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Derived Logic Gates: XOR and XNOR

Digital Logic Systems: From Zero to Hero

8. Derived Logic Gates: XOR and XNOR

XOR and XNOR gates are essential for arithmetic circuits (like adders) and data transmission applications.

1. The XOR Gate (Exclusive OR)

  • Function: The output is 1 if the inputs are different.
  • Symbol: OR symbol with an extra curve on the input side.
  • Equation: $Y = A \oplus B = \overline{A}B + A\overline{B}$
ABY = A $\oplus$ B
000
011
101
110

Note: XOR is also known as an inequality detector.

2. The XNOR Gate (Exclusive NOR)

  • Function: The output is 1 if the inputs are the same (inverse of XOR).
  • Symbol: XOR symbol followed by a bubble.
  • Equation: $Y = \overline{A \oplus B} = A B + \overline{A}\overline{B}$
ABY = A $\odot$ B
001
010
100
111

Note: XNOR is also known as an equality detector.

Practical Use

XOR gates are used extensively in binary addition (specifically calculating the sum bit in a half adder), parity checking, and data encryption.