Logic Gates

A logic gate is a digital electronic device or component which is used to perform a predetermined
function or set of functions which are equivalent to a more or less complicated, high speed,
switching circuit. The system or logic which such a gate uses is nowadays almost entirely based on
the binany numbering system although logic gates based on other numbering systems are used. The

binary numbering system uses 2 as its base and employs only two numerals or digits, 0 and 1

This contrasts with the common decimal system which is based on the number "ten" and makes use of
ten digits 0,1,2 ... 8,9. The decimal number, "five", would, in binary notation, be written as " 10 I ''. The
advantage of basing a digital electronic switching device, such as a logic gate, on the binary numbering
systems the simplicity of its electric circuits which are required to operate between ONLY two voltage
levels corresponding to "high" or "low", "on", or "off ", or "logic 1" or "logic 0", respectively. Typical
high and low voltage levels are 5 V and 0 V, respectively.

Truth tables

The truth table of any particular type of logic gate is a commonly- used way of summarizing, in tabular
form, the possible logic states and lor combination of logic state of the input/s to that gate, together
with the resulting: logic state of the output for each possible input or combination of input states.

Circuits involving: combinations of logic i:ates

Circuits involving combinations of two or more logic gates can be designed to perform many useful
everyday practical functions. They may also be useful tools for scientific research.

It is obvious that in practice such combinations are used to perform a more complicated /sophisti cated
function than can be done any single gate of the combination. However, some combinations of basic
gates can be designed to perform the function of a single other, logic gate.

When logic gates or combinations of gates are used to perform useful functions of monitoring,
detection, warning, measurement, computations etc., the electronic/electrical circuits used may also
include more familiar devices such as relays, (indicator) lamps, buzzers and the like.