What configuration is typically used for a simple inverter in digital circuits?

A simple inverter in digital circuits is typically configured using a single transistor. This configuration works due to the transistor's ability to switch between two states, representing the logical values of a digital signal—high (1) and low (0). In the inverter setup, when the input to the transistor is high, the output is low, and vice versa, effectively producing an inverted signal.

Transistors are essential components in digital electronics due to their efficiency and speed in switching operations. Using a single transistor allows for a minimalistic design while still achieving the primary function of an inverter. This method also tends to consume less power compared to more complicated arrangements, making it ideal for basic inverter applications.

The other options, such as a series of resistors or a combination of diodes, do not perform the basic logical inversion required for an inverter. Resistors alone do not have the active switching capability that a transistor provides, and while diodes can help in certain logic gate configurations, they cannot serve as a stand-alone inverter. Similarly, a push-button switch does not inherently provide an inverted signal output; it simply serves as a manual switch for opening or closing a circuit.