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Computer Architecture and Operation

Quick questions on Logic gates and Boolean algebra explained: H2 Computing

8short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.

What are the logic gates?
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A logic gate outputs a 1 or 0 from its binary inputs. The core gates:
What are truth tables?
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A truth table lists the output for every input combination. With nn inputs there are 2n2^n rows, since each input is independently 0 or 1:
What are boolean expressions?
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A Boolean expression describes a circuit algebraically, for example Q=(AB)¬CQ = (A \land B) \lor \lnot C. Build it by combining the gate operations; evaluate it row by row to get its truth table.
What are boolean algebra laws?
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Boolean algebra lets you simplify expressions to use fewer gates (cheaper, faster circuits). Key laws:
What are universal gates?
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NAND (and NOR) is a universal gate: every other gate, and therefore any circuit, can be built from NAND alone. This matters in manufacturing - a chip can be made from one repeated gate type.
What is q1?
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How many rows does a truth table with four inputs have, and why? [2 marks]
What is q2?
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State De Morgan's law for the negation of an AND. [1 mark]
What is q3?
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Why is NAND called a universal gate? [2 marks]

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