Logic OR Gate
The Logic OR Gate is a type of digital logic circuit whose output goes HIGH to a logic level 1 only when one or more of its inputs are HIGHThe logic or Boolean expression given for a digital logic OR gate is that for Logical Addition which is denoted by a plus sign, ( + ) giving us the Boolean expression of: A+B = Q.
Thus a logic OR gate can be correctly described as an “Inclusive OR gate” because the output is true when both of its inputs are true (HIGH). Then we can define the operation of a 2-input logic OR gate as being:
“If either A or B is true, then Q is true”
2-input Transistor OR Gate
A simple 2-input inclusive OR gate can be constructed using RTL Resistor-transistor switches connected together as shown below with the inputs connected directly to the transistor bases. Either transistor must be saturated “ON” for an output at Q.Digital Logic “OR” Gate Types
The 2-input Logic OR Gate
Symbol | Truth Table | ||
2-input OR Gate | B | A | Q |
0 | 0 | 0 | |
0 | 1 | 1 | |
1 | 0 | 1 | |
1 | 1 | 1 | |
Boolean Expression Q = A+B | Read as A OR B gives Q |
The 3-input Logic OR Gate
Symbol | Truth Table | |||
3-input OR Gate | C | B | A | Q |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | |
0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | |
1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
Boolean Expression Q = A+B+C | Read as A OR B OR C gives Q |
Multi-input OR Gate
The Boolean Expression for this 6-input OR gate will therefore be:
Q = (A+B)+(C+D)+(E+F)
In other words:
A OR B OR C OR D OR E OR F gives Q
If the number of inputs required is an odd number of inputs any “unused” inputs can be held LOW by connecting them directly to ground using suitable “Pull-down” resistors.Commonly available digital logic OR gate IC’s include:
TTL Logic OR Gates
- 74LS32 Quad 2-input
CMOS Logic OR Gates
- CD4071 Quad 2-input
- CD4075 Triple 3-input
- CD4072 Dual 4-input