1. A digital computer uses bistable circuits as electronic switches.
These electronic switches are put in a definite order to perform
certain prescribed tasks, such as adding, comparing, etc. When
designing switching circuits for the first digital computers, it became
evident that a simple mathematical way of representing switching
circuits was needed so that these circuits could be simplified. It was
found that Boolean algebra could be used to represent and to
simplify these electronic switching circuits.
Boolean algebra is used to ___________________ and to
___________________ electronic switching circuits.
2. Since Boolean algebra is based upon elements having two
possible conditions, or states, it is readily adaptable to electronic
switching circuits. A switching circuit can be in only one of two
possible conditions at any given instant: it is either open, or it is
closed. Using Boolean notation, a switch which may be open or
closed is represented by a variable, such as A, A, B, B, L, L, etc. To
avoid confusion in this program, the labeling of a switch will indicate
the function of the switch when closed.
IT 0346
1-2
Previous Page
