Representing gate behavior What is the name of the table format used to show a logic gate’s output for every possible combination of its logic inputs?

Introduction / Context:
A truth table is the most direct way to represent the input-output behavior of a logic function. It is foundational for designing combinational logic, verifying circuits, and translating between expressions, schematics, and hardware description languages (HDLs).

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question refers to a tabular representation covering all input combinations.
• We assume binary logic with two levels (0 and 1).
• No timing (sequential) behavior is implied.

Concept / Approach:

A truth table lists each possible input vector and the corresponding output value(s). For n inputs there are 2^n rows. This tabular representation is used to derive Karnaugh maps, sum-of-products (SOP) or product-of-sums (POS) expressions, and to validate designs during testing.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Open any digital logic textbook: AND, OR, NAND, NOR, XOR, and XNOR behavior is introduced with truth tables that enumerate outputs for each input combination. Engineers routinely use these tables during design and debug.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Boolean constants/variables are symbols within expressions, not the table itself.
• “Input logic function” is not standard nomenclature for the table.
• State diagrams represent sequential systems and transitions, not static combinational mappings.

Common Pitfalls:

• Confusing a truth table with a timing diagram; timing adds temporal axes and edges.

Final Answer:

truth table