In synchronous counters, the clock inputs of all the flip-flops are connected together and are triggered by the input pulses. Thus, all the flip-flops change state simultaneously (in parallel). The circuit below is a 3-bit synchronous counter. The J and K inputs of FF0 are connected to HIGH. FF1 has its J and K inputs connected to the output of FF0, and the J and K inputs of FF2 are connected to the output of an AND gate that is fed by the outputs of FF0 and FF1.
Pay attention to what happens after the 3rd clock pulse. Both outputs of FF0 and FF1 are HIGH. The positive edge of the 4th clock pulse will cause FF2 to change its state due to the AND gate.
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The count sequence for the 3-bit counter is shown on the right.
The most important advantage of synchronous counters is that there is no cumulative time delay because all flip-flops are triggered in parallel. Thus, the maximum operating frequency for this counter will be significantly higher than for the corresponding ripple counter. |
