Four-input AND gate requirement For a 4-input AND gate, how many inputs must be HIGH simultaneously for the output to go HIGH?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: all four inputs

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
AND gates implement logical multiplication. Understanding their threshold for producing a HIGH output is fundamental to building enable signals, interlocks, and multi-condition detectors in digital systems.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Gate: 4-input AND.
  • Positive logic conventions apply.
  • No wired-AND or open-collector behavior; ideal logic only.


Concept / Approach:

The Boolean expression for a 4-input AND is Y = A · B · C · D. A product term evaluates to 1 only if every factor is 1. Therefore, any single 0 on any input forces the whole product to 0, keeping the output LOW.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Write the function: Y = A · B · C · D.Apply the rule: product is 1 only when all inputs are 1.Conclude: all four inputs must be HIGH simultaneously.


Verification / Alternative check:

Truth table inspection confirms the output is HIGH only on the single row where A = B = C = D = 1. Any other combination includes at least one 0, yielding 0 at the output.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • “Any one/two/three” would describe OR-like thresholds or majority logic, not AND.
  • “Always HIGH” is incorrect; AND is stringent, not permissive.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Confusing AND with NAND, which inverts the final result.


Final Answer:

all four inputs

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