Experiment 4 - Emmanuel Saviour
Experiment 4 - Emmanuel Saviour
AIM
The aim of this experiment is to design, implement, and analyse combinational logic
circuits based on given Boolean expressions using fundamental logic gates (AND, OR,
NOT). It also seeks to validate the functional correctness of the implemented circuits
through hardware testing, while reinforcing understanding of Boolean algebra, circuit
simplification, and practical digital logic design using TTL logic families.
THEORY
Digital logic design is the cornerstone of modern electronic systems, enabling binary
computation and decision-making through structured arrangements of logic gates. At the
heart of digital systems lies the Boolean algebra, a mathematical framework introduced by
George Boole, which governs the behavior of binary variables through logical operations
such as AND, OR, and NOT.
Combinational logic circuits are a class of digital circuits whose outputs depend solely on
the current combination of input values, devoid of any memory elements or feedback
loops. These circuits are deterministic in nature — the same input always yields the same
output — making them ideal for implementing arithmetic operations, data routing,
encoding, decoding, and decision-making in digital systems.
In practical terms, designing a logic circuit from a Boolean expression involves translating
algebraic formulations into physical configurations of logic gates. The ICs used in this
experiment — 7408 (AND), 7432 (OR), and 7404 (NOT) — belong to the 7400 series of TTL
(Transistor-Transistor Logic) devices, known for their reliability and wide usage in
combinational and sequential circuit design.
RESULTS
The results obtained from the experimental implementation of the Boolean logic circuits
are presented in this section. Using systematic input variations through DIP switches,
output states were observed via LEDs and recorded for each logical expression. Truth
tables were completed for each circuit, capturing the real-time behaviour of the
implemented logic gates in response to all possible input combinations. These results are
critical in verifying the functional correctness of the designed circuits and in affirming the
accuracy of Boolean simplification and gate-level design.
Table 1: Experiment 1.
INPUT OUTPUT
A B C Y Z
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 1 1 0
0 1 0 0 0
0 1 1 1 1
1 0 0 0 0
1 0 1 1 1
1 1 0 1 0
1 1 1 1 1
Table 2: Experiment 2.
INPUT OUTPUT
A C A' A'C X
0 0 1 0 0
0 1 1 1 1
1 0 0 0 0
1 1 0 0 0
Figure 3: Schematics of Circuit 3.
Mathematical Proof of A + ĀB = A + B:
𝐿𝐻𝑆 = 𝐴 + Ā𝐵
Using the Distributive Law which states (𝑋 + 𝑌𝑍 = (𝑋 + 𝑌)(𝑋 + 𝑍)):
𝐿𝐻𝑆 = (𝐴 + Ā)(𝐴 + 𝐵)
Using the Complement Law (𝐴 + Ā = 1):
𝐿𝐻𝑆 = 1 ⋅ (𝐴 + 𝐵)
Using the Identity Law (1 ⋅ 𝑌 = 𝑌):
𝐿𝐻𝑆 = 𝐴 + 𝐵
LHS = Right-hand side (RHS).
Therefore, 𝐴 + Ā𝐵 = 𝐴 + 𝐵 is proven.
DISCUSSION
In this experiment, we explored the behavior and functionality of basic combinational logic
circuits derived from Boolean expressions. The circuits analyzed were based on the
expressions Y = AB + C, Z = C(A + B), and X = A'C. Each of these circuits was built and tested
using basic logic gates, and their outputs were observed under varying input conditions.
The behavior of these circuits was then compared to the expected theoretical results,
confirming the validity of the designs.
Circuits 1 and 2:
For the first circuit, based on the Boolean expression Y = AB + C, the output Y was HIGH
when either both A and B were HIGH, or when C was HIGH. This result was consistently
observed in rows 2, 4, 6, 7, and 8 of the truth table, where the respective combinations of
inputs yielded the correct output. In rows 2, 4, and 6, C was HIGH, and in row 7, both A and
B were HIGH, while in row 8, both AB = 1 and C = 1. These results confirmed that the circuit
was correctly implementing the inclusive OR operation between the AND of A and B, and
the independent input C.
The second circuit, based on the expression Z = C(A + B), demonstrated a more selective
behavior than the first. The output Z was HIGH only when C was HIGH and either A or B was
HIGH. The output became HIGH in rows 4, 6, and 8, where the appropriate combinations of
inputs were applied. In rows where C = 0, the output Z remained LOW, regardless of the
values of A and B. This dependency on both C and A + B illustrated the conditional gating
behavior of the circuit. Such behavior is crucial in circuits designed for enabling signals
only under specific control conditions.
Circuit 3:
The third circuit, based on the Boolean expression X = A'C, was designed to allow C to pass
only when A was LOW. This setup created a condition where A acted as an inhibiting signal.
Specifically, when A = 1, the output X was forced to be 0, regardless of the value of C. This
circuit is a classic example of conditional logic, where one input acts as a control to permit
or block the passage of another signal. Such logic is commonly utilized in enabling circuits,
where the main signal (C) is only allowed to pass through if a specified condition, such as A
= 0, is met. This type of logic is critical in applications where signal routing must be
controlled by specific conditions or inputs.
Overall, the results of these experiments successfully validated the theoretical principles
behind Boolean algebra and logic gates. The circuits operated as expected, demonstrating
how different Boolean operations can be realized through simple logic gates. Additionally,
the experiments reinforced the importance of understanding logical dependencies and
how they govern the flow of signals in digital systems.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this experiment successfully demonstrated the practical application of
combinational logic circuits, validating key Boolean principles through hands-on circuit
design and analysis. By constructing and testing circuits based on the expressions Y = AB +
C, Z = C(A + B), and X = A'C, the experiment reinforced the importance of logical
dependencies and how basic logic gates, such as AND, OR, and NOT, work together to
perform complex operations.
The results confirmed that the circuits functioned as expected, with each output
corresponding accurately to the truth tables derived from the Boolean expressions.
Specifically, the experiment highlighted the role of selective gating in digital systems, with
the circuits showing how different input conditions control the flow of signals.
Furthermore, the experiment provided insight into the use of logic gates for designing
circuits with conditional behaviors, a fundamental aspect of digital system design.
Ultimately, this experiment not only deepened the understanding of Boolean algebra and
logic gate operations but also emphasized the practical skills needed to build,
troubleshoot, and optimize digital circuits in real-world applications. The findings
underscore the critical role of logical analysis and circuit design in the development of
reliable and efficient digital systems.
REFERENCES
[1] M. M. Mano and C. R. Kime, Logic and Computer Design Fundamentals, 5th ed. Upper
Saddle River, NJ: Pearson, 2015.
[2] T. L. Floyd, Digital Fundamentals, 11th ed. Boston, MA: Pearson, 2014.
[3] A. P. Malvino and J. A. Brown, Digital Computer Electronics, New York, NY: McGraw-Hill,
2018.
[4] Laboratory Manual for EEE 312 – Digital Electronics Experiments, Department of
Electrical and Electronics Engineering, [Your University Name], [Year].
[5] J. F. Wakerly, Digital Design: Principles and Practices, 4th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ:
Prentice Hall, 2006.