Key advantage of CMOS over TTL: Across logic families, a widely cited advantage of CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) over TTL is its very low static power consumption. Is this statement correct?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Correct

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
When choosing a logic family, designers balance power, speed, noise margins, and cost. CMOS logic is renowned for extremely low static power because, ideally, only leakage current flows when a gate is not switching. TTL, based on bipolar junction transistors, draws more static current by design.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • CMOS static power is dominated by leakage; dynamic power scales with switching activity: P_dynamic = C_load * V^2 * f.
  • TTL consumes notable static bias currents regardless of switching.
  • We consider mainstream devices at nominal supply voltages (for example, 5 V legacy, 3.3 V/2.5 V/1.8 V modern CMOS).


Concept / Approach:
The fundamental CMOS inverter draws current primarily during transitions when both pMOS and nMOS briefly conduct and when charging/discharging capacitive loads. Thus, at low activity, total power is very low. TTL maintains bias currents even at DC, leading to higher static power consumption than CMOS.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Compare static power: CMOS (leakage) vs. TTL (bias currents).Compare dynamic behavior: CMOS power rises with frequency and load; TTL also increases but from a higher baseline.Evaluate claim: “very low power consumption” is a standard CMOS advantage over TTL.Conclude the statement is correct.


Verification / Alternative check:
Datasheet quiescent current (ICC) values show orders-of-magnitude difference in favor of CMOS families (for example, HC, HCT, LVC) compared to TTL.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Incorrect: Denies a well-established characteristic.Only true above 10 MHz / Only true below 1.8 V: Power advantage is not confined to these arbitrary conditions.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing static with dynamic power; ignoring that heavy capacitive loads and high frequency can make CMOS power significant—yet its static power remains far below TTL.


Final Answer:
Correct

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