using K-map without using any Boolean algebra theorems. It is a tool which is used in digital logic to simplify boolean expression. I
    5 min read
    5 variable K-Map in Digital Logic
    Prerequisite - Implicant in K-Map Karnaugh Map or K-Map is an alternative way to write a truth table and is used for the simplification of Boolean Expressions. So far we are familiar with 3 variable K-Map & 4 variable K-Map. Now, let us discuss the 5-variable K-Map in detail. Any Boolean Express
    5 min read
    Various Implicants in K-Map
    An implicant can be defined as a product/minterm term in Sum of Products (SOP) or sum/maxterm term in Product of Sums (POS) of a Boolean function. For example, consider a Boolean function, F = AB + ABC + BC. Implicants are AB, ABC, and BC. There are various implicant in K-Map listed below :Prime Imp
    5 min read
    Don't Care (X) Conditions in K-Maps
    One of the most important concepts in simplifying output expressions using Karnaugh Maps (K-Maps) is the 'Don't Care' condition. The 'Don't Care' conditions allow us to treat certain cells in a K-Map as either 0, 1, or to ignore them altogether, which can help in forming larger and more efficient gr
    4 min read
    Quine McCluskey Method
    The Quine McCluskey method also called the tabulation method is a very useful and convenient method for simplification of the Boolean functions for a large number of variables (greater than 4). This method is useful over K-map when the number of variables is larger for which K-map formation is diffi
    8 min read
    Two Level Implementation of Logic Gates
    The term "two-level logic" refers to a logic design that uses no more than two logic gates between input and output. This does not mean that the entire design will only have two logic gates, but it does mean that the single path from input to output will only have two logic gates.In two-level logic,
    9 min read

    Combinational Circuits

    Half Adder in Digital Logic
    A half adder is a combinational logic circuit that performs binary addition of two single-bit inputs, A and B, producing two outputs: SUM and CARRY. The SUM output which is the least significant bit (LSB) is obtained using an XOR gate while the CARRY output which is the most significant bit (MSB) is
    3 min read
    Full Adder in Digital Logic
    Full Adder is a combinational circuit that adds three inputs and produces two outputs. The first two inputs are A and B and the third input is an input carry as C-IN. The output carry is designated as C-OUT and the normal output is designated as S which is SUM. The C-OUT is also known as the majorit
    5 min read
    Half Subtractor in Digital Logic
    A half subtractor is a digital logic circuit that performs the binary subtraction of two single-bit binary numbers. It has two inputs, A and B, and two outputs, Difference and Borrow. The Difference output represents the result of subtracting B from A, while the Borrow output indicates whether a bor
    4 min read
    Full Subtractor in Digital Logic
    A Full Subtractor is a combinational circuit used to perform binary subtraction. It has three inputs:A (Minuend)B (Subtrahend)B-IN (Borrow-in from the previous stage)It produces two outputs:Difference (D): The result of the subtraction.Borrow-out (B-OUT): Indicates if a borrow is needed for the next
    3 min read
    Parallel Adder and Parallel Subtractor
    An adder adds two binary numbers one bit at a time using carry from each step. A subtractor subtracts one binary number from another using borrow when needed. A parallel adder adds all bits at once, making addition faster. Similarly, a parallel subtractor subtracts all bits at the same time for quic
    5 min read
    Sequential Binary Multiplier
    In this article, we are going to learn how a sequential binary multiplier works with examples. So for that, we also need to learn a few concepts related to the sequential circuit, binary multipliers, etc. Finally solving the examples using a sequential binary multiplier method.Sequential CircuitA se
    12 min read
    Multiplexers in Digital Logic
    In this article we will go through the multiplexer, we will first define what is a multiplexer then we will go through its types which are 2x1 and 4x1, then we will go through the Implementation of the 2x1 mux and higher mux with lower order mux, at last we will conclude our article with some applic
    10 min read
    Event Demultiplexer in Node.js
    Node.js is designed to handle multiple tasks efficiently using asynchronous, non-blocking I/O operations. But how does it manage multiple operations without slowing down or blocking execution? The answer lies in the Event Demultiplexer.The Event Demultiplexer is a key component of Node.js's event-dr
    3 min read
    Binary Decoder in Digital Logic
    A binary decoder is a digital circuit used to convert binary-coded inputs into a unique set of outputs. It does the opposite of what an encoder does. A decoder takes a binary value (such as 0010) and activates exactly one output line corresponding to that value while all other output lines remain in
    5 min read
    Encoder in Digital Logic
    An encoder is a digital circuit that converts a set of binary inputs into a unique binary code. The binary code represents the position of the input and is used to identify the specific input that is active. Encoders are commonly used in digital systems to convert a parallel set of inputs into a ser
    7 min read
    Code Converters - Binary to/from Gray Code
    In this article, we will go through Code Converters - Binary to/from Gray Code, we will start our article by defining Code converters, Binary code and Gray code, and then we will go through the conversion of binary code to gray code and vice versa.Table Of ContentCode ConvertersBinary CodeGray CodeC
    5 min read
    Magnitude Comparator in Digital Logic
    A magnitude digital Comparator is a combinational circuit that compares two digital or binary numbers in order to find out whether one binary number is equal, less than, or greater than the other binary number. We logically design a circuit for which we will have two inputs one for A and the other f
    7 min read

