Chapter 12. Software Development Flashcards
What is Boolean algebra?
- A branch of algebra that deals with true/false values.
- Uses logical operators like AND, OR, NOT to manipulate Boolean values.
What are the basic logical operators in Boolean algebra?
- AND: Returns true if both operands are true.
- OR: Returns true if at least one operand is true.
- NOT: Inverts the truth value of the operand.
What is a truth table?
- A table used to show all possible input values and their corresponding output values for a logic gate or Boolean expression.
What is the function of an AND gate?
- Outputs true only if both inputs are true.
- Represented by the symbol ‘.’ or multiplication in Boolean expressions.
What is the function of an OR gate?
- Outputs true if at least one input is true.
- Represented by the symbol ‘+’ or addition in Boolean expressions.
What is the function of a NOT gate?
- Outputs the inverse of the input value.
- Represented by the symbol ‘¬’ or a bar over the input in Boolean expressions.
What is a NAND gate?
- A combination of an AND gate followed by a NOT gate.
- Outputs true unless both inputs are true.
What is a NOR gate?
- A combination of an OR gate followed by a NOT gate.
- Outputs true only if both inputs are false.
What is an XOR gate?
- Outputs true if the inputs are different.
- Known as exclusive OR gate.
What is an XNOR gate?
- Outputs true if the inputs are the same.
- Known as exclusive NOR gate.
What are De Morgan’s laws in Boolean algebra?
- Two transformation rules that simplify the negation of conjunctions and disjunctions.
- ¬(A AND B) = ¬A OR ¬B, ¬(A OR B) = ¬A AND ¬B.
What is the importance of Boolean algebra in computing?
- Fundamental in designing and simplifying digital circuits.
- Used in creating and optimizing logic gates and circuits.
What is a logic circuit?
- A physical implementation of Boolean functions using logic gates.
- Used to perform computations in digital devices.
What is the difference between combinational and sequential logic circuits?
- Combinational logic circuits: Output depends only on current inputs.
- Sequential logic circuits: Output depends on current inputs and previous states.
What is a flip-flop in digital electronics?
- A basic memory element in sequential logic circuits.
- Stores a single bit of data, used in registers and memory units.
What is a half adder?
- A digital circuit that adds two binary digits and produces a sum and a carry output.
- Uses XOR and AND gates.
What is a full adder?
- A digital circuit that adds three binary digits (including carry from previous addition) and produces a sum and carry output.
- Can be built using two half adders and an OR gate.
What is a multiplexer?
- A device that selects one of several input signals and forwards the selected input to a single output line.
- Used to increase the efficiency of data handling.
What is a demultiplexer?
- A device that takes a single input signal and distributes it to one of several output lines.
- Used to send data from one source to multiple destinations.
What is a binary decoder?
- A device that converts binary input data into a specific output.
- Used in memory address decoding and other applications.
What is a binary encoder?
- A device that converts a specific input into binary code.
- Used to reduce the number of input lines needed.
What are the advantages of using Karnaugh maps (K-maps)?
- Simplifies Boolean expressions to minimize the number of logic gates.
- Provides a visual method to simplify complex Boolean functions.
What is the difference between a latch and a flip-flop?
- Latch: A simple memory device that operates with a level-triggered input.
- Flip-flop: A more complex memory device that operates with an edge-triggered input.
What is the purpose of using a shift register?
- A sequential logic circuit used for storing and shifting data.
- Moves data in a specific direction (left or right) with each clock pulse.
What are the typical applications of Boolean algebra in computer science?
- Design of digital circuits and logic gates.
- Development of algorithms for data processing and decision-making.
