FCC Exam Question: 3-34E4

What is a characteristic of a NOR gate?

A. Produces a logic “0” at its output only if all inputs are logic “0”.
B. Produces a logic “1” at its output only if all inputs are logic “1”.
C. Produces a logic “0” at its output if any or all inputs are logic “1”.
D. Produces a logic “1” at its output if some but not all of its inputs are logic “1”.
Correct Answer: C

Explanation: A NOR gate is a fundamental digital logic gate, often encountered in control circuits and data processing within amateur radio transceivers and accessories. Its behavior is derived from an OR gate followed by a NOT (inverter) gate. An OR gate produces a logic “1” at its output if *any* or *all* of its inputs are logic “1”. Conversely, it produces a logic “0” only if *all* its inputs are logic “0”. Since a NOR gate *inverts* the output of an OR gate, its characteristics are opposite. Therefore, a NOR gate will produce a logic “0” at its output whenever an OR gate would produce a “1”. This happens precisely when **any or all inputs are logic “1”**. The NOR gate's output will only be a logic “1” when *all* of its inputs are logic “0”. * **A) Incorrect:** This describes the condition for a NOR gate to produce a logic "1", not "0". * **B) Incorrect:** This describes an AND gate. * **D) Incorrect:** This describes an XOR (Exclusive OR) gate.

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Includes Elements 1, 3, 6, 7R, 8, and 9.