Question

Direction for Assertion-Reason type questions (A) If both Assertion and Reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion. (B) If both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation of assertion. (C) If Assertion is true but Reason is false (D) If both assertion and reason are false A : NAND (or NOR) gates are called digital building blocks \(\mathrm{R}\) : The different combination of NAND (or NOR) gates can produce all the basic or complicated gates. (A) a (B) \(b\) (C) \(\mathrm{c}\) (D) d

Short answer

The answer is (A) a, as both the Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion. NAND (or NOR) gates are called digital building blocks because they can be combined in different ways to produce all the basic or complicated gates in digital electronics.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Assertion

Assertation states that "NAND (or NOR) gates are called digital building blocks." Digital building blocks are simple digital circuits that can combine a few logic gates to perform a function or represent an electronic component. NAND and NOR gates are universal gates because they can be used alone to create any logic gate or electronic component, like AND, OR, NOT, XOR, etc. So, the assertion is true.

Understand Reason

The reason given is "The different combination of NAND (or NOR) gates can produce all the basic or complicated gates." The fact that a different combination of NAND (or NOR) gates can produce all the basic or more complex gates is indeed true. You can illustrate this by creating all the basic gates using NAND or NOR gates alone.

Determine the Correctness of the Explanation

Now we need to see if the reason is the correct explanation for the assertion. The fact that NAND (or NOR) gates can represent all the basic or complex gates is why they are frequently referred to as "digital building blocks". Hence, the reason provided is the correct explanation for the given assertion. Based on the steps above, we see that both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion. Therefore, the answer is (A) a.

Key concepts

Digital Circuits

Digital circuits are the backbone of modern electronics. They are used to process digital signals, which are signals that have two distinct values: 0 and 1, represented by low and high voltage levels, respectively. These circuits are essential because they are involved in almost every electronic device we use today, from computers to mobile phones, and even in household appliances.
The main function of digital circuits is to perform logic operations. They do so using logic gates, which are the building blocks of these circuits. The performance and efficiency of these circuits depend heavily on the design and implementation of these logic gates.
In digital electronics, robustness and speed are crucial. Digital circuits provide reliable and consistent operation, which is why they are preferred over analog circuits in many applications. They also allow for easier data manipulation, storage, and transfer, forming the basis for complex computing systems.

Universal Gates

Universal gates are a special category of logic gates that can be combined in various ways to perform any logical operation. The most well-known universal gates are the NAND and NOR gates. What makes them 'universal' is their ability to construct all other basic logic gates such as AND, OR, and NOT.
This versatility makes universal gates extremely valuable in circuit design. Using just NAND gates, for example, one can design circuits for any digital system without needing any other types of gates. This simplifies the manufacturing process and can reduce costs, as it reduces the variety of components needed.
Moreover, using universal gates maximizes design flexibility. Engineers can modify the functionality of the circuit without changing its physical hardware, which is particularly useful in programmable devices.

• This property is crucial in creating configurable circuits in microprocessors and similar devices.
• It leads to simpler designs in complex systems, where space and power are at a premium.

Thus, their ability to replicate the function of any other gate ensures that these universal gates remain fundamental to digital electronics.

Logic Gates

Logic gates are the basic building blocks of digital circuits. Each gate represents a fundamental logic operation, taking one or more binary inputs and producing a single binary output. Common logic gates include AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR, and XNOR.
These gates follow specific logical functions:

• AND Gate: Produces a true output (1) only if all inputs are true.
• OR Gate: Produces a true output if at least one input is true.
• NOT Gate: Outputs the opposite value of the input (inverting).
• NAND and NOR Gates: Invert the output of AND and OR gates, respectively.
• XOR Gate: Outputs true when inputs differ.
• XNOR Gate: Outputs true when inputs are equal.

Understanding these gates and how they perform is fundamental for anyone studying digital electronics. They are used not only to build simple circuits but also to create complex systems like computers and communication devices.
Applications range from basic computing operations to intricate processes like encoding, decoding, and signal processing.

Assertion-Reason Questions

Assertion-reason questions are a popular format in educational assessments. They are designed to not only test knowledge but also a student's understanding of the relationship between two statements. The format typically involves a statement labeled as an "Assertion" and an accompanying "Reason" statement.
To answer these questions effectively, students need to evaluate the truthfulness of each statement independently, and then consider if the reason correctly explains the assertion.

• True and correct explanation: Both statements are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion.
• True but not correct explanation: Both statements are true, but the reason does not correctly explain the assertion.
• True and false: The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
• Both false: Neither statement is true.

This question format encourages critical thinking. It asks students to not only recall facts but also understand the deeper connections between concepts. These skills are essential in subjects like digital electronics, where understanding the how and why behind circuits and components, such as universal gates, is necessary for mastery.