What characteristic of a digital signal is represented by a NOT gate?

A NOT gate is a fundamental building block in digital electronics known for its ability to invert a digital signal. When a signal is input into a NOT gate, it produces an output that is the opposite of the input: if the input is high (or logic 1), the output will be low (or logic 0), and vice versa. This characteristic of inversion is crucial in digital circuits, as it allows for the implementation of logical operations and is essential in creating complex logical expressions.

Understanding the function of a NOT gate is vital for constructing larger digital systems, as it can affect how different components communicate with each other. The simplicity of its operation makes it a cornerstone in digital logic design, forming the basis for more complex operations when combined with other logic gates.