Learning about Logic Gates and Circuits

Boolean logic provides the foundation for computers and other modern digital electronics. Digital logic circuits are one particular application of boolean logic that uses voltage values to represent true and false, or 1 and 0, if you prefer.

Boolean logic simulators can simulate electronic logic gates in an interactive environment on your computer. Such environments are often used to design circuits before implementing them with real electronic components. One such simulator, Logicly, will be used throughout the materials below to provide a live demonstration of the gate or circuit being described. Don't be afraid to try it for yourself.

Logic Gates

A logic gate performs a boolean logic function on one or more inputs to produce a single output. Choose a logic gate from the list below to learn more about it.

• 

  NOT Gate (Inverter)

• 

  AND Gate

• 

  OR Gate

• 

  NAND Gate

• 

  NOR Gate

• 

  XOR Gate

• 

  XNOR Gate

• 

  Buffer

• 

  Tri-State Buffer