    Sequential Circuits

    Introduction of Sequential Circuits
    Sequential circuits are digital circuits that store and use the previous state information to determine their next state. Unlike combinational circuits, which only depend on the current input values to produce outputs, sequential circuits depend on both the current inputs and the previous state stor
    7 min read
    Difference between Combinational and Sequential Circuit
    In digital electronics, circuits are classified into two primary categories: The combinational circuits and the sequential circuits. Where the outputs depend on the current inputs are called combination circuit, combinational circuits are simple and effective for functions like addition, subtraction
    4 min read
    Latches in Digital Logic
    Latch is a digital circuit which converts its output according to its inputs instantly. To implement latches, we use different logic gates. In this article, we will see the definition of latches, latch types like SR, gated SR, D, gated D, JK and T with its truth table and diagrams and advantages and
    7 min read
    Flip-Flop types, their Conversion and Applications
    In this article, we will go through the Flip-Flop types, their Conversion and their Applications, First, we will go through the definition of the flip-flop with its types in brief, and then we will go through the conversion of the flip-flop with its applications, At last, we will conclude our articl
    7 min read

    Conversion of Flip-Flop

    Conversion of S-R Flip-Flop into D Flip-Flop
    Prerequisite - Flip-flop1. S-R Flip-Flop : S-R flip-flop is similar to S-R latch expect clock signal and two AND gates. The circuit responds to the positive edge of clock pulse to the inputs S and R. 2. D Flip-Flop : D Flip-Flop is a modified SR flip-flop which has an additional inverter. It prevent
    1 min read
    Conversion of S-R Flip-Flop into T Flip-Flop
    Prerequisite - Flip-flop Here, we will discuss the process of conversion of S-R Flip-Flop into a T Flip-Flop using an example. Rules for conversion: Step-1: Find the characteristics table of required flip-flop and the excitation table of the existing (given) flip-flop. Step-2: Find the expression of
    1 min read
    Conversion of J-K Flip-Flop into T Flip-Flop
    Prerequisite - Flip-flop 1. J-K Flip-Flop: JK flip-flop shares the initials of Jack Kilby, who won a Nobel prize for his fabrication of the world's first integrated circuit, some people speculate that this type of flip flop was named after him because a flip-flop was the first device that Kilby buil
    1 min read
    Conversion of J-K Flip-Flop into D Flip-Flop
    A flip-flop is a basic component of digital electronics. This kind of circuit has two stable states and is frequently used in storing one bit of information. Various flip-flops such as SR (Set-Reset), D (Data or Delay), JK and T belong to this category. Each category has distinct features and functi
    4 min read

    Register, Counter, and Memory Unit

    Counters in Digital Logic
    A Counter is a device which stores (and sometimes displays) the number of times a particular event or process has occurred, often in relationship to a clock signal. Counters are used in digital electronics for counting purpose, they can count specific event happening in the circuit. For example, in
    4 min read
    Ripple Counter in Digital Logic
    Counters play a crucial role in digital logic circuits, enabling tasks such as clock frequency division and sequencing. This article explores the concept of ripple counters, a type of asynchronous counter, their operation, advantages, and disadvantages in digital logic design. What is a Counter?Coun
    5 min read
    Ring Counter in Digital Logic
    A ring counter is a typical application of the Shift register. The ring counter is almost the same as the shift counter. The only change is that the output of the last flip-flop is connected to the input of the first flip-flop in the case of the ring counter but in the case of the shift register it
    7 min read
    General Purpose Registers
    A register is a collection of flip-flops. Single bit digital data is stored using flip-flops. By combining many flip-flops, the storage capacity can be extended to accommodate a huge number of bits. We must utilize an n-bit register with n flip flops if we wish to store an n-bit word.General Purpose
    8 min read
    Shift Registers in Digital Logic
    Pre-Requisite: Flip-FlopsFlip flops can be used to store a single bit of binary data (1 or 0). However, in order to store multiple bits of data, we need multiple flip-flops. N flip flops are to be connected in order to store n bits of data. A Register is a device that is used to store such informati
    8 min read
    Computer Memory
    Computer memory is just like the human brain. It is used to store data/information, and instructions. It is a data storage unit or a data storage device where data is to be processed, and instructions required for processing are stored. Both the input and output can be stored here.It's faster than s
    9 min read
    Random Access Memory (RAM)
    Random Access Memory (RAM) is a type of computer memory that stores data temporarily. When you turn off your computer, the data in RAM disappears, unlike the data on your hard drive, which stays saved. RAM helps your computer run programs and process information faster. This is similar to how the br
    11 min read
    Read Only Memory (ROM)
    Memory plays a crucial role in how devices operate, and one of the most important types is Read-Only Memory (ROM). Unlike RAM (Random Access Memory), which loses its data when the power is turned off, ROM is designed to store essential information permanently.Here, we’ll explore what ROM is, how it
    8 min read

