Vol. Digital Circuits
Chapter 3 Logic Gates

The “Buffer” Gate

If we were to connect two inverter gates together so that the output of one fed into the input of another, the two inversion functions would “cancel” each other out so that there would be no inversion from input to final output:

 

Double Inversion
 

 

While this may seem like a pointless thing to do, it does have practical application. Remember that gate circuits are signal amplifiers, regardless of what logic function they may perform.

A weak signal source (one that is not capable of sourcing or sinking very much current to a load) may be boosted by means of two inverters like the pair shown in the previous illustration. The logic level is unchanged, but the full current-sourcing or sinking capabilities of the final inverter are available to drive a load resistance if needed.

For this purpose, a special logic gate called a buffer is manufactured to perform the same function as two inverters. Its symbol is simply a triangle, with no inverting “bubble” on the output terminal:

 

A special logic gate called a buffer is manufactured to perform the same function as two inverters

 

Buffer Circuit with Open-Collector Output

The internal schematic diagram for a typical open-collector buffer is not much different from that of a simple inverter: only one more common-emitter transistor stage is added to re-invert the output signal.

 

Buffer Circuit with Open-Collector Output
 

 

“High” Input Analysis

Let’s analyze this circuit for two conditions: an input logic level of “1” and an input logic level of “0.” First, a “high” (1) input:

 

Input logic level of “1” or High Input Analysis
 

 

As before with the inverter circuit, the “high” input causes no conduction through the left steering diode of Q1 (emitter-to-base PN junction). All of R1‘s current goes through the base of transistor Q2, saturating it:

 

The “high” input causes no conduction through the left steering diode of Q1 (emitter-to-base PN junction).
 

 

Having Q2 saturated causes Q3 to be saturated as well, resulting in very little voltage dropped between the base and emitter of the final output transistor Q4. Thus, Q4 will be in cutoff mode, conducting no current.

The output terminal will be floating (neither connected to ground nor Vcc), and this will be equivalent to a “high” state on the input of the next TTL gate that this one feeds in to. Thus, a “high” input gives a “high” output.

 

“Low” Input Analysis

With a “low” input signal (input terminal grounded), the analysis looks something like this:

 

A “low” input signal (input terminal grounded)
 

 

All of R1‘s current is now diverted through the input switch, thus eliminating base current through Q2. This forces transistor Q2 into cutoff so that no base current goes through Q3 either.

With Q3 cutoff as well, Q4 is will be saturated by the current through resistor R4, thus connecting the output terminal to ground, making it a “low” logic level. Thus, a “low” input gives a “low” output.

 

Schematic Diagram with Totem Pole Output Transistors

The schematic diagram for a buffer circuit with totem pole output transistors is a bit more complex, but the basic principles, and certainly the truth table, are the same as for the open-collector circuit:

 

Schematic Diagram with Totem Pole Output Transistors

 

 

REVIEW:

  • Two inverter, or NOT, gates connected in “series” so as to invert, then re-invert, a binary bit perform the function of a buffer. Buffer gates merely serve the purpose of signal amplification: taking a “weak” signal source that isn’t capable of sourcing or sinking much current, and boosting the current capacity of the signal so as to be able to drive a load.
  • Buffer circuits are symbolized by a triangle symbol with no inverter “bubble.”
  • Buffers, like inverters, may be made in open-collector output or totem pole output forms.

 

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3 Comments
  • C
    cferoiu July 03, 2021

    Thank man/ladie!
    Still have a question: why we need R3? emitor of Q2 why can’t drive direct base of Q3! we have R2 for rest of voltage of Vcc!

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  • splendourprincedaniel@gma September 20, 2021

    So what accounts for the voltage drop from inputs to output

    Like. Reply
    • D
      dalewilson September 20, 2021
      The output swing is limited by the bipolar transistors Q5 and Q6 and diode D3. This circuit would be able to pull the output very near ground; limited only by the collector-emitter voltage of Q6 operating in saturation. When driving a high output, the voltage will be limited by the collector-emitter voltage of Q5 operating in saturation and the forward biased voltage drop of diode D3.
      Like. Reply