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Introduction To Flip-Flops
Article by shankar (2,332 pts )
Edited & published by Ricky (24,056 pts ) on Aug 21, 2009
Flip-flops are the basic building blocks of sequential logic circuits. Know about
different types of logic circuits and how flip-flops are used in sequential logic
circuits. Also learn how to trigger a flip-flop.
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Introduction
In this article let us see what flip flops are and how they are used in digital
circuits.
Basically the logic circuits are divided into
• Combinational logic circuits
• Sequential logic circuits
In combinational logic circuits, the output at any instant of time depends only on
the inputs present at that time.

But there are circuits in which the output at any instant of time depends not only
on the present input of the system but also on the past outputs obtained by the
system. Such logic circuits are called sequential logic circuits.

Now let us understand flip-flops, their importance and uses in the sequential
circuits.

What are Flip-Flops?

We know that sequential logic circuit depends also on the past output of the
system. So they require a memory element to store the past outputs. For this
purpose the flip-flops are used.
Flip-flops are nothing but the memory elements used in the sequential circuits for
storing the past output of the system. A flip-flop circuit can maintain a binary state
indefinitely until directed by any input signal to switch states.

A flip-flop circuit normally consists of two inputs, a clock generator (or) clocking
signal and two outputs. One being the normal value of the output and the other is
the complement value of the bit stored in it. And the output of flip-flop is either
logic 0 or logic 1.
A flip-flop has two stable states and hence it is also called as bistable multi-
vibrator.

Difference between Flip-Flop and Latch

Flip-Flop and Latch are the two basic building blocks of a sequential circuit. But
there is a subtle difference between the two.
A flip-flop continuously checks its inputs and correspondingly changes its output
only at times determined by clocking signal. Where as a latch is a device which
continuously checks all its input and correspondingly changes its output,
independent of the time determined by clocking signal.
A unique signal called "enable" is provided with latch. The output changes only
when the enable signal is active. No change in output takes place when the
enable signal is inactive.

Triggering Of Flip-Flops
We already know that a flip-flop has two stable states. A flip-flop changes from
one state to another and comes back to its original state. Now how can we
change the state of the flip-flop? The state of the flip-flop can be changed by
applying a momentary change to the Input signal. This momentary change is
called triggering of a flip-flop. There are clocked flip-flops which are triggered by
the pulse generated by clocking signal. A clock pulse is usually a square wave
which has 0 as its initial value and goes momentarily to 1 and returns back to 0.
Triggering of flip-flops can be classified into:
• Level Triggering
• Edge Triggering
Level Triggering:
Level triggered flip-flops are dependent on the period of the pulse applied to it. It
is further classified into two types.
• Positive Level Triggering
• Negative Level Triggering
If a flip-flop changes its state when the clock pulse applied is positive then it is
called as positive level triggering.
On the contrary, if the flip-flop changes its state when the clock pulse applied is
negative then it is called negative level triggering.
Edge Triggering:
The edge triggered flip flops changes state either at positive edges or negative
edges of the clock pulse applied and accordingly they are classified into Positive
edge triggered Flip flops and Negative edge triggered flip flops. A positive or
rising transition is achieved from positive edge flip flops and negative or falling
transition is achieved from negative edge flip flops.

In the next article let us discuss the basic circuit of flip-flop and types of flip-flops
that are being used in digital circuits for various applications.

Image and Content Credits

“Digital Electronics” by P.S. Manoharan
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4 Comments

Nov 9, 2010 9:07 PM

ramakrushna dash
detail about flip-flop
please, detail about logical circuit

Aug 5, 2010 10:56 AM

lavanya
RE: Introduction To Flip-Flops
can u give me detailed explination about ,clock pulse signals
and
how it is useful in the flip flops

Aug 5, 2010 10:45 AM

lavanya
RE: Introduction To Flip-Flops
can i know in detailed way about ,clock pulse signals ,
Apr 1, 2010 5:53 PM
matt
cross NAND SR flip flops
how are these used today in society??? can you give me an example??

if you could respond asap it would be greatly appreciated...ty

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