Sequential Circuits

Introduction:
The combinational circuit does not use any memory. Hence the previous state of input
does not have any effect on the present state of the circuit. But sequential circuit has
memory so output can vary based on input. This type of circuits uses previous input,
output, clock and a memory element.
Definition:
A sequential circuit is a circuit made up by combining logic gates such that the required
logic at the output(s) depends not only on the current input logic conditions but
also on the past inputs, outputs and sequences.
In order to provide the previous input or output a memory element is required to be
used.
Thus a sequential circuit needs memory elements.
Block diagram of Sequential circuit:

Prese

Next

nt

State

State

Present state:
The data stores by the memory elements at any given instant of time is called as the
present state.
Next State:
The combinational circuit operates on the external inputs and the present state to
produce new outputs. Some of these new outputs are stored in the memory element and
called as the next state of the sequential circuits.
Prof. M. N. DESHMUKH, MDIMRT, SHIRUR

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Clock Signal
Low

High

There are two categories of sequential Circuits:

1) Synchronous Sequential Circuits:
Controlled by Clock
Active only when clock signal is present
Easy to Design
2) Asynchronous Sequential Circuits:
Not controlled by clock
Active any time
Difficult to design.

Comparison of Combinational and Sequential Circuits:

Parameter
Output
Depend on
Memory
Clock Signal
Examples

Combinational Circuits

Sequential Circuits

Inputs present at that instant of Present inputs and Past

inputs/outputs
time
Not necessary
Necessary
Not Necessary
Necessary
Adders,
Encoder, decoder, Flip
Flops,
Shift
Registers, Counters
MUX,DEMUX

Prof. M. N. DESHMUKH, MDIMRT, SHIRUR

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1)

Flip- Flop:( 1 Bit memory Cell (Bistable elements))

Flip Flop is also known as the basic digital memory circuit

It has two stable states namely logic 1 state and logic 0 state. We can design it
either using NOR gates or NAND gates.

They are capable of storing 1- bit of information. These single bit logic elements
are called as flip-flops.

A flip-flop can be designed by using the fundamental circuits. NAND gates 1 and 2
are basically acting as inverters. Hence the circuit is called as a cross coupled
inverter.

Output of gate 1 is connected to the input of gate 2 and output of gate 2 is

connected to input of gate 1.

Flip flop means a digital circuit of two stable states at an output

1 means rise on top, it means flip and
0 means fall to ground, it means flop
Stable state can change only after a clock input applies.

Types of Flip flop

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

SR flip flop
D flip Flop
JK Flip flop
Master Slave Flip flop
Edge trigger D flip flop with timing diagram

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

SR flip flop using NOR gate:

D Flip Flop
JK Flip Flop
Master-Slave Flip Flop
Edge Trigger D flip-flop With timing diagram.

Prof. M. N. DESHMUKH, MDIMRT, SHIRUR

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