TTL noise margins refresher The direct-current (dc) noise margin for standard TTL logic is 0.8 V.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Incorrect

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Noise margin quantifies how much unwanted voltage (noise) a logic signal can tolerate and still be interpreted correctly. For TTL, manufacturers publish guaranteed logic-level thresholds and output levels that allow us to compute worst-case noise margins for logic LOW and logic HIGH.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Standard TTL input thresholds: V_IL(max) ≈ 0.8 V, V_IH(min) ≈ 2.0 V.
  • Standard TTL output guarantees: V_OL(max) ≈ 0.4 V, V_OH(min) ≈ 2.4 V.
  • Noise margin LOW = V_IL(max) - V_OL(max); noise margin HIGH = V_OH(min) - V_IH(min).


Concept / Approach:
Using worst-case data-sheet values ensures margins hold across temperature, process, loading, and supply variations. The computed margins for classic TTL families are typically about 0.4 V for both LOW and HIGH, not 0.8 V.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Compute LOW margin: 0.8 V - 0.4 V = 0.4 V.Compute HIGH margin: 2.4 V - 2.0 V = 0.4 V.Compare with the claim of 0.8 V and observe the mismatch.Conclude the statement is incorrect; TTL dc noise margins are typically about 0.4 V worst-case.


Verification / Alternative check:
Some “typical” conditions may show larger margins, but specifications and robust design use guaranteed worst-case values, which are approximately 0.4 V.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Correct” conflicts with the computation. “True only for LS-TTL” is wrong; LS-TTL also lists similar guaranteed thresholds, yielding ~0.4 V. “True only at Vcc = 6 V” is invalid; TTL is not specified to operate at 6 V.



Common Pitfalls:
Confusing input threshold (0.8 V) with noise margin. The 0.8 V figure is an input limit, not the margin itself.



Final Answer:
Incorrect

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