Latch vs. Flip-Flop — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on January 3, 2024
A latch is a simple memory device that changes output based on input and holds its state, while a flip-flop is a more complex memory device that requires a clock signal to change states.
Difference Between Latch and Flip-Flop
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A latch is a basic memory device in digital circuits. It stores a single bit of data and changes its output based on current inputs. A flip-flop, on the other hand, is a more complex memory device that also stores a single bit but requires a clock signal to change its state.
Latches are level-triggered. This means a latch's output can change as long as the control signal is active. Flip-flops are edge-triggered, changing their output only on the rising or falling edge of the clock signal.
A latch can have a simpler design compared to a flip-flop. Because it doesn’t require a clock, a latch often uses fewer gates. In contrast, a flip-flop’s design is more complex, requiring a clock mechanism.
In terms of functionality, latches are seen as less stable. They can change state anytime the control signal changes, leading to potential issues in complex circuits. Flip-flops are more stable as they change state only at specific clock intervals.
The usage of latches and flip-flops varies. Latches are often used in simpler, less time-sensitive applications. Flip-flops are more common in clocked systems like computers where precise timing is crucial.
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Comparison Chart
Trigger Type
Level-triggered
Edge-triggered
Complexity
Simpler design
More complex design
Clock Required
No
Yes
Stability
Less stable, can change anytime
More stable, changes on clock
Usage
Simpler applications
Clocked systems, precise timing
Compare with Definitions
Latch
Latch is a level-triggered storage device.
The latch remained activated as long as the signal was present.
Flip-Flop
Flip-flop refers to a complex binary storage device.
The computer's memory used several flip-flops.
Latch
A latch is a basic digital memory circuit.
The latch stored the bit until the input changed.
Flip-Flop
Flip-flop is stable and changes on specific intervals.
The flip-flop’s stability was essential for the processor.
Latch
Latch can be used in simple electronic applications.
They used a latch for the basic control circuit.
Flip-Flop
A flip-flop is edge-triggered by a clock signal.
The flip-flop waited for the next clock pulse to switch.
Latch
Latch refers to a simple binary storage device.
A latch was used to hold the system’s state.
Flip-Flop
A flip-flop is a digital memory circuit requiring a clock.
The flip-flop changed states on the clock’s edge.
Latch
A latch changes output based on current inputs.
The latch switched states when the input went high.
Flip-Flop
Flip-flop is used in systems requiring precise timing.
For the timing circuit, they chose a flip-flop.
Latch
A fastening, as for a door or gate, typically consisting of a bar that fits into a notch or slot and is lifted from either side by a lever or string.
Flip-Flop
The movement or sound of repeated flapping.
Latch
A spring lock, as for a door, that is opened from the outside by a key.
Flip-Flop
A reversal, as of a stand or position
A foreign policy flip-flop.
Latch
To close or lock with a latch.
Flip-Flop
A backless, often foam rubber sandal held to the foot at the big toe by means of a thong.
Latch
To have or be closed with a latch.
Flip-Flop
A backward somersault or handspring.
Latch
To shut tightly so that the latch is engaged
A door too warped to latch.
Flip-Flop
An electronic circuit or mechanical device capable of assuming either of two stable states, especially a computer circuit used to store a single bit of information.
Latch
To close or lock as if with a latch.
Flip-Flop
To move back and forth between two conditions or circumstances, sometimes repeatedly
"The weather has flip-flopped between sweltering heat and violent storms" (New York Times).
Latch
(transitive) To catch; lay hold of.
Flip-Flop
To reverse a stand or position
"With the board having flip-flopped over zoning issues in the last several years, residents are looking to this fall's election for clarity" (Eugene L. Meyer).
Latch
(obsolete) To smear; to anoint.
Flip-Flop
To execute a backward somersault or handspring.
Latch
A fastening for a door that has a bar that fits into a notch or slot, and is lifted by a lever or string from either side.
Flip-Flop
To move from one position to the reverse or opposite
The coach flip-flopped the linemen.
Latch
(electronics) An electronic circuit that is like a flip-flop, except that it is level triggered instead of edge triggered.
Flip-Flop
A sandal consisting of a rubber sole fastened to the foot by a rubber thong fitting between the toes and around the sides of the foot.
Latch
(obsolete) A latching.
Flip-Flop
A change of places; an inversion or swap.
Latch
(obsolete) A crossbow.
Flip-Flop
(US) An instance of flip-flopping, of repeatedly changing one's stated opinion about a matter.
Latch
(obsolete) That which fastens or holds; a lace; a snare.
Flip-Flop
A bistable; an electronic switching circuit that has either two stable states (switching between them in response to a trigger) or a stable and an unstable state (switching from one to the other and back again in response to a trigger), and which is thereby capable of serving as one bit of memory.
Latch
A breastfeeding baby's connection to the breast.
Flip-Flop
The sound of a regular footfall.
Latch
(database) A lightweight lock to protect internal structures from being modified by multiple concurrent accesses.
Flip-Flop
A somersault.
Latch
To smear; to anoint.
Flip-Flop
A return trip.
Latch
To catch so as to hold.
Those that remained threw darts at our men, and latching our darts, sent them again at us.
Flip-Flop
To alternate back and forth between directly opposite opinions, ideas, or decisions.
Latch
To catch or fasten by means of a latch.
The door was only latched.
Flip-Flop
A decision to reverse an earlier decision
Latch
That which fastens or holds; a lace; a snare.
Flip-Flop
A backless sandal held to the foot by a thong between the big toe and the second toe
Latch
A movable piece which holds anything in place by entering a notch or cavity; specifically, the catch which holds a door or gate when closed, though it be not bolted.
Flip-Flop
An electronic circuit that can assume either of two stable states
Latch
A latching.
Flip-Flop
A backward somersault
Latch
A crossbow.
Flip-Flop
Reverse (a direction, attitude, or course of action)
Latch
Spring-loaded doorlock that can only be opened from the outside with a key
Latch
Catch for fastening a door or gate; a bar that can be lowered or slid into a groove
Latch
Fasten with a latch;
Latch the door
Common Curiosities
How does a latch differ from a flip-flop in triggering?
A latch is level-triggered, while a flip-flop is edge-triggered.
Is a clock signal necessary for a latch?
No, a latch does not require a clock signal.
What defines a flip-flop?
A flip-flop is a digital memory device that requires a clock signal.
Can a latch change states at any time?
Yes, a latch can change states whenever the input changes.
Is a latch more complex than a flip-flop?
No, a latch is generally simpler than a flip-flop.
What makes a flip-flop suitable for computers?
Its stability and precise timing control make it suitable for computers.
What is a latch in electronics?
A latch is a basic memory device storing a single bit of data.
Does a flip-flop always need a clock signal?
Yes, flip-flops change states based on a clock signal.
Are flip-flops used in simple circuits?
Flip-flops are usually used in more complex, clocked circuits.
How often does a flip-flop change its state?
A flip-flop changes state on the clock’s rising or falling edge.
Can a latch be used for precise timing?
Latches are less suitable for precise timing due to their level-triggering.
What applications are latches suitable for?
Latches are suitable for simpler, less time-sensitive applications.
Does a latch need more gates than a flip-flop?
No, a latch generally uses fewer gates compared to a flip-flop.
Are flip-flops essential in digital electronics?
Yes, flip-flops are essential for memory and timing in digital electronics.
Are flip-flops more stable than latches?
Yes, flip-flops are more stable due to clock-controlled state changes.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
