Constructing Logic Gates on a Breadboard

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the construction of logic gates on a breadboard, focusing on the individual components used to create gates such as NAND, OR, and AND. Participants express a desire to understand the practical assembly of these gates rather than relying on integrated circuits (ICs).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks resources to learn about the individual components that make up logic gates on a breadboard, expressing a preference for hands-on understanding over using ICs.
  • Another participant provides a link to a resource about constructing logic gates using BJT TTL technology.
  • A participant notes that breadboarded logic gates will be slower than IC gates and asks for an explanation of this phenomenon.
  • In response, a participant explains that the slower speed is due to the capacitance of junctions and interconnects in breadboard setups compared to the much smaller capacitances in ICs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the slower performance of breadboarded logic gates compared to ICs, but the discussion remains open regarding the specific reasons for this difference, with some participants seeking further clarification.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the knowledge level of participants, particularly regarding the technical aspects of capacitance and its effects on circuit performance. There are also unresolved questions about the practical implications of using breadboards versus ICs.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in electronics, particularly those looking to build and understand logic gates from fundamental components, as well as students preparing for coursework in electronics or computer engineering.

Limpylegs
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I've been reading articles on logic gates and What I want to do before I get to school is familiarize myself with what individual components are used in making those individual gates on say a breadboard.I keep searching for it on the web but it just gives me the schematic symbols and not what individual components make up the gate itself.I don't want to just plug in the black chip like most everybody else does,I want to dig in and see it work for myself.If anybody can link me to a website that will show you how to make individual nand,or,and etc gates on a breadboard I would appreciate it.
 
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Oh man I'm going to be busy for hours now.Thanks much MATLABdude
 
Limpylegs said:
Oh man I'm going to be busy for hours now.Thanks much MATLABdude

Keep in mind that a breadboarded version of a logic gate will be much slower than an actual IC gate. Can you tell us why?
 
[/QKeep in mind that a breadboarded version of a logic gate will be much slower than an actual IC gate. Can you tell us why?
UOTE]

No idea,I haven't even started school yet.I just wanted to arm myself with knowledge to give me an edge.I would like to read any useful link anybody might have in their bookmarks or book suggestions they might have.
 
Keep in mind that a breadboarded version of a logic gate will be much slower than an actual IC gate. Can you tell us why?

No idea,I haven't even started school yet.I just want to arm myself with enough knowledge ahead of time to give myself an edge.Why is it that they are slower?
 
Limpylegs said:
No idea,I haven't even started school yet.I just want to arm myself with enough knowledge ahead of time to give myself an edge.Why is it that they are slower?

Fair enough. It has to do with the capacitance of the junctions and interconnects. When you wire things up from discrete transistors on a breadboard (or PC board), you will end up with a couple pF or so per connection. That slows down the currents that flow, since they have to charge and discharge those capacitances in order to change the voltages.

In an IC, the size of the interconnects are much, much smaller than a breadboard, and the capacitances are a couple orders of magnitude smaller than a picofarad. In general, the smaller the IC geometry, the lower the capacitance, and hence, the faster the circuit can toggle.

Have fun in school !
 

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