A flip-flop is a fundamental digital electronic circuit element used to store binary information, which can be either a 0 or a 1. It is commonly used in sequential logic circuits and plays a crucial role in memory and storage applications within digital systems.
The term "flip-flop" comes from the idea that the circuit can "flip" between two stable states, just like a toggle switch. It maintains its current state until a triggering signal causes it to change to the other state. The triggering signal is usually a clock signal that synchronizes the flip-flop's operation with the rest of the digital circuit.
There are several types of flip-flops, but the two most commonly used ones are:
SR flip-flop (Set-Reset flip-flop): This type of flip-flop has two inputs, the "Set" (S) and "Reset" (R), and two outputs, the "Q" and "Q̅" (Q-bar). When the "Set" input is activated, the output Q becomes 1, and when the "Reset" input is activated, the output Q becomes 0. This flip-flop can be in an undefined state if both inputs are activated simultaneously.
D flip-flop (Data or Delay flip-flop): The D flip-flop has a single data input (D), a clock input, and one output (Q). It stores and outputs the value of the data input (D) at the rising or falling edge of the clock signal, depending on the type of D flip-flop (positive-edge-triggered or negative-edge-triggered).
Flip-flops are used in various applications, such as data storage, registers, counters, and memory elements in computer systems and other digital devices. They are building blocks for constructing more complex digital circuits and are essential for the functioning of modern digital electronics.