logic gate

A Dictionary of Computing | 2004 | 700+ words | Copyright

logic gate A device, usually but not exclusively electronic, that implements an elementary logic function; examples include AND, OR, NAND, and NOR gates, and inverters. There are typically between two and eight inputs and one or two outputs. In order to represent the two logic states, true and false, in electronic logic gates, the input and output signals are held at either of two different voltage levels; a high voltage level usually represents true (logic 1) and a low level false (logic 0).

Each type of logic gate has a logic symbol that conveys its logic function but does not indicate the electronic circuitry involved. The use of these symbols in circuit diagrams simplifies the understanding of a complex logic circuit and means that technological advances in electronics need not be taken into account.

Logic gates based on fluid logic have been successfully used as have optical switches used as logic gates. See also logic circuit, digital logic, multivalued logic.

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