    LMNs and GATE PYQs

    LMN - Digital Electronics
    Digital electronics deals with systems that use digital signals, represented as 0s and 1s, to process information. It is the backbone of modern devices like computers, smartphones, and calculators. Unlike analog electronics, which works with continuous signals, digital electronics offers higher accu
    14 min read
    Digital Logic and Design - GATE CSE Previous Year Questions
    The Digital Logic and Design(DLD) subject has high importance in GATE CSE exam because:moderate number of questions nearly 6-7% of the total papersignificant weightage (6-7 marks) across multiple years This can be seen in the table given below:YearApprox. Marks from Digital LogicNumber of QuestionsD
    2 min read

    Practice Questions - Digital Logic & Design

geeksforgeeks-footer-logo
Corporate & Communications Address:
A-143, 7th Floor, Sovereign Corporate Tower, Sector- 136, Noida, Uttar Pradesh (201305)
Registered Address:
K 061, Tower K, Gulshan Vivante Apartment, Sector 137, Noida, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, 201305
GFG App on Play Store GFG App on App Store
Advertise with us
  • Company
  • About Us
  • Legal
  • Privacy Policy
  • In Media
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise with us
  • GFG Corporate Solution
  • Placement Training Program
  • Languages
  • Python
  • Java
  • C++
  • PHP
  • GoLang
  • SQL
  • R Language
  • Android Tutorial
  • Tutorials Archive
  • DSA
  • Data Structures
  • Algorithms
  • DSA for Beginners
  • Basic DSA Problems
  • DSA Roadmap
  • Top 100 DSA Interview Problems
  • DSA Roadmap by Sandeep Jain
  • All Cheat Sheets
  • Data Science & ML
  • Data Science With Python
  • Data Science For Beginner
  • Machine Learning
  • ML Maths
  • Data Visualisation
  • Pandas
  • NumPy
  • NLP
  • Deep Learning
  • Web Technologies
  • HTML
  • CSS
  • JavaScript
  • TypeScript
  • ReactJS
  • NextJS
  • Bootstrap
  • Web Design
  • Python Tutorial
  • Python Programming Examples
  • Python Projects
  • Python Tkinter
  • Python Web Scraping
  • OpenCV Tutorial
  • Python Interview Question
  • Django
  • Computer Science
  • Operating Systems
  • Computer Network
  • Database Management System
  • Software Engineering
  • Digital Logic Design
  • Engineering Maths
  • Software Development
  • Software Testing
  • DevOps
  • Git
  • Linux
  • AWS
  • Docker
  • Kubernetes
  • Azure
  • GCP
  • DevOps Roadmap
  • System Design
  • High Level Design
  • Low Level Design
  • UML Diagrams
  • Interview Guide
  • Design Patterns
  • OOAD
  • System Design Bootcamp
  • Interview Questions
  • Inteview Preparation
  • Competitive Programming
  • Top DS or Algo for CP
  • Company-Wise Recruitment Process
  • Company-Wise Preparation
  • Aptitude Preparation
  • Puzzles
  • School Subjects
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Social Science
  • English Grammar
  • Commerce
  • World GK
  • GeeksforGeeks Videos
  • DSA
  • Python
  • Java
  • C++
  • Web Development
  • Data Science
  • CS Subjects
@GeeksforGeeks, Sanchhaya Education Private Limited, All rights reserved
We use cookies to ensure you have the best browsing experience on our website. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Cookie Policy & Privacy Policy
Lightbox
Improvement
Suggest Changes
Help us improve. Share your suggestions to enhance the article. Contribute your expertise and make a difference in the GeeksforGeeks portal.
geeksforgeeks-suggest-icon
Create Improvement
Enhance the article with your expertise. Contribute to the GeeksforGeeks community and help create better learning resources for all.
geeksforgeeks-improvement-icon
Suggest Changes
min 4 words, max Words Limit:1000

Thank You!

Your suggestions are valuable to us.

What kind of Experience do you want to share?

Interview Experiences
Admission Experiences
Career Journeys
Work Experiences
Campus Experiences
Competitive Exam Experiences