Difference Between Flip Flop and Latch: What You Need to Know
When it comes to digital circuits, flip flops and latches are two fundamental types of storage elements. Both are widely used in electronic devices and have similar functions, but they differ in their operating modes and applications. In this article, we will explore the differences between flip flops and latches and their applications in digital circuits.
What is a flip flop?
A flip flop is a circuit element that stores a single bit of binary data in a digital circuit. It has two stable states, a state when the output is high and the other is when it is low. The input of a flip flop changes the state of the output. Flip flops are widely used in sequential circuits such as counters and shift registers, where the output depends on the previous states.
Some of the commonly used flip flops are D flip flop, T flip flop, JK flip flop, and SR flip flop. These flip flops differ in the way their inputs and outputs are connected.
What is a latch?
A latch is a circuit element that stores a single bit of binary data in memory. Latches are similar to flip flops in that they have two stable states, but their output changes when the input changes. Unlike flip flops, latches are level-sensitive, meaning the output changes when the set or reset signal is active.
Latches are used in applications such as data storage, synchronization, voltage regulation, and signal conditioning. Latches can be classified based on their set and reset conditions, but the common types are SR latch, D latch, and JK latch.
Differences between flip flop and latch
The main difference between flip flops and latches is how they store and output data. Flip flops have clocked inputs, meaning the output changes only when there is a change in the clock signal. Latches, on the other hand, are level sensitive and change the output when the input signal meets the set or reset conditions.
Flip flops are commonly used in sequential circuits such as counters and shift registers, whereas latches are used in data storage, synchronization, and signal conditioning.
Another difference between flip flops and latches is their power consumption. Flip flops consume more power than latches as they operate continuously with the clock pulses. Latches, however, only consume power when the input signal triggers the change in their output.
Conclusion
In summary, flip flops and latches are two fundamental storage elements used in digital circuits. While they have similar functions, the way they store and output data differs significantly. Flip flops have clocked inputs and are commonly used in sequential circuits, while latches are level sensitive and used in applications such as data storage, synchronization, and signal conditioning. Understanding the differences between flip flops and latches is important in designing and optimizing digital circuits.
Table difference between flip flop and latch
| Flip-Flop | Latch |
|---|---|
| Flip-flops are sequential logic circuits that have two stable states and are used to store information. | Latches are sequential logic circuits that have two stable states and are used to store information. |
| Flip-flops are clocked devices, which means they operate only when a clock signal is supplied. | Latches are level-triggered devices, which means they operate continuously and change their output as soon as there is a change in their input. |
| Flip-flops are edge-triggered, meaning they can only change their output state on the rising edge or falling edge of the clock signal. | Latches are level-triggered and can change their output state as long as the input signal is at a different level than the output. |
| Flip-flops are used in synchronous circuits such as counters, registers, and memory devices. | Latches are used in asynchronous circuits such as pulse generators, time delay circuits, and flip-flops. |
| Flip-flops have two types: SR flip-flop and D flip-flop. | Latches have two types: SR latch and D latch. |