The Logic AND Function

Introduction

In 1854, George Boole performed an investigation into the "laws of thought" which were based on a simplified version of the "group" or "set" theory, and from this Boolean or "Switching" algebra was developed. Boolean Algebra deals mainly with the theory that both logic and set operations are either "TRUE" or "FALSE" but not both at the same time. For example, A + A = A and not 2A as it would be in normal algebra. Boolean algebra is a simple and effective way of representing the switching action of standard Logic Gates and the basic logic statements which concern us here are given by the logic gate operations of the AND, the OR and the NOT gate functions.

The logic AND Function

The Logic AND Function function states that two or more events must occur together and at the same time for an output action to occur. But the order at which they occur is unimportant as it does not affect the final result. For example, A & B = B & A. In Boolean algebra the Logic AND Function follows the Commutative Law which allows a change in position of either variable.

The AND function is represented in electronics by the dot or full stop symbol ( . ) Thus a 2-input (A B) AND Gate has an output term represented by the Boolean expression A.B or just AB.

Switch Representation of the AND Function

Here the two switches A and B are connected in series and both Switch A AND Switch B must be closed (Logic "1") in order to put the light on. Then this type of logic gate only produces and output when "ALL" of its inputs are present and in Boolean Algebra terms the output will be TRUE only when all of its inputs are TRUE. In electrical terms, the logic AND function is equal to a series circuit.

As there are only two Switches, each with two possible states "open" or "closed", there are then four different ways or combinations of arranging the two switches as shown.

Truth Table

Switch A Switch B Output Description 0 0 0 A and B are both open, lamp OFF 0 1 0 A is open and B is closed, lamp OFF 1 0 0 A is closed and B is open, lamp OFF 1 1 1 A is closed and B is closed, lamp ON Boolean Expression (A AND B) A . B

AND Gates are available as standard i.c. packages such as the common TTL 74LS08 Quadruple 2-input Positive AND Gates, (or the 4081 CMOS equivalent) the TTL 74LS11 Triple 3-input Positive AND Gates or the 74LS21 Dual 4-input Positive AND Gates. AND Gates can also be "cascaded" together to produce circuits with more than just 4 inputs.