DC Properties of Logic Elements

Abstract

In order for a computer to be able to monitor an experiment, the instrumentation must be tied in with the computer. Usually, a continuous (analog) signal must be monitored, and some sequence of events must be controlled by the computer (turn on a switch, start a clock, store data, calculate values, etc.). This sequence of events can be caused to occur by an appropriate combination of logic elements. These logic elements may be rather simple or highly complex. The simplest of these is called a gate and may be considered as a simple electronic on-off switch. When the switch is closed, a signal goes through; when open, it does not. Several of these on-off switches can be combined in such a way that they simulate simple logical expressions.