While most logic gates at least have two inputs and one output, NOT and buffer logic gates only have one input and one output. These special types of (single input) logic gates find their use in many circuit applications. In this post, we’ll discuss buffer logic gates and their uses.
An Overview of Buffer Logic Gates
Let’s start with the basic question first:
What are buffer logic gates?
Buffer logic gates are logic gates which produce an output that exactly matches that of their input. In other words, buffer logic gates don’t do anything and simply pass the signal on their input, unchanged, to their output.
So, if X is the input and Y is the output, we can define the Boolean function of a buffer logic gate as follows:
“Y is true only when X is true”
The truth table of a buffer logic gate is given below:
There are multiple representation symbols specified for buffer logic gates.
As per ASNI/IEEE standards, a buffer logic gate is represented as:
As per IEC standards, a buffer logic gate is represented as:
At this point, you may be thinking, well what’s the point of a buffer if it does not change the state of the input signal and simply pass it on to its output. Why not use a piece of wire instead and save the hassle?
That’s a good point!
However, a buffer logic gate has many important uses, one of them being signal amplification.
Any signal that passes through a logic gate is amplified due to the construction of the logic gate. This equally applies to buffer logic gates.
As such, buffer logic gates can be used to boost weak signal sources and drive load resistance where needed. A few examples of applications where buffer logic gates may be used for signal amplification include solenoids, relays and high-voltage motors.
In addition, buffer logic gates are also used to introduce delays in propagation lines during the propagation of a signal.
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