Latches
Latches are used in logic circuits. They have two inputs, one output and feature two stable states – active high and active low. They function as storage devices and hold the data via feedback lanes. When in an active high state, a HIGH signal triggers the latch. When in an active low state, a LOW signal triggers the latch.
What are latches used for?
In electronics, latches have many uses:
- They are used to store single bits of data in computing and data storage
- You can find them in circuits such as power gates, also as storage devices
- They are used to maintain the data bits’ conditions while encoding binary numbers
What are the main types of latches?
A range of latches are available in electronics. From SET/RESET (asynchronous) latches, to Gated SR latches, Gated D latches, JK latches and more, each latch functions in different ways and has different advantages.
What are the benefits of latches?
There are many advantages of using latches:
- Compared with flip-flops, latches have a flexible design
- They make use of less power
- Latches occupy much less space than flip-flops