Capabilities of digital circuits: “Digital circuits cannot perform logic comparisons because the circuit can have only one of two values at any instant.” Evaluate this claim.

Introduction / Context:
Logic comparisons such as equality, greater-than, or parity checks are core tasks for digital hardware. The statement claims digital circuits cannot compare because they have only two values at any instant—a misunderstanding of how multi-bit logic and Boolean operations work.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Digital signals are binary at any node (0 or 1).
• Comparisons operate on multi-bit words using gates.
• Timing is adequate for valid logic evaluation.

Concept / Approach:
Digital comparators cascade basic gates to implement functions like A == B, A > B, and A < B. Even though each signal is binary, networks of gates can evaluate conditions over multiple bits in parallel. CPUs, ALUs, and dedicated comparator ICs are practical embodiments of this principle.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard ICs (e.g., 74xx85 magnitude comparators) prove that two-value logic readily implements complex comparisons reliably and quickly.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Correct: Contradicts real hardware capabilities.
• Analog comparators: Analog components compare voltages, but digital comparators operate on bits.
• Temperature/clock excuses: Irrelevant to the logical possibility of comparison.

Common Pitfalls:
Mistaking signal discreteness (two levels) for functional limitation; in fact, Boolean algebra enables arbitrary logic, including comparisons, with binary signals.

Final Answer:
Incorrect