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I am trying to understand computers from the building blocks up. I know computers use transistors to amplify voltages, and this is used for arithmetic, such as a MOSFET.

However, what really makes up a typical computer bit? Is it just two input currents, one higher and one lower? Two possible states? Is movement a bit (run or walk)?

How can I make a bit? Do I just need an emitter, current, and multiple passages?

Would I have a bit if it couldn't be amplified (i.e. a two-series circuit with no amplification of current)?

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A computer bit can be considered the transmission of a signal from one place to another over a wire. The "digital" nature of a bit definition can be any two states that make sense relative to how the circuitry that drives the bit level onto the wire and the circuit that detects the level of the bit signal on the other end of the wire. This could be defined as specific voltage level ranges, current amount ranges or even direction of current flow. The most common scheme used in digital circuits is to use voltage levels. One level pulls the signal line toward the GND whilst the other state of the signal line is determined by pulling the line toward the supply voltage.

Bit signal levels transmitted through a circuit on signal wires always need to originate from some place. These can originate from electro mechanical components that hole the lines at the particular defined voltage levels. They can also originate from special circuits that hold or store the signal level. Such circuit, commonly referred to as a latch or flip-flop, are designed so that the output can drive an output to a signal wire to establish the pair of defined digital states that represent the '1' and '0' values.

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A bit is the basic unit of information in computing and digital communications. A bit can have only one of two values, and may therefore be physically implemented with a two-state device. These values are most commonly represented as 0 and 1.

It is not represented by any two discrete signals. It is represented by two well defined signals:

  • Low signal or bit value 0 is in logic electronics a voltage not greater than 25-30% of the supply voltage. Ideally it should be 0 volts (ground).
  • High signal or bit value 1 is in logic electronics a voltage not smaller than 75 % of the supply voltage. Ideally it should be equal to supply voltage.

Movement is not a bit. A light switch can be considered a "1 bit memory" because it has two states (open and closed). A light dimmer is not a bit because has an infinite number of states between open and closed.

Usually, bit value is defined by voltage not current.

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    \$\begingroup\$ It is defined by which signaling you're using. CMOS, ECL, GTL, RS-232C, RS-485, etc. have different digital thresholds. \$\endgroup\$ Jun 7, 2014 at 20:24
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    \$\begingroup\$ I woud prefer to say that a bit is represented by one signal that may be in either of two states. \$\endgroup\$ Jun 8, 2014 at 0:11
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"Would I have a bit if it couldn't be amplified (i.e. a two-series circuit with no amplification of current)?"

Yes, you can create an AND gate or an OR gate with two (or more) diodes. There is no amplification.

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