< hardware > A low-level digital logic component. Gates perform Boolean functions (e.g. AND , NOT ), store bit s of data (e.g. a flip-flop ), and connect and disconnect various parts of the overall circuit to control the flow of data ( tri-state buffer).
In a CPU , the term applies particularly to the buffers that route data between the various functional units . Each gate allows data to flow from one unit to another or enables data from one output onto a certain bus .
(1999-09-02)