What operation does a quarter adder perform?

A quarter adder is a digital circuit that is used to add two single-bit binary numbers. The primary function of this circuit is to generate a sum output based on the inputs provided. In a quarter adder, there is typically no carry output generated, as it is designed to handle only a single bit of addition at a time. Therefore, the correct answer is that the quarter adder generates a sum.

It's important to note that in digital circuits, a full adder or half adder is the component that handles carry generation. Since there are no carry outputs produced by a quarter adder, the focus remains solely on the sum generated from the addition of the two bits. This characteristic distinguishes the quarter adder from more complex adders that can manage multiple bits and carry out calculations involving overflow.