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