Logic gates and Truth Tables Starter
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You are stranded on an Island when you bump in to 3 people. Of the three people (Alice, Bill, Charlie):
- One is a knight
- One is a knave
- One is a spy
On this island:
- Knights always tell the truth
- Knaves always lie
- Spies can do either
Alice says: “Charlie is a knave.”
Bill says: “Alice is a knight.”
Charlie says: “I am the spy.”
Who is the knight, who the knave, and who the spy?
Boolean Logic
All data stored in computer systems is stored in binary format, which means that any calculations that are made must be done using only True and False values, this is known as Boolean logic.
Take for the instance the set up below:
When we run the code above, scratch will either say “True” or “False”, depending on whether you press the let arrow key.
Truth Tables
When we are working out what possibilities exist for a particular Boolean logic structure, we can use a truth table to represent that data.
Using the previous example we can produce a simple truth table for the results.
AND Gates
A Boolean AND gate works by the following rules:
- If both inputs are true, then the output will be True.
- Otherwise the output will be false
Scratch Example
Challenge 1 – AND Gate truth table
Can you fill out the truth table for an AND gate?
Click to check your answer
OR Gates
A Boolean OR gate works by the following logic:
- If either input is True, the output is True.
- If both inputs are True, the output is True.
- Otherwise the output is false.
Scratch Example
Challenge 2 – Can you work out the truth table for a Boolean OR gate?
Click to check your answer!
NOT Gate
A Boolean NOT gate simply reverses whatever input is given.
- If the input is True, the output is False
- If the input is False, the output is True
Scratch Not gate Example
Challenge 3 – Can you write a truth table for a NOT gate?
Click to check your answer!
Have a go at connecting up multiple logic gates to see what happens, using the simulator below. Can you work out the inputs and outputs for the following examples.
https://academo.org/demos/logic-gate-simulator/
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Example 4
Activity 2 – Applying Logic Gates
Using the link below, see if you can make the following systems:
Logic Gates Application Simulator
System 1 – Fan cooling system.
If the main system switch is turned on, then the fan will operate when:
- Every 5 seconds
- When The manual override button is pressed.
System 2 – Basic Alarm System
Make a system where if any of the 3 sensors (use 3 switches to represent sensors) are triggered, the alarm light will flash RED.
System 3 – Advanced Alarm System
Adapt the system so that:
- The alarm will not be triggered if the system has not been armed first (use another switch for this)
- The alarm should alternate between flashing red and sound a siren every 1 second.
System 4 – Button operated traffic light.
Make a traffic light that starts on green, then goes to amber – red – amber – green again.
Hint – You’ll need to flip flop!
