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Derived Logic Gates Overview

Aug 23, 2025

Overview

This lecture covers the four main derived logic gates—NAND, NOR, XOR, and XNOR—including their definitions, symbols, and truth tables.

Derived Gates Overview

  • Derived gates are created by combining or complementing basic gates (AND, OR, NOT).
  • The four main derived gates are NAND, NOR, XOR, and XNOR.

NAND Gate

  • The NAND gate is the complement of the AND gate.
  • Its symbol is an AND gate with a small circle (representing NOT) at the output.
  • Boolean expression: (A â‹… B)'
  • Truth table: Output is false only if both inputs are true; otherwise, output is true.

NOR Gate

  • The NOR gate is the complement of the OR gate.
  • Its symbol is an OR gate with a small circle at the output.
  • Boolean expression: (A + B)'
  • Truth table: Output is true only if both inputs are false; otherwise, output is false.

XOR Gate

  • The XOR (exclusive OR) gate outputs true only when exactly one input is true.
  • Symbol: OR gate with an added curve; algebraic symbol is a plus inside a circle.
  • Boolean expression: A ⊕ B
  • Truth table: Output is true if inputs are different; false if both are the same.

XNOR Gate

  • The XNOR (exclusive NOR) gate is the complement of the XOR gate.
  • Symbol: XOR gate symbol with a small circle at the output.
  • Boolean expression: (A ⊕ B)'
  • Truth table: Output is true if both inputs are the same; false if inputs are different.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Derived Gate — A logic gate formed by combining or complementing basic gates.
  • NAND Gate — Outputs false only when all inputs are true; otherwise, true.
  • NOR Gate — Outputs true only when all inputs are false; otherwise, false.
  • XOR Gate — Outputs true only when exactly one input is true.
  • XNOR Gate — Outputs true when all inputs are equal; otherwise, false.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Review the symbols, Boolean expressions, and truth tables for all four derived gates.
  • Prepare for upcoming sessions by revising basic logic gates (AND, OR, NOT).