NOT Gate

The NOT Gate is the simplest logic component in Timberborn's automation system, taking a single input signal and inverting it: when the input is ON, the output is OFF, and vice versa. Costing 300 Science Points, the NOT Gate is essential for creating 'negative' conditions in your automation circuits. While straightforward in concept, it enables a wide range of important automation patterns that would otherwise be impossible.

The NOT Gate accepts one input signal from any automation source and outputs the inverted signal to buildings, valves, or other logic components. The most common application is converting a sensor's positive detection into a negative trigger. For example, a Depth Sensor set to 'water greater than 2 meters' outputs ON when water is high; passing this through a NOT Gate gives you a signal that is ON when water is low, which can then activate emergency pumping. Similarly, inverting a Weather Station's drought signal gives you a signal that is active during non-drought periods.

NOT Gates are also crucial for creating XOR (exclusive or) logic when combined with AND and OR Gates. By inverting one input and feeding it into an AND Gate alongside the non-inverted other input, you create a condition that is true only when exactly one signal is active. This is useful for systems that should respond differently to conflicting conditions. Another practical use is creating 'default ON' behavior: connect a NOT Gate to a Lever so that buildings are active by default and only shut down when the Lever is manually activated. The NOT Gate's low complexity and 300 Science Point cost make it a staple component in any automation toolkit.