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Introduction of Sequential Circuits

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Sequential circuits are digital circuits that store and use the previous state information to determine their next state. Unlike combinational circuits, which only depend on the current input values to produce outputs, sequential circuits depend on both the current inputs and the previous state stored in memory elements.

  1. Sequential circuits are commonly used in digital systems to implement state machines, timers, counters, and memory elements. The memory elements in sequential circuits can be implemented using flip-flops, which are circuits that store binary values and maintain their state even when the inputs change.
  2. There are two types of sequential circuits: finite state machines (FSMs) and synchronous sequential circuits. FSMs are designed to have a limited number of states and are typically used to implement state machines and control systems. Synchronous sequential circuits, on the other hand, are designed to have an infinite number of states and are typically used to implement timers, counters, and memory elements.

In summary, sequential circuits are digital circuits that store and use previous state information to determine their next state. They are commonly used in digital systems to implement state machines, timers, counters, and memory elements and are essential components in digital systems design.

Sequential circuit is a combinational logic circuit that consists of inputs variable (X), logic gates (Computational circuit), and output variable (Z). 
 

A combinational circuit produces an output based on input variables only, but a sequential circuit produces an output based on current input and previous output variables. That means sequential circuits include memory elements that are capable of storing binary information. That binary information defines the state of the sequential circuit at that time. A latch capable of storing one bit of information.
 

As shown in the figure, there are two types of input to the combinational logic : 

  1. External inputs which are not controlled by the circuit.
  2. Internal inputs, which are a function of a previous output state.

Secondary inputs are state variables produced by the storage elements, whereas secondary outputs are excitations for the storage elements. 

Types of Sequential Circuits:

There are two types of sequential circuits:  

Type 1: Asynchronous sequential circuit: These circuits do not use a clock signal but uses the pulses of the inputs. These circuits are faster than synchronous sequential circuits because there is clock pulse and change their state immediately when there is a change in the input signal. We use asynchronous sequential circuits when speed of operation is important and independent of internal clock pulse. 

 

But these circuits are more difficult to design and their output is uncertain
 

Type2: Synchronous sequential circuit: These circuits uses clock signal and level inputs (or pulsed) (with restrictions on pulse width and circuit propagation). The output pulse is the same duration as the clock pulse for the clocked sequential circuits. Since they wait for the next clock pulse to arrive to perform the next operation, so these circuits are bit slower compared to asynchronous. Level output changes state at the start of an input pulse and remains in that until the next input or clock pulse. 

We use synchronous sequential circuit in synchronous counters, flip flops, and in the design of MOORE-MEALY state management machines. We use sequential circuits to design Counters, Registers, RAM, MOORE/MEALY Machine and other state retaining machines. 

Advantages of Sequential Circuits:

  1. Memory: Sequential circuits have the ability to store binary values, which makes them ideal for applications that require memory elements, such as timers and counters.
  2. Timing: Sequential circuits are commonly used to implement timing and synchronization in digital systems, making them essential for real-time control applications.
  3. State machine implementation: Sequential circuits can be used to implement state machines, which are useful for controlling complex digital systems and ensuring that they operate as intended.
  4. Error detection: Sequential circuits can be designed to detect errors in digital systems and respond accordingly, improving the reliability of digital systems.

Disadvantages of Sequential Circuits:

  1. Complexity: Sequential circuits are typically more complex than combinational circuits and require more components to implement.
  2. Timing constraints: The design of sequential circuits can be challenging due to the need to ensure that the timing of the inputs and outputs is correct.
  3. Testing and debugging: Testing and debugging sequential circuits can be more difficult compared to combinational circuits due to their complex structure and state-dependant outputs.

In conclusion, sequential circuits have their advantages and disadvantages, but they play an important role in digital systems design due to their ability to store and use binary values, implement timing and synchronization, and implement state machines.

GATE CS Corner Questions 

Practicing the following questions will help you test your knowledge. All questions have been asked in GATE in previous years or in GATE Mock Tests. It is highly recommended that you practice them. 

  1. GATE CS 2010, Question 65
  2. GATE CS 1999, Question 33
  3. GATE CS 2014 (Set 3), Question 65

References:
Sequential Circuits 
Sequential logic – Wikipedia 

Here are a few books that you can refer to for further information on sequential circuits:

  1. “Digital Systems Design Using VHDL” by Charles H. Roth Jr. and Lizy Kurian John
  2. “Digital Design and Computer Architecture” by David Harris and Sarah Harris
  3. “Principles of Digital Design” by Daniel D. Gajski, Frank Vahid and Tony Givargis
  4. “Digital Circuit Design: An Introduction” by Thomas L. Floyd and David Money Harris
  5. “Digital Design: Principles and Practices” by John F. Wakerly

These books cover various topics in digital logic and design, including sequential circuits, and provide in-depth information on the theory, design, and implementation of digital circuits.

 


Last Updated : 21 Feb, 2023
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