The XNOR gate is also called the exclusive NOR gate. This circuit has the opposite logic of the exclusive OR gate. It can be built in a simple configuration using 5 individual transistors. If it is built using NAND gates it would require 10 transistors and if was built using NOR gates it would also require 10 transistors.
The circuit above shows a good way to build the XNOR gate using only 5 transistors. The first two transistors starting from the left are acting like a NAND Gate, the middle transistor is acting like a switch, and the last two are similar to an OR gate. In the photo, both inputs are on as the two far-left resistors are connecting inputs A and B.
This makes it so the current from the resistor closest to the LED can not make it to the ground on the left and has to flow to the ground on the right. The output in this case is on and that is why the LED is on. If both inputs are off the output will be off as the current again can not make it to the ground to the left. If only one input is on then the current will flow from the far right resistor to the middle ground and the LED will be off.
This video shows how to build all types of digital logic gates. At 38:05 the exclusive XNOR gate is discussed in detail. This is one of the more difficult logic gates to build and is not widely used. If you are looking for a simple logic gate to build consider the NAND gate or NOR gate.
XNOR Gate Truth Table
The truth table for the XNOR is shown above. It shows that the circuit will be on if both the inputs are on or off. When only one input is on the output will be off. The symbol looks like an exclusive OR gate symbol but it has the circle in front which means it has the opposite logic.
XNOR Gate Circuit Diagram
The circuit diagram for the XNOR gate is shown above. This is just one example circuit and is the case using 5 transistors. Inputs A and B connect to the base of the first two transistors using a 2K resistor. If the resistor is in place the input is on and if the resistor is not in place the input is off. When the output is on the LED will be lit up when the output is off the LED will not be illuminated.
Cody started the Global Science Network with the idea people should be focusing more time, energy, and resources on useful projects. He has a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. Cody has worked for the US federal government, a university, a large corporation, small businesses, and for himself. He has done human brain computer interface research and is currently working towards creating non-biological human consciousness.