In basic logic terminology, an inverter is functionally equivalent to which single-input logic gate, and how does it transform its input?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: NOT

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
An inverter is among the simplest and most frequently used digital building blocks. Recognizing its standardized name and behavior enables quick reasoning about larger circuits.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Single input, single output device.
  • Logical levels: 0 (low) and 1 (high).
  • No propagation delays are considered for this conceptual question.


Concept / Approach:
An inverter outputs the logical complement of its input: when the input is 1, the output is 0, and vice versa. The gate name for this function is the NOT gate.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Input X = 0 → Output = NOT(X) = 1.Input X = 1 → Output = NOT(X) = 0.Thus, inverter ≡ NOT gate.


Verification / Alternative check:
Truth table for a NOT gate matches the behavior of the standard inverter symbol (triangle with a bubble at the output).


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • OR/AND: multi-input gates; do not invert a single input deterministically.
  • NAND: two-input gate implementing NOT(AND); not a single-input inverter.
  • None of the above: incorrect because NOT is correct.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing NAND used as a universal gate with a dedicated inverter; while you can build an inverter from NAND, the inverter itself is the NOT gate.


Final Answer:
NOT

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