Due: Tuesday 9/3/19 at the start of class.

Background

In class, we ran through a few examples pertaining to the sort of logic we wish to investigate in this section. Our four-step process was:

  1. Identify a logically-tractable problem with at least two binary (i.e .two-state) inputs, and one binary output. Write a short description of this problem in paragraph form. (This is the ¶ section.)
  2. Rewrite the problem’s logic in the form of a formal equation. (The Equation section.)
  3. Represent the equation in the form of logical schematic symbols. (The Schematic Diagram section.)
  4. Write out a complete truth table describing all possible inputs and all possible outputs that would derive from them. (The Truth Table section.)

Finally, we suggested that it’s possible also to take the leap from the Schematic Diagram to an electrical schematic, though we didn’t explore that in depth.

If you’re seeking a refresher on any of this material, see the assignment for Project No. 1, which reviews a logic problem systematically.

Assignment

Conjure/discover/invent/prevaricate two logical problem statements and go through the above-outlined four-step process to describe them in English, in technical terms, in a schematic logic drawing, and through a truth table.

Each must have at least three inputs (we don’t think you’ll want more than 5, but the sky’s the limit), and one output. Each problem statement should require at least two logic gates (e.g. if you had three inputs, all three inputs of them can’t simply point into a 3-input AND, or a 3-input OR gate.)

In addition to going through the four steps described above, also do your best to draw an electrical schematic that you believe would create a functioning circuit to actually put the logic you describe into practice.

Run through the process (paragraph, equation, diagram, truth table, and your best stab at an electrical schematic) twice:

  • Choose one “easier” problem that’s in line with what we did in class: a quotidian problem solver, etc., with 3 or 4 inputs, at least two logic gates, and one output. Hopefully this takes you less than a half hour to complete. (Sometimes it can get difficult to disentangle the logic!)
  • Once you’ve done the simpler problem, do a second problem: this time around, it should be something that’s technically harder or more confusing (such as more inputs, outputs, etc.), and/or conceptually stranger, edgier, odder, or otherwise more interesting in its social/ideological implications. Use this to try to push your limits a bit in whatever direction (technical/conceptual) you wish to push them. It’s ok if you’re not able to finish this problem—just get as far as you can on it.

Be prepared to hand your work in at the start of class, printed or handwritten, on 8-1/2″ x 11″ unlined paper. (We will quickly run your homework through a copy machine to do the grading from, so you can keep the original for use in class.)

In class on Tuesday, you’re going to try to build at least one of your machines. More complete and neater homework will make the build process easier for you!

As always, if you have questions/concerns/etc., please don’t hesitate to reach out.