Naming the EX-NOR logic function The Exclusive-NOR (EX-NOR) gate is sometimes also referred to by which descriptive names in digital logic?

Introduction / Context:
Logic functions often have descriptive aliases that highlight their behavior. The EX-NOR gate outputs HIGH when its inputs are the same, making it valuable in comparators and parity checking. Recognizing these common names helps when reading datasheets and design notes from different vendors.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are discussing the EX-NOR (Exclusive-NOR) operation.
• Two-input case is the most common reference for naming.
• Terminology should reflect the function's behavior.

Concept / Approach:
For a two-input EX-NOR, the output is 1 if inputs are equal (00 or 11) and 0 if they differ (01 or 10). Because it reports equality, it is often called an equality gate. In parity circuits, an EX-NOR outputs 1 when an even number of inputs are 1s (for two inputs, 0 or 2 ones), matching an even-parity detector—hence the name parity gate.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Compare to XOR (EX-OR), which outputs 1 when inputs differ; EX-NOR is exactly the complement, reinforcing the equality interpretation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Inverted OR: that is a NOR gate, not EX-NOR.
• Singular names (only parity or only equality) are partially correct, but the most complete name includes both common aliases.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing EX-NOR with NOR because of the “NOR” syllable; remember EX-NOR is the complement of XOR, not of OR.

Final Answer:
parity gate or the equality gate