# IEC even-parity element

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/iec-even-parity-element
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: 2k
Drawing use: Schematic
Reference families: IEC, Manufacturer

## Symbol convention

Convention: IEC
Form: Rectangular element with the 2k general qualifier
Qualifying-symbol and dependency conventions as explained in TI's public overview of IEEE Std 91-1984, which incorporates IEC 617-12 work. Independent educational drawing; not certified IEC geometry or an IEC database identifier.

Element marked 2k whose output is active when an even number of its inputs are active.

## In plain English

### What does IEC even-parity element mean?

The 2k additional drawing mark means the output is active when an even number of inputs, including none, are active. It is the multi-input generalisation of exclusive-NOR and is used in parity generation and checking for data words.

### A simple example

On communication or memory logic drawings the even-parity element may feed a parity bit or compare a received parity bit. The drawing should indicate how many inputs are grouped, often with an input-line grouping or a bus notation, because the function depends on the full set.

### What the drawings help you do

The element gives no information about word framing or when the parity result is sampled. Clocking and latching are separate elements.

### This particular reference

Element marked 2k whose output is active when an even number of its inputs are active. The 2k+1 element is its complement and gives odd parity.

### Terms

- Normally open / normally closed: The contact state in the normal condition defined for the drawing.
- Signal: Electrical information passed between devices, rather than necessarily the main power supply.
- Schematic: A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.

Concept diagram: Identify the device and form → Read the connections and state → Check the equipment reference
A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.

- [Overview of IEEE Standard 91-1984: explanation of logic symbols (SDYZ001A)](https://www.ti.com/lit/ml/sdyz001a/sdyz001a.pdf)
- [SN74LS280 — odd/even parity generation and checking](https://www.ti.com/product/SN74LS280)


## What it represents

The 2k qualifier means the output is active when an even number of inputs, including none, are active. It is the multi-input generalisation of exclusive-NOR and is used in parity generation and checking for data words.
On communication or memory logic drawings the even-parity element may feed a parity bit or compare a received parity bit. The drawing should indicate how many inputs are grouped, often with an input-line grouping or a bus notation, because the function depends on the full set.
The element gives no information about word framing or when the parity result is sampled. Clocking and latching are separate elements.

## How to read it

- Count all inputs, including any shown by bus notation.
- Zero active inputs counts as even.

## Information to show or reference

- Use 2k rather than =1 or = for parity.
- Group the input bus clearly.
- Show where the result is latched or compared.

## Important distinction

The 2k+1 element is its complement and gives odd parity.

## Facts

- Qualifier: 2k (even number active)
- Two-input equivalent: Exclusive-NOR
- Artwork scope: Original educational illustration; consult the applicable standard and the selected device documentation for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [Overview of IEEE Standard 91-1984: explanation of logic symbols (SDYZ001A)](https://www.ti.com/lit/ml/sdyz001a/sdyz001a.pdf) — Texas Instruments. Defines the 2k qualifier.
- [SN74LS280 — odd/even parity generation and checking](https://www.ti.com/product/SN74LS280) — Texas Instruments. Manufacturer parity generator and checker documentation.

## Graphic scope

Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.