Build a OR Gate From Transistors

In this guide I will show you how to build an OR gate with two transistors.

For a basic detail of how the NPN transistor is being used in this project, please see the intro message to my AND gate instructable.

Step 1: Parts List

To build a logic OR gate you are going to need the following parts:

• 1x Breadboard
• 1x LED (Any color)
• 1x 1K Ohm resistor
• 2x 10K Ohm resistors
• 2x NPN Transistors (I used the 2N2222)
• 2x N.O. Push buttons
• 6x Various length wires/Jumper wires

You will also need to know how to build a circuit based off of a schematic.

Step 2: Schematic / Truth Table

First construct the circuit from the schematic in the above image. (Please excuse my terrible drawing skills..)

Now I will show you the truth table:

A  B  OUT
0  0  0
0  1  1
1  0  1
1  1  1

This logic gate is very simple, the output will only be ON (1) if A is ON (1), B is ON (1), or both are ON (1). Otherwise it will be OFF (0).

Comments

[gaieb]

If on when both a and b is on, then it is an and gate for that condition

[BeachsideHank]

Very clear, easy to duplicate, nice tutorial, I sense more coming, looking for ward to them.

[Mudbud]

Thank you :)

My plan is to show how to make the basic logic gates, then build up to bigger things like adders and d-type flip flops. The end goal will be a guide on building an entire CPU out of transistor logic gates (except ROM and SRAM) based off of a design I am currently working on.