An XOR gate never has more than ____ inputs.

An XOR gate, which stands for "exclusive OR," is designed primarily to compare two binary inputs. It outputs a true (or high) signal only when the number of true inputs is odd. For conventional logic design, the XOR gate is typically limited to two inputs due to its specific operational characteristics and the clarity it provides in binary operations.

While there are variations of the XOR function implemented as multi-input gates in certain digital circuits, the fundamental and most commonly used XOR gate is structured for two inputs. This design allows for simplicity in operations and clear interpretations of logical conditions, making it a staple in digital logic circuits.

In higher-level digital design, if an XOR function involving more than two inputs is needed, it is generally achieved by cascading multiple two-input XOR gates together. This ensures that the gate maintains its defined behavior while accommodating more than two inputs. Therefore, in the context of basic digital electronics, stating that an XOR gate never has more than two inputs accurately reflects its conventional implementation and functionality.