A digital circuit produces an output only when its two inputs are different. What fundamental logic gate describes this behavior?

A digital circuit operates using discrete values, typically represented as logic high (1) or logic low (0). The fundamental logic gate that describes this behavior, producing an output only when its two inputs are different, is the XOR gate, which stands for Exclusive OR gate. A logic gate is an elementary building block of a digital circuit that performs a basic logical function. The XOR gate specifically outputs a logic high (1) state when its two input signals have differing values. This means if one input is a logic low (0) and the other is a logic high (1), the output will be a logic high (1). Conversely, if both input signals are identical—meaning both are logic low (0) or both are logic high (1)—the XOR gate's output will be a logic low (0). This precise characteristic, where an output is generated exclusively by a difference in input states, makes the XOR gate the accurate description for the given behavior.