OR Gate

A digital logic gate whose output is high when at least one input is high.

How it works

An OR gate is a fundamental digital logic gate that implements logical disjunction. It typically has two inputs and one output. The output goes HIGH (logic 1) if AT LEAST ONE of its inputs is HIGH.

The output will only be LOW (logic 0) if absolutely all of its inputs are LOW. This makes the OR gate perfect for mixing multiple trigger signals, where any single event should cause the system to activate.

Like other standard digital logic gates, OR gates process discrete binary states (HIGH/LOW) rather than continuous analog voltages. They are widely used in alarm systems or safety interlocks where triggering any one sensor should sound the alarm.

Key Formulas

Boolean ExpressionY = A + B

Common Mistakes

Confusing it with an Exclusive-OR (XOR) gate. A standard OR gate outputs HIGH when both inputs are HIGH. An XOR gate outputs LOW when both inputs are HIGH.

Standard Component

This component does not have distinct values or part numbers. The standard version is available in the simulator.