Latches and Flip-Flops

Latches and flip-flops are the basic elements for storing information. One latch or flip-flop can store one bit of
information. The main difference between latches and flip-flops is that for latches, their outputs are constantly
affected by their inputs as long as the enable signal is asserted. In other words, when they are enabled, their content
changes immediately when their inputs change. Flip-flops, on the other hand, have their content change only either
at the rising or falling edge of the enable signal. This enable signal is usually the controlling clock signal. After the
rising or falling edge of the clock, the flip-flop content remains constant even if the input changes.
There are basically four main types of latches and flip-flops: SR, D, JK, and T. The major differences in these
flip-flop types are the number of inputs they have and how they change state. For each type, there are also different
variations that enhance their operations. In this chapter, we will look at the operations of the various latches and flipflops.

Some Differences Between Latches and Flip-Flops is shown below :