Four-input AND gate requirement For a 4-input AND gate, how many inputs must be HIGH simultaneously for the output to go HIGH?
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Aany one of the inputs
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Bany two of the inputs
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Cany three of the inputs
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Dall four inputs
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Enone; the output is always HIGH
Answer
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