What do the terms "high" and "low" refer to in digital logic?

In digital logic, the terms "high" and "low" specifically refer to the voltage levels within a circuit. In a typical binary system, "high" often represents a voltage level that is deemed a logical '1', while "low" corresponds to a voltage level indicating a logical '0'. The specific voltage values that define "high" and "low" can vary depending on the technology being used (like TTL or CMOS), but the fundamental principle remains that these two states are used to distinguish between the two possible values in binary representation.

Understanding this concept is crucial because it forms the basis for how digital circuits operate, influencing circuit design, the functioning of logic gates, and the overall performance of digital systems. The clarity provided by distinguishing between high and low voltage levels allows for reliable communication and processing of binary information in various digital devices.