Logic Gate Simulator

Interactive Digital Logic Circuit Designer

Java Digital Logic GUI Swing Boolean Algebra
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Project Overview

An interactive digital logic simulator that allows users to design and test logic circuits using fundamental gates (AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR, XNOR). The application features a drag-and-drop interface, real-time circuit simulation, and automatic truth table generation for educational and design purposes.

Key Features

  • Complete set of basic logic gates (AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR, XNOR)
  • Drag-and-drop circuit building interface
  • Real-time circuit simulation and signal propagation
  • Automatic truth table generation
  • Circuit save/load functionality
  • Visual signal flow animation

Technical Implementation

Architecture

The simulator uses a component-based architecture with event-driven signal propagation:

  • Gate Components: Individual gate classes implementing boolean logic
  • Circuit Manager: Manages connections and signal flow between components
  • GUI Layer: Swing-based interface with custom rendering
  • Simulation Engine: Event-driven propagation system
  • Truth Table Generator: Exhaustive input combination testing
Technologies Used
  • Java: Core programming language
  • Swing: GUI framework for interface design
  • AWT Graphics: Custom component rendering
  • Observer Pattern: Signal propagation mechanism
  • Serialization: Circuit persistence

Challenges & Solutions

Challenge: Signal Propagation Delays

Solution: Implemented an event queue system to handle signal propagation in the correct order, preventing race conditions and ensuring accurate simulation.

Challenge: Circuit Loop Detection

Solution: Developed a graph-based cycle detection algorithm to identify and prevent feedback loops that could cause infinite propagation.

Challenge: GUI Responsiveness

Solution: Used separate threads for simulation and rendering to maintain smooth user interaction even with complex circuits.

What I Learned

  • Digital logic design and boolean algebra fundamentals
  • Event-driven programming and observer pattern implementation
  • GUI development with Java Swing and custom rendering
  • Graph algorithms for circuit analysis
  • Multithreading for responsive user interfaces

Project Links

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