It is sometimes desirable to have a logic gate that provides both inverted and non-inverted outputs. For example, a single-input gate that is both a buffer and an inverter, with a separate output terminal for each function. Or, a two-input gate that provides both the AND and the NAND functions in a single circuit. Such gates do exist and they are referred to as complementary output gates.
Basic Gate
The general symbology for such a gate is the basic gate figure with a bar and two output lines protruding from it. An array of complementary gate symbols is shown in the following illustration:
Complementary gates are especially useful in “crowded” circuits where there may not be enough physical room to mount the additional integrated circuit chips necessary to provide both inverted and noninverted outputs using standard gates and additional inverters. They are also useful in applications where a complementary output is necessary from a gate, but the addition of an inverter would introduce an unwanted time lag in the inverted output relative to the noninverted output. The internal circuitry of complemented gates is such that both inverted and noninverted outputs change state at almost exactly the same time:
Another type of special gate output is called tristate, because it has the ability to provide three different output modes: current sinking (“low” logic level), current sourcing (“high”), and floating (“high-Z,” or high-impedance).
Tristate Buffer Gate
Tristate outputs are usually found as an optional feature on buffer gates. Such gates require an extra input terminal to control the “high-Z” mode, and this input is usually called the enable.
With the enable input held “high” (1), the buffer acts like an ordinary buffer with a totem pole output stage: it is capable of both sourcing and sinking current. However, the output terminal floats (goes into “high-Z” mode) if ever the enable input is grounded (“low”), regardless of the data signal’s logic level.
In other words, making the enable input terminal “low” (0) effectively disconnects the gate from whatever its output is wired to so that it can no longer have any effect.
Tristate buffers are marked in schematic diagrams by a triangle character within the gate symbol like this:
Tristate buffers are also made with inverted enable inputs. Such a gate acts normal when the enable input is “low” (0) and goes into high-Z output mode when the enable input is “high” (1):
One special type of gate known as the bilateral switch uses gate-controlled MOSFET transistors acting as on/off switches to switch electrical signals, analog or digital. The “on” resistance of such a switch is in the range of several hundred ohms, the “off” resistance being in the range of several hundred mega-ohms.
Bilateral Switches
Bilateral switches appear in schematics as SPST (Single-Pole, Single-Throw) switches inside of rectangular boxes, with a control terminal on one of the box’s long sides:
A bilateral switch might be best envisioned as a solid-state (semiconductor) version of an electromechanical relay: a signal-actuated switch contact that may be used to conduct virtually any type of electric signal.
Of course, being solid-state, the bilateral switch has none of the undesirable characteristics of electromechanical relays, such as contact “bouncing,” arcing, slow speed, or susceptibility to mechanical vibration. Conversely, though, they are rather limited in their current-carrying ability. Additionally, the signal conducted by the “contact” must not exceed the power supply “rail” voltages powering the bilateral switch circuit.
Four bilateral switches are packaged inside the popular model “4066” integrated circuit:
Review
Complementary gates provide both inverted and noninverted output signals, in such a way that neither one is delayed with respect to the other.
Tristate gates provide three different output states: high, low, and floating (High-Z). Such gates are commanded into their high-impedance output modes by a separate input terminal called the enable.
Bilateral switches are MOSFET circuits providing on/off switching for a variety of electrical signal types (analog and digital), controlled by logic level voltage signals. In essence, they are solid-state relays with very low current-handling ability.