Digital logic concept check — structure of a NAND gate: Evaluate the statement: “A NAND gate is constructed by connecting an AND gate and an OR gate in series.” State whether this is accurate in standard Boolean logic hardware.
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AIncorrect
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BCorrect
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COnly correct for wired-logic TTL
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DOnly correct for CMOS pass-transistor logic
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EDepends on propagation delay only
Answer
Correct Answer: Incorrect
Explanation
Introduction / Context:NAND is one of the four fundamental logic operations used to build digital systems. Understanding how a NAND gate relates to basic operations like AND, OR, and NOT helps students correctly interpret truth tables, simplify expressions, and analyze gate-level schematics. The prompt tests whether a learner knows the functional composition that defines a NAND gate.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The claim is that a NAND gate equals an AND gate placed in series with an OR gate.
- We assume two-input gates, positive logic, and standard Boolean behavior.
- “Connected in series” is interpreted as cascading the output of one gate into the input of another.
Concept / Approach:By definition, NAND is the logical complement of AND. Symbolically, NAND(A,B) = NOT(AND(A,B)). This means the canonical construction is an AND gate followed by a NOT (inverter). There is no OR operation in the basic definition. Using OR would change the truth table and produce a different function altogether (e.g., an AND followed by OR with some other signal is not a NAND).
Step-by-Step Solution:
Write the target function: NAND(A,B) = (A * B)′.Realize that this equals NOT applied to the output of an AND gate.Compare with the claim “AND followed by OR”: OR is not an inversion; it changes logic, not complements it.Conclude the claim is inaccurate; the correct series pair is AND then NOT.Verification / Alternative check:Truth table check: AND(1,1)=1, all else 0. NAND is the opposite: outputs 0 only when both inputs are 1. Cascading an AND into an inverter reproduces that exactly; inserting an OR cannot produce this behavior without extra inputs or inversion.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Correct: Conflicts with the formal definition of NAND.
- Wired-logic TTL / CMOS pass-transistor logic / delay dependent: Implementation style or timing does not redefine the Boolean function.
Common Pitfalls:Confusing the structural implementation (transistor networks) with the functional composition; forgetting that NAND = AND + NOT, nor AND + OR.
Final Answer:Incorrect