Logic NOR Gate- Symbol, Truth Table and Circuit Diagram

In this article, we will discuss the definition, symbol, truth table, and equivalent circuit diagram of a logic NOR gate. So let’s get started with the basic definition of NOR Gate.

What is a NOR Gate?

In digital logic circuits, the NOR gate is a type of universal logic gate that combines the operation of two basic logic gates namely, OR gate and NOT gate. Therefore, it is also specified as a NOTed OR Gate.

The NOR gate has a high output or logic 1 if all its inputs are low or logic 0. If one or all inputs of the NOR gate be high or logic 1, then it produces a low or logic 0 at the output.

Therefore, NOR gate basically performs the negation of the OR gate.

The NOR gate is considered a universal logic gate because it can perform all three basic logic operations, i.e., OR, AND, and NOT.

The logic symbols of two-input and three-input NOR gates are represented in the following figure.

Logic NOR Gate

Logic NOR Gate Equivalent

NOR gate can be formed by an OR Gate and NOT gate.

Logic NOR Gate Equivalent

The output of the OR gate is the sum of the input. When the sum of the OR gate is inverted using a NOT gate, we get output that is equivalent to the output of the NOR Gate.

Logic Expression of NOR Gate

The logic expression of a two-input NOR gate is given by the following equation:

logic expression of a two-input NOR gate

Where, Y is the output of the NOR gate, and A and B are the input variables of the NOR gate.

For the three-input NOR gate, the logical expression is given by the following equation:

 logic expression of three-input NOR gate

Operation of NOR Gate

The following points explain the operation of a two-input NOR gate for different input combinations:

  • When A = 0 and B = 0, then the output Y is equal to 1 (as per the logical expression given above).
  • When A = 0 and B = 1, then the output Y is equal to 0.
  • When A = 1 and B = 0, then the output Y is equal to 0.
  • When A = 1 and B = 1, then the output Y is equal to 0.

The operation of a three-input NOR gate is explained below:

  • When A = 0, B = 0, and C = 0, the output Y is equal to 1, refer above logical expression of the three-input NOR gate.
  • When A = 0, B = 0, and C = 1, the output Y is equal to 0.
  • When A = 0, B = 1, and C = 0, the output Y is equal to 0.
  • When A = 0, B = 1, and C = 1, the output Y is equal to 0.
  • When A = 1, B = 0, and C = 0, the output Y is equal to 0.
  • When A = 1, B = 0, and C = 1, the output Y is equal to 0.
  • When A = 1, B = 1, and C = 0, the output Y is equal to 0.
  • When A = 1, B = 1, and C = 1, the output Y is equal to 0.

Truth Table of NOR Gate

The truth table is a table that represents the operation of a logic gate for different input combinations.

The truth table of a two-input NOR gate is given below:

2-input Logic NOR Gate

InputsOutput
ABY
001
010
100
110

3-input Logic NOR Gate

For the three-input NOR gate, the truth table is given below:


Inputs
Output
ABCY
0001
0010
0100
0110
1000
1010
1100
1110

4-input NOR Function

4-input NOR Function

For the 4-input NOR gate, five NOR Gates of 2-inputs are required. For the 6-input NOR Gate, three NOR Gates of 2-input are required. Now, if there are 5 inputs, then we need Nine NOR Gates of 2 inputs, and one unused input is held LOW by connecting the unused input to the ground.

5-input NOR Function

Thus, If the required number of inputs is an odd number of inputs, then “unused” inputs should be directly connected to the ground with a suitable pull-down resistor.

The Logic NOR Gate function is also called the Pierce Function and it is denoted by a downwards arrow operator as  A↓B.

Equivalent Circuit Diagram of NOR Gate

The equivalent circuit diagram or switching circuit diagram of a NOR gate is represented in the following figure.

Equivalent Circuit Diagram of NOR Gate

Here, when both switches A and B are open, the bulb will glow, while when switch, either A or B is closed, the bulb will not glow.

Hence, this is all about the NOR logic gate, its operation, truth table, and logical expression in digital electronics.

Logic NOR Gate using Transistors

Logic Nor Gate can be constructed using a transistor and resistor circuit. The circuit diagram of NOR gate using a combination of resistors and transistors is given below.

Logic NOR Gate using Transistors
  • When input A and input B is zero, transistor Q1 and Q2 will remain in the off state and no collector current flow through the transistor. Therefore, the drop across resistance RE is zero and Vout=5 Volts, thus we get output 1 when A=0 and B=0
  • When A=0 and B=1, the transistor Q2 conducts and Vout=0
  • When A=1 and B=0, the transistor Q1 conducts and Vout=0
  • When A=1 and B=1, the transistor Q1 and Q2 conducts and Vout=0

Other Logic Gates using only NOR Gates

OR Gate

NOR Gate Integrated Circuits

The following are the NOR Gate integrated circuits widely used in digital circuits.

TTL Logic NOR GatesCMOS Logic NOR Gates
74LS02 Quad 2-inputCD4001 Quad 2-input
74LS27 Triple 3-inputCD4025 Triple 3-input
74LS260 Dual 5-inputCD4002 Dual 4-input

7402 Quad 2-input Logic NOR Gate

7402 IC- NOR Gate

Pinout diagram of 7402 IC is;

7402 IC Pinout diagram

74LS27 Triple 3-input

It contains three inputs NOR gates.

7427 IC pinout diagram

74LS260 Dual 5-input

It has five inputs NOR gates.

74260 IC pinout diagram

Leave a Comment