Truth tables in logic design: A truth table is an effective way to enumerate every possible combination of independent input variables and record the corresponding output(s). Is this statement accurate?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Correct

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Truth tables are foundational tools for describing and analyzing combinational logic. They provide a complete mapping from inputs to outputs, supporting tasks such as deriving Boolean expressions, verifying designs, and generating test patterns.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Independent input variables are binary (0/1).
  • All 2^n combinations are listed for n inputs.
  • Outputs are recorded for each input combination.


Concept / Approach:
A truth table exhaustively covers the input space. With n independent binary inputs, there are exactly 2^n rows. Each row specifies the system’s deterministic output(s). This approach is applicable to both simple gates and larger combinational networks and is the basis for Karnaugh maps and algorithmic minimization.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify the number of inputs n.Create 2^n rows covering all input combinations.Compute or specify outputs for each row (by gate logic or function).Use the table to derive or verify Boolean expressions as needed.


Verification / Alternative check:
Karnaugh maps are a rearranged visualization of the same exhaustive enumeration, preserving adjacency properties for simplification. Automated tools similarly rely on exhaustive enumeration for small n or symbolic methods for larger n.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Incorrect/limited cases: Truth tables are not restricted to two inputs, nor specific coding schemes; they apply broadly to combinational logic (sequential logic requires state tables but still uses tabular methods).


Common Pitfalls:
Omitting combinations due to oversight; confusing truth tables with state transition tables for sequential systems; not maintaining consistent input ordering which complicates debugging.


Final Answer:
Correct

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