Which of the following creates the bistable memory condition in a latch circuit?
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Which of the following creates the bistable memory condition in a latch circuit?
Show answer & explanation
Bistability in a latch is achieved by feeding the output of one logic gate back into the input of another, creating a regenerative feedback loop. This cross-coupling allows the circuit to maintain one of two stable states regardless of changes in the input, provided the enable signal is inactive.
Step-by-step Derivation:
Step 1: Define Bistability. A bistable circuit is one that has two stable states (0 and 1) and can hold its state indefinitely until an external trigger occurs.
Step 2: Analyze the circuit architecture of a basic latch (e.g., an SR latch using NOR gates). In an SR latch, the output Q is connected to the input of the gate that produces the complementary output Q', and Q' is connected back to the input of the gate producing Q.
Step 3: Evaluate the feedback mechanism. This configuration is known as 'cross-coupling'. When the circuit enters a state (e.g., Q=1, Q'=0), the feedback loop reinforces this state: the '0' at Q' keeps the gate for Q in the '1' state, and the '1' at Q keeps the gate for Q' in the '0' state.
Step 4: Compare with other options. Low input voltages (A) are just signal levels; synchronous operation (B) refers to flip-flops (clocked), not the fundamental bistable condition of a latch; gate impedance (C) affects speed and power but not the logical ability to store a state.
Step 5: Conclusion. Cross-coupling is the necessary and sufficient structural condition for the regenerative feedback required for bistability.