OR Logic Gate with Transistors

 

Creating an OR gate using transistors is a fundamental exercise in digital electronics. In this post, I will guide you through the process of building an OR gate with transistors, explaining each step in detail.

 

What is an OR Gate?

An OR gate is a basic digital logic gate that outputs TRUE or HIGH (1) when even one input is true or high. If all the inputs are false or low (0), the output is false or low (0). The truth table for a two-input OR gate is as follows:

Input A

Input B

Output

0

0

0

0

1

1

1

0

1

1

1

1

 

Components Needed

To build an OR gate, you will need the following components:

  1. NPN Transistors: BC547 (2 Nos.); Q1, Q2.
  2. Resistors: 10K (2 Nos) - R1, R2.
  3. Resistor: 1K (1 No) - R3.
  4. Resistor: 220E (1 No) – R4.
  5. LED: 5mm Red (1 No) – L1, for output indication.
  6. Switches: Tact Switches/ push buttons (2 No) – S1,S2.
  7. Power Supply - DC source, +5V, Vds.
  8. Breadboard & Wires - for assembling the circuit

 

Understanding the Circuit

In an OR gate circuit with NPN transistors, the transistors are connected in Parallel mode. Each transistor represents an input. The output is taken from the Emitters of the first & second transistor together. The base of each transistor is connected to the input through a resistor, which limits the current and prevents damage to the transistors.

 

 Transistor Basics

  • Emitter: The terminal through which current leaves the transistor.
  • Base: The terminal that controls the transistor's switching.
  • Collector: The terminal through which current enters the transistor.

For an NPN transistor, when a small current flows into the base, it allows a larger current to flow from the collector to the emitter.

 

 Circuit Diagram


 

Building the OR Gate

Step 1: Connect the Power Supply

  1. Connect the positive terminal of the power supply (+5V) to the positive rail of the breadboard.
  2. Connect the negative terminal (GND) to the negative rail.

 

 Step 2: Place the Components on breadboard (As per your design)

  1. Place two NPN transistors (Q1, Q2).
  2. Place two switches (S1, S2).
  3. Place Red LED.

 

Step 3: Connect the Resistors (Use jumping wires for connections if required)

  1.  Connect resistor (R1) between the positive rail (+5V) and the input of S1.
  2.  Connect the output of S1 to the base of Q1.
  3. Connect resistor (R2) between the positive rail (+5V) and the input of S2.
  4.  Connect the output of S2 to the base of Q2.
  5. Connect the Collectors of Q1 & Q2 to the Positive rail.
  6. Connect the Emitter of Q1 & Q2 to R3 one end.
  7. Connect another end of R3 to the ground rail (GND).

 

Step 4: Connect the LED (To show the OUTPUT visually)

  1. Connect the anode of the LED (L1) to the Emitter of Q1 & Q2.
  2. Connect the cathode of the LED (L1) to the GND.

 

Step 5: Testing the Circuit

  1. Apply different combinations of input voltages to A and B.
  2. Press neither S1 nor S2, LED should be OFF.
  3. Press S1, LED should be ON.
  4. Press S2, LED should be ON.
  5. Press S1 & S2, LED should be ON.

 

Note: Value of resistors can be adjusted as per the requirements.

 

 

I hope you liked the information.

 

Labels: ,