UPC EETAC Bachelor's Degree in Telecommunications Systems and in Network Engineering EEL

L5.1

Lecture 2

L5.2: RS flip-flops

[P5] On the internal architecture of an RS flip-flop, CLK and clear direct concepts

AR1

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2.3. Flip-flop. Synchronous 1-bit memory cell

2.3.1. The concept of CLK signal. Synchronicity

In a digital system, outputs (Y) and internal states (S) update to the future value only on the CLK's rising edge transition, this is the idea of synchronicity or synchronous digital system.

Digital CLK oscillators generates rectangular signals for running digital systems. One rising edge per period.

CLK circuit waveforms

2.3.4. The concept of clear direct (CD), asynchronous reset or master reset.

In a digital system time starts when turning ON the power supply at t = 0. System internal state (S) and outputs (Y) remains undetermined, unknown or unpredictable until a reset or clear direct (CD) button is clicked at t = t1. While CD is set high, the systems remains at its initial state. Once CD is low the system starts updating outputs (Y) and internal states (S) after each CLK's rising edge.

CLK and reset signals

2.3.5. Automating system initialisation: power-ON reset.

Power ON reset concept

2.3.6. Standard flip-flops

In previous lesson we studied asynchronous latches RS_latch and D_Latch

Latches

Now we can present common types of synchronous flip-flops, 1-bit memory cells: RS_FF, D_FF, JF_FF and T_FF .

Flip-flops

Flip-flops

2.3.6.1. RS flip-flop (RS_FF)

2.3.6.1.1. Function table, state diagram, timing diagram

Run in Proteus the RS_FF.pdsprj example to grasp differences with respect a latch. What is the meaning of sampling input values?

RS_FF timing diagram

2.3.6.1.2. Deducing RS_FF from RS_latch, CLK's rising-edge detector

Proposing an RS_FF circuit from plan A: how to deduce an RS_FF from an  RS_latch?

1. RS_latch operation

RS_latch

Rslatch

2. From RS_Latch to gated RS_Latch

Gated RS_Latch

3. Edge detector circuit to convert CLK input into enable signal input

Edge detector

4. From gated RS latch to RS_FF

RS_flip_flop

RS_Flip_flop

This an idea on how a CLK rising edge can trigger the sampling of inputs. Other circuits are proposed in literature, for instance master-slave configuration.

Fortunately, we well describe such components using a much simple, easier and repetitive behavioural approach, leaving to  EDA tools the synthesis of such memory cells in FPGA fabrics.

2.3.6.1.3. Commercial chip

A classic chip is HEF4027B. 

NOTE. Analysis of circuits with memory cells and gates (such the one presented in P5 is covered in Lab5, where we propose three analysis methods:

Method 1 handwritten

Method 2 Proteus simulation

Method 3 VHDL synthesis and simulation.

Those are analysis strategies similar to what we did in P1.

 

Exercise: Analyse the following RS_FF applying its function table.

Waveforms