IEC · HPRI/BIN

IEC priority encoder (HPRI/BIN)

IEC coder marked HPRI/BIN that outputs the binary number of the highest-priority active input.

In plain English

What does IEC priority encoder (HPRI/BIN) mean?

A priority encoder is shown as an X/Y coder with the additional drawing mark HPRI/BIN: highest priority in, binary out. Inputs are numbered by priority, and outputs carry binary weights. Additional outputs often signal that any input is active, which lets stages be cascaded.

A simple example

On control drawings priority encoders reduce many alarm or request lines to a code, for example to identify the most important active fault for display. The input numbering must match the intended priority order.

Identify the device and formRead the connections and stateCheck the equipment reference
A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.

What the drawings help you do

The symbol does not state whether inputs are latched. If the encoder input is a momentary event, a latch stage is needed before it.

This particular reference

IEC coder marked HPRI/BIN that outputs the binary number of the highest-priority active input. A plain binary encoder assumes only one input active; HPRI resolves multiple active inputs.

Signal
Electrical information passed between devices, rather than necessarily the main power supply.
Schematic
A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.

Read the source: Overview of IEEE Standard 91-1984: explanation of logic symbols (SDYZ001A) · SN74HC148 — priority encoding

IEC · X/Y coder with HPRI/BIN qualifier

Qualifying-symbol and dependency conventions as explained in TI's public overview of IEEE Std 91-1984, which incorporates IEC 617-12 work. Independent educational drawing; not certified IEC geometry or an IEC database identifier. The counterpart is the matching functional concept; no equivalence of every detailed standard graphic is asserted.

Shown as an independently authored educational illustration. Use the cited publication and drawing legend to verify the required drafting form.

Schematic · HPRI/BINIEC priority encoder (HPRI/BIN): original educational illustration
Original educational illustrationNot to scale · See source and graphic notes

What it represents

A priority encoder is shown as an X/Y coder with the qualifier HPRI/BIN: highest priority in, binary out. Inputs are numbered by priority, and outputs carry binary weights. Additional outputs often signal that any input is active, which lets stages be cascaded.

On control drawings priority encoders reduce many alarm or request lines to a code, for example to identify the most important active fault for display. The input numbering must match the intended priority order.

The symbol does not state whether inputs are latched. If the encoder input is a momentary event, a latch stage is needed before it.

How to read it

  • Higher input number normally means higher priority.
  • Look for group-select or any-active outputs used to cascade.

Information to show or reference

  • Number inputs in priority order.
  • Show output weights.
  • Show cascade connections.

A distinction that matters

A plain binary encoder assumes only one input active; HPRI resolves multiple active inputs.

Sources you can follow

These public references support the explanation and provide further detail. Their graphics and downloadable files remain with their publishers.

Overview of IEEE Standard 91-1984: explanation of logic symbols (SDYZ001A)

Coder qualifiers, including code designations.

Texas Instruments · Public reference checked 28 October 2026 · Link only

SN74HC148 — priority encoding

Priority encoder documentation.

Texas Instruments · Public reference checked 14 October 2026 · Link only

About this graphic

This illustration was authored independently by Elora Grid to explain the concept. It is not reproduced from a customer drawing, an official standard graphic or a manufacturer CAD file. Its correspondence to an exact IEC or IEEE symbol identifier has not been certified.

SVG and DXF downloads contain this original artwork. DXF uses unscaled drawing units; a GA envelope supplies no product dimensions, clearances or fabrication information. Original artwork is available under CC BY 4.0. Third-party references retain their own terms.

Entry JSON · Entry Markdown · Last editorial update: 28 October 2026

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