Exclusive-OR (XOR) behavior: “In an exclusive-OR gate, both inputs cannot be HIGH if the output is to be HIGH.” This statement is ________.

Introduction / Context:
An XOR gate outputs HIGH when its inputs are different and LOW when they are the same. Therefore, if both inputs are HIGH simultaneously, the XOR output is LOW. This question checks accurate recall of the XOR truth table and the meaning of “exclusive.”

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Two-input XOR under positive logic.
• Ideal logic behavior (no timing hazards considered).
• Interest in the condition for a HIGH output.

Concept / Approach:
By definition, XOR = 1 when A ≠ B and 0 when A = B. Hence, for A = 1 and B = 1, A = B, so output is 0. The statement “both inputs cannot be HIGH to get a HIGH output” aligns with this rule, and is therefore correct.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Boolean identity: XOR can be written as (A AND not B) OR (not A AND B). Plugging A = 1, B = 1 yields 0, confirming the truth table result.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Incorrect/conditional variants: XOR’s behavior is logic-family independent and frequency independent in the ideal truth table sense.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing XOR with OR; misremembering that OR is HIGH for 11 while XOR is LOW for 11; overlooking that “exclusive” means “one or the other, but not both.”

Final Answer:
Correct