Which characteristic defines an AND gate?

An AND gate is defined by its ability to produce a logic "1" (or high signal) at its output only when all of its inputs are also at logic "1." This means that for the output to be true, every input must be true simultaneously. If even one input is at logic "0" (or low signal), the output will be logic "0." This characteristic is fundamental to how AND gates operate in digital circuits, as they perform logical conjunction.

The understanding of this characteristic is vital in digital electronics, where AND gates are often used in various logic circuits, including those for decision-making processes in binary systems. The requirement for all inputs to be true to produce a high output distinguishes the AND gate from other types of logic gates, such as OR gates, which require only one input to be high for the output to be high.