Gate identification from behavior: A signal is inhibited by applying a LOW to one input, yet the output remains HIGH. Which logic gate matches this description?

Introduction / Context:
Recognizing a gate from its qualitative behavior is a key digital logic skill. The description says a LOW on any input inhibits the signal but produces a HIGH output regardless of the other inputs. This strongly hints at the inversion of an AND function, which is the NAND gate.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• At least two-input logic gate.
• Driving one input LOW forces the output to a known state.
• Observed output is HIGH when any single input is LOW.

Concept / Approach:
The NAND truth function is Y = NOT(A * B * …). For NAND, the output is LOW only when all inputs are HIGH. If any input is LOW, the product A * B * … equals 0, so NOT(0) = 1 → output HIGH. Hence a LOW on an input 'inhibits' the low-output condition and produces HIGH, matching the description.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Compare to AND: any LOW makes output LOW (contradicts the statement). Compare to OR: any HIGH makes HIGH (doesn’t mention LOW causing HIGH). Compare to NOR: any HIGH causes LOW (opposite behavior). Thus only NAND fits.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• AND: Any LOW → output LOW, not HIGH.
• NOR: Any HIGH → output LOW, opposite behavior.
• OR: Any HIGH → output HIGH; the described trigger is a LOW input.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing NAND with NOR; remember NAND inverts AND (only all HIGH gives LOW), while NOR inverts OR (any HIGH gives LOW).

Final Answer:
NAND