Difference between Flip-flop and Latch
In this article, we will go through the Difference between Flip-flop and Latch, first, we will go through Flip-Flop and latch in brief with their block diagram, then we will go through the difference, and at last, we will conclude our article with FAQs.
Table of Content
- Flip-Flop
- Latch
- Difference Between Flip-Flop and Latch
- Conclusion
- FAQs
What is Flip-Flop?
Flip-flop is a basic digital memory circuit, which stores one bit of information. Flip flops are the fundamental blocks of most sequential circuits. It is also known as a bistable multivibrator or a binary or one-bit memory. Flip-flops are used as memory elements in sequential circuits. The output is obtained in a sequential circuit from the Flip-flops combinational circuit or flip-flop or both. The state of flip-flops changes at the active state of clock pulses and remains unaffected when the clock pulse is not active. In particular, clocked flip flops serve as memory elements in synchronous sequential Circuits and unclocked flip-flops (i.e., latches) serve as memory elements in asynchronous sequential circuits.
What is Latch ?
Latch is an electronic device, which changes its output immediately based on the applied input. It is used to store either 1 or 0 at any specified time. It consists of two inputs namely “SET” and RESET and two outputs, which are complement to each other.
Difference Between Flip-Flop and Latch
Given Below are the Difference Between Flip-Flop and Latch
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Flip-Flop |
Latch |
|---|---|
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Flip-flop is a bistable device i.e., it has two stable states that are represented as 0 and 1. |
Latch is also a bistable device whose states are also represented as 0 and 1. |
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It checks the inputs but changes the output only at times defined by the clock signal or any other control signal. |
It checks the inputs continuously and responds to the changes in inputs immediately. |
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It is a edge triggered device. |
It is a level triggered device. |
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Gates like NOR, NOT, AND, NAND are building blocks of flip flops. |
These are also made up of gates. |
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They are classified into asynchronous or synchronous flipflops. |
There is no such classification in latches |
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It forms the building blocks of many sequential circuits like counters. |
These can be used for the designing of sequential circuits but are not generally preferred. |
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Flip-flop always have a clock signal |
Latches doesn’t have a clock signal |
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Flip-flop can be build from Latches |
Latches can be build from gates |
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ex:SR Latch, D Latch |
Conclusion
In this article, we have gone through the Flip Flop and Latch with their Block Diagram in brief, Also we have gone through their major difference in detail.
Difference Between Flip-flop and Latch – FAQs
Can a flip-flop be used in place of a latch, and vice versa?
Yes Flip Flop can be used in Place of latches in synchronous systems where timing signals are important. Also latches can be used in flip flops where the continuous response to input will cause timing challenges in synchronous systems.
How do flip-flops and latches contribute to reducing power consumption in digital systems?
Flip Flop and latches are used for controlling the flow of data and minimizing unnecessary switching activity. By using techniques like clock gating and power gating, we can reduce the power consumption in digital systems.
What are the key factors to consider when choosing between a flip-flop and a latch for a specific digital design?
The key factors considering the flip flop and latches include timing requirements, clock signals and level of synchronization required for the circuit.