NOR gate facts for kids

A NOR gate is a special electronic part called a logic gate. Think of it like a tiny decision-maker in a computer or other electronic device. It has two inputs (places where information goes in) and one output (where the result comes out).

The NOR gate works like this:

• If both its inputs are "off" (which we call 0 or false), then its output will be "on" (which we call 1 or true).
• If either one of its inputs is "on" (1 or true), or if both inputs are "on" (1 or true), then its output will be "off" (0 or false).

A simple way to remember how a NOR gate works is "neither one nor the other, nor both."

This table, called a truth table, shows all the possible inputs and what the output will be:

Symbols for NOR Gates

Just like different countries have different ways to write things, there are different symbols used around the world to show a NOR gate in a circuit diagram. They all mean the same thing!

MIL/ANSI Symbol	IEC Symbol	DIN Symbol

• The MIL/ANSI Symbol is often used in the United States.
• The IEC Symbol is a common international standard.
• The DIN Symbol is used in Germany.

These symbols help engineers and scientists understand how circuits are designed, no matter where they are from.

Images for kids

• 

  The physical layout of a CMOS NOR gate, showing how it looks inside.

• 

  An unbuffered CMOS two-input NOR gate circuit.

See also

In Spanish: Puerta NOR para niños