switch vs and gate

[montag]

It seems like I can use switches just like AND gates in some scenarios. Anyone have thoughts on this?

[UnsignedRobin]

That's correct. Switches are just AND gates, that have the ability to output nothing at all (without adding costs), which is then still interpreted as 0. Therefore switches are basically upgraded AND gates (in the game - not in reality).

[montag]

Thanks!

[kenpeter]

A chain of switches offers wire-like propagation through. Mostly without ripple, a small Elmore RC delay may still apply. AND gates are not passive, not bidirectional, and will always impose combinatorial propagation delay. Setting AND's other inputs in advance won't help the last input propagate faster. That's a job for a switch.

Zeros should be driven, pulled, or switched to ground. An open switch, collector, or drain is not a proper zero. Suitable only for driving ancient relay coils or similar load with diode or snubber. No input should ever float upon the uncertainty of an open switch without alternate path or resistor.

This game is smart enough to reward delay difference between switch vs AND, but not quite smart enough to penalize floating inputs. Just waving your hand near a real floating input can change the value.

[montag]

Thanks kenpeter.