[Actual] Difference Between Latch and Flip Flop Explained

The actual difference between Latch and Flip Flop is, Latch is the simplest memory circuit which has not have any controlled input system or it is an unclocked circuit but Flip Flop is a memory circuit that has a controlled input system or it uses clock pulses.

In this article, you will find all the key differences between the Flip Flop and Latch. But before you going to know the key differences, you should know the actual difference between Latch and Flip Flop.

First of all, let's know about the basics of Flip Flip and Latch.

What is Latch?

A latch is a simple sequential logic circuit that can store one bit of data at a time. As you see in the below figure, a latch circuit using NAND gates is shown. It is the simplest circuit that can store one bit of data at a time. The circuit is cross-connected, which means the output of one NAND gate is connected to the input of the other NAND gate.

Suppose we give 0 to the input 'Q'. So at the next cycle in Qn+1, the output will be the same as the previous which is 0. Also, you may notice, when the Q is 0 then the Q' is 1. So the value of Q and Q' always complement each other.

So the conclusion is, we cannot control the output and input of the Latch circuit.

Latches can be used to form the basic building blocks for constructing memory elements like registers and flip-flops. These memory elements play a critical role in storing and transferring data in sequential logic circuits, such as counters, shift registers, and state machines.

Latches help to stabilize input signals and prevent rapid fluctuations or noise from affecting the stored data. By latching the input signal, any transient changes are ignored, and the output retains a stable value until explicitly updated.

Latches synchronize control signals in sequential circuits. They allow the proper timing and coordination of signals, ensuring that data is captured and processed in the correct order.

What is Flip Flop?

So basically, to control the inputs and outputs of the latch circuit, we add some extra circuits to the Latch circuit. Now the whole circuit is called Flip Flop. So Flip Flop is nothing but a Latch circuit with some control circuit.

Now, you may understand the actual difference between Latch and Flip Flop.

Flip-flops help in synchronizing and controlling the timing of signals in sequential circuits. They help to capture and hold data based on clock signals, ensuring that data is processed and transferred in a coordinated manner. This is essential for the reliable and predictable operation of digital systems.

Flip-flops can be used in combination to divide or manipulate clock signals, creating different clocking frequencies for specific operations within a digital system.

A simple flip-flop circuit is shown in the above figure. When we use it as a Flip Flop circuit, we need to give a clock pulse to the circuit. In this case, the edge triggering works. That means when the signal becomes low to high, or high to low the circuit will work which is shown in the above figure.

We can also use the Flip Flop Circuit as Latch Circuit. To use the Flip Flop circuit as Latch, we need to give a level triggering signal to the enable pin. That means when the signal is high, the circuit will work. This is shown in the above figure also.

So it is clear that there is an important difference between the Latch and Flip Flop is, Latch does not need any clock pulse but Flip Flop circuit needs a clock pulse.

Other comparisons between Latch and Flip Flop are given below.

Latch VS Flip Flop

SL NO.	Latch	Flip Flop
1.	A latch is a basic memory circuit that can hold one bit of data at a time.	Flip Flop is nothing but a Latch circuit with an extra control circuit.
2.	The latch does not need any clock signals.	Flip Flop needs a clock signal
3.	Latches are very fast in operation.	Flip Flops are comparatively slow in operation.
4.	Latches consume less power as it contains fewer numbers of logic gates.	Flip Flops consume more power as it contains more logic gates than Latch.
5.	Register circuits cannot be made using Latches because the latch does not need any clock signal.	Register circuits can be made using Flip Flop circuits.
6.	The working of Latches depends on the binary inputs only.	The working flip-flop depends on the binary input as well as a clock signal.
7.	The different types of latches are, D-Latch, SR-Latch, JK-Latch, and T-Latch.	The different types of Flip flops are, SR-Flip Flop, JK-Flip Flop, D-Flip Flop, T-Flip Flop

Read Also:

• Truth Table and applications of all types of Flip Flops-SR, JK, D, T, Master-Slave
• What is Register? Register Types and Applications
• Easy way to understand What is Logic Gate.

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