# IEC general code converter (X/Y)

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/iec-code-converter
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: X/Y
Drawing use: Schematic
Reference families: IEC, Manufacturer

## Symbol convention

Convention: IEC
Form: Rectangular element with X/Y qualifier where X and Y name the codes
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.

IEC element marked X/Y, the general coder converting one code, named X, into another, named Y.

## In plain English

### What does IEC general code converter (X/Y) mean?

The general coder additional drawing mark X/Y is replaced on a real symbol by the names of the input and output codes, such as BIN/GRAY or DEC/BCD. Where the codes are not standard, inputs and outputs carry numbers and a table on the drawing gives the relationship. TI's overview also shows coders embedded in larger symbols to produce affecting inputs for dependency notation.

### A simple example

On control and protection logic drawings, a code converter may represent a lookup in a PLC or a hardware coder converting a selector position code into commands. Including the conversion table is essential because the X/Y label alone does not define the mapping for non-standard codes.

### What the drawings help you do

The element does not state travel timing or behaviour for invalid input codes. State those in notes where they matter.

### This particular reference

IEC element marked X/Y, the general coder converting one code, named X, into another, named Y. Specific coders such as BIN/OCT or BCD/7SEG are instances of this general form with standard code names.

### Terms

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

Concept diagram: Identify the device and form → Read the connections and state → Check 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.

- [Overview of IEEE Standard 91-1984: explanation of logic symbols (SDYZ001A)](https://www.ti.com/lit/ml/sdyz001a/sdyz001a.pdf)


## What it represents

The general coder qualifier X/Y is replaced on a real symbol by the names of the input and output codes, such as BIN/GRAY or DEC/BCD. Where the codes are not standard, inputs and outputs carry numbers and a table on the drawing gives the relationship. TI's overview also shows coders embedded in larger symbols to produce affecting inputs for dependency notation.
On control and protection logic drawings, a code converter may represent a lookup in a PLC or a hardware coder converting a selector position code into commands. Including the conversion table is essential because the X/Y label alone does not define the mapping for non-standard codes.
The element does not state propagation timing or behaviour for invalid input codes. State those in notes where they matter.

## How to read it

- Replace X and Y with code names on a real symbol.
- Look for a conversion table on the sheet.

## Information to show or reference

- Name both codes or provide a table.
- Number inputs and outputs consistently with the table.
- State behaviour for invalid codes.

## Important distinction

Specific coders such as BIN/OCT or BCD/7SEG are instances of this general form with standard code names.

## Facts

- Qualifier: X/Y
- Non-standard codes: Require a conversion table
- Artwork scope: Original educational illustration; consult the applicable standard and the selected device documentation for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [Overview of IEEE Standard 91-1984: explanation of logic symbols (SDYZ001A)](https://www.ti.com/lit/ml/sdyz001a/sdyz001a.pdf) — Texas Instruments. General coder qualifier and use of a coder to produce affecting inputs.

## Graphic scope

Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.