In digital logic, what are the outputs produced by a half-adder circuit?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: SUM and CARRY

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The half-adder is the fundamental combinational block for binary addition. It adds two single-bit operands and produces two outputs representing the result in binary form.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Inputs: single-bit A and B.
  • No carry-in (that's why it is called “half”-adder).


Concept / Approach:

The half-adder implements SUM = A ⊕ B and CARRY = A * B. Both outputs are required to represent the full addition result (sum bit and carry-out to the next stage).



Step-by-Step Solution:

Truth table confirms: (A,B) = (0,0) → SUM=0, CARRY=0; (0,1) → 1,0; (1,0) → 1,0; (1,1) → 0,1.Hence outputs are SUM and CARRY.


Verification / Alternative check:

Compare with full-adder, which adds A, B, and Cin. A half-adder is the special case with Cin = 0.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Only SUM or only CARRY is incomplete.
  • DIFFERENCE and BORROW: that is a half-subtractor's outputs, not a half-adder's.


Common Pitfalls:

Confusing adder and subtractor outputs; forgetting that carry arises only when both inputs are 1.



Final Answer:

SUM and CARRY

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