Profile
Settings
Refer your friends
Sign out
Introduction
In digital ICS where data can be transferred and efficiently stored, digital integrated circuits usually comprise memory chips, microprocessors, and logic circuits.
These ICS can be constructed using logic gates to store information about the state of the circuit. The flip-flops and latches store one bit of information in the bit format. These are the fundamental building blocks and function like the fundamental components of computers and electronic systems.
The major difference is that the latch operates as a level-triggered memory circuit. In contrast, the flip-flop operates on an edge-triggered type. This means that the output also changes whenever input to a latch changes.
However, the latch is only altered when the control signal changes between low and high and high and low.
What is a Latch?
Latch Electronic device instantaneously changes its output according to the input. It is used to keep either 0 or 1 at any given period of time. It is a device that stores 0 or 1. “SET” and “RESET” are two inputs of the latch.
The two outputs complement one another. A latch is used to store just one bit of information and is a memory device. It is similar to flip-flops. However, it is a synchronous device. The latch isn’t a device that works with the clock edges as flip-flops do. Mentioned below are the types of latch.
- JK Latch
- Gated S-R Latch
- SR Latch
- T Latch
- Gated D Latch
- D latch
What is a Flip-Flop?
A flip-flop is a common digital memory circuit that stores a single bit of information. Also, flip-flops are the basic components of all sequential circuits. They can also be referred to as a bi-stable multi vibrator, one-bit, or binary memory. Also, flip-flops serve as memory elements within sequential circuits.
Flip-flops employ the edge-triggered method. There are four kinds of flip-flops:
- Data or Delay (D) Flip-Flop
- JK Flip-Flop
- Toggle (T) Flip-Flop
- SR (Set-Reset) Flip-Flop
Key Difference Between Flip Flop and Latch
| Flip Flop | Latch |
| The flip-flop alters its output only when the clock pulse is activated along with the input change. | Latch alters the output based on the changes in input constantly. |
| As clock signals synchronise operations of the flip-flop, it operates synchronously. | In the absence of clocks, latches operate asynchronously. |
| In comparison, flip-flops must have an additional clock to ensure their operation. | In latches, since the output is only dependent on the input signal applied, they do not require the external input clock. |
| The need for power to allow the circuit to work is much lower in the flip-flops, because there is a clock signal present. | The need for power to allow the circuit to work is much lower in the instance of latches. |
| In comparison, flip-flops, in addition to working with past and present input and output, also considers clock signals. | Latches work on both present/past input and output values. |
| The analysis of circuits for flip-flops is a bit simpler than latches. | The analysis of circuits for latches is a bit more difficult. |
| Flip-flops are edge triggered and thus are activated when the clock signal changes from low to high or high to low. | Latches are level triggered and thus get an activation whenever the input shifts from one level of binary to the next. |
| Flip-flops consist of a latch and a clock together as one unit. | Latches are created with logic gates. |
Flip-flops are usable as registers, whereas latches do not function as registers. This is because registers are used to store binary data. They also require a clock signal in order to enable real-time transmission. So, they’re replaced by flip-flops, which only use the clock signal.
From this debate, one can say that flip-flops are superior latches. They are specifically designed to deliver a rapid output, whereas latches offer a continuous output in response to input changes once enabled.
