Flip Flops, Latches & Memory Details - Computerphile | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Learn how computer memory is built using simple circuits and flip flops to store multiple bits of information.

Key Insights

• 😫 The SR latch is a basic circuit that can store data using set and reset inputs.
• 👻 The D latch adds a clock input to the SR latch, allowing for controlled data storage.
• 🫦 Flip flops are used to store multiple bits of information, with each flip flop storing one bit.
• 😫 Multiple flip flops can be connected in parallel to store bytes, words, or larger data sets.
• 🐬 Computer memory is built using a combination of circuits and flip flops to store and retrieve data.
• 🫦 Memory chips can contain multiple flip flops, each storing a different bit of data.
• 😒 The use of parallel storage allows for efficient data access and manipulation.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How does an SR latch store data?

An SR latch stores data using inputs for set and reset. When the set input is high, the output remains high even if the set input goes low. The reset input brings the output back to low.

Q: What is a D latch and how does it differ from an SR latch?

A D latch is a circuit that functions similarly to an SR latch but includes a clock input. When the clock is high, the output follows the data input. When the clock is low, the output remains frozen at its previous state.

Q: How can multiple bits of information be stored using flip flops?

By connecting multiple flip flops in parallel, each flip flop can store one bit of information. This allows for the storage of bytes, words, or even larger data sets.

Q: How are multiple flip flops connected to store data?

Each flip flop is connected to an individual data input and a common clock input. When the clock transitions from low to high, all the flip flops remember the data inputs and their outputs become the stored data.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Computer memory can be built using circuits like the SR latch, which stores data using inputs for set and reset.

• To store data using flip flops, a clock input is added to capture the data input at a specific time.

• Multiple bits of information can be stored by connecting multiple flip flops in parallel.