# flip-flop

> circuit that has two stable states and can be used to store state information

**Wikidata**: [Q183406](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q183406)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flip-flop_(electronics))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/flip-flop

## Summary
A flip-flop is an electronic circuit characterized by having two stable states. It is primarily used to store state information, making it a fundamental building block in digital electronics.

## Key Facts
*   A flip-flop is a circuit with two stable states.
*   It is used to store state information.
*   Flip-flops are utilized as memory cells and in sequential logic.
*   They are a type of electronic component and a logic gate.
*   Static random-access memory (SRAM) uses flip-flops to store each bit.
*   Common aliases include latch, FF, and bistable multivibrator.
*   A key characteristic of a flip-flop is bistability.
*   It is a subclass of multivibrators.
*   The entity has 64 sitelinks across various platforms.

## FAQs
### Q: What is a flip-flop?
A: A flip-flop is an electronic circuit that possesses two stable states. Its primary function is to store state information within a digital system.

### Q: What are the main uses of a flip-flop?
A: Flip-flops are primarily used as memory cells and are fundamental components in sequential logic circuits. They are crucial for storing individual bits of data.

### Q: Is a flip-flop considered an electronic component?
A: Yes, a flip-flop is classified as an electronic component. It is also considered a type of logic gate and a subclass of multivibrators.

### Q: What are some other names for a flip-flop?
A: A flip-flop is also known by several aliases, including latch, FF, and bistable multivibrator. Other variations include Flip-flops, Flip flop, Biestables, D-Latch, and bistabiles Kippglied.

### Q: How does a flip-flop relate to computer memory?
A: Flip-flops are directly related to computer memory as they are used to store each bit in static random-access memory (SRAM). This makes them essential for digital data storage.

## Why It Matters
The flip-flop is a cornerstone of digital electronics, playing a critical role in how modern computing systems store and process information. Its ability to maintain one of two stable states allows it to function as a fundamental memory cell, storing a single bit of data. This characteristic, known as bistability, is essential for building sequential logic circuits, which are the basis for registers, counters, and state machines found in microprocessors and other digital devices. Without flip-flops, the creation of static random-access memory (SRAM) would not be possible, impacting the speed and efficiency of data storage in computers. By enabling the storage of state information, flip-flops provide the memory required for sequential operations, allowing digital systems to perform complex tasks that depend on past inputs and current states. Their significance lies in their foundational contribution to the architecture of virtually all digital technology.

## Notable For
*   Being a fundamental circuit with two stable states, enabling state information storage.
*   Its direct application as a memory cell, notably in static random-access memory (SRAM).
*   Serving as a core building block for sequential logic circuits.
*   Possessing the characteristic of bistability, crucial for digital memory functions.
*   Being classified as both an electronic component and a logic gate.

## Body

### Definition and Function
A flip-flop is an electronic circuit designed with two stable states. This inherent characteristic allows it to store state information, making it a fundamental element in digital electronics. It is also known by aliases such as latch, FF, and bistable multivibrator.

### Classification and Relationships
The flip-flop is categorized as an electronic component and a type of logic gate. It is further classified as a subclass of multivibrators. A key characteristic of a flip-flop is its bistability. It is related to electronic components, which are basic discrete devices or physical entities in an electronic system used to affect electrons or their associated fields.

### Uses and Applications
Flip-flops are primarily used as memory cells. They are integral to sequential logic circuits, which are essential for various digital operations. A significant application is in static random-access memory (SRAM), where flip-flops are employed to store each individual bit of data. SRAM is a semiconductor memory that uses flip-flops for this purpose.

### Identifiers and References
*   **Wikidata Description**: circuit that has two stable states and can be used to store state information
*   **Aliases**: latch, Flip-flop, FF, bistable multivibrator, Flip-flops, Flip flop, Biestables, Flip flops, D-Latch, bistabiles Kippglied
*   **Instance Of**: electronic component, logic gate
*   **Subclass Of**: multivibrator
*   **Has Characteristic**: bistability
*   **Use**: memory cell, sequential logic
*   **Related to**: electronic component, static random-access memory (SRAM)
*   **Image**: An image depicting a Motorola MC74ACT74N is available at `https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Basic_Measuring_Instruments_-_Math_Processor_83002190_-_Motorola_MC74ACT74N-3930.jpg`.
*   **Sitelink Count**: 64
*   **Wikipedia Title**: Flip-flop (electronics)
*   **Commons Category**: Flip-flops
*   **Commons Gallery**: Flip-flops
*   **Encyclopædia Britannica Online ID**: technology/flip-flop
*   **ScienceDirect Topic ID**: engineering/flip-flop-circuits
*   **Stack Exchange Tag**: `https://stackoverflow.com/tags/flip-flop`
*   **Freebase ID**: /m/033pk (referenced on 2013-10-28)
*   **GND ID**: 4135907-0
*   **PSH ID**: 1913
*   **Metasat ID**: flipFlop
*   **C64 Wiki ID**: SRAM
*   **Quora Topic**: Flip-Flop-5
*   **Zhihu Topic ID**: 19633238
*   **Treccani ID**: flip-flop
*   **De Agostini ID**: flip-flòp
*   **Treccani Vocabulary ID**: flip-flop
*   **Open Library Subject ID**: flip-flops
*   **Treccani's Enciclopedia della Matematica ID**: flip-flop (published in 2017)
*   **Microsoft Academic ID (discontinued)**: 2781007278
*   **On Focus List of Wikimedia Project**: Wikipedia:Vital articles/Level/4 (as of 2022-10-31)
*   **Said to be the same as**: Genetic Toggle Switch (as a biological counterpart)

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. Quora
3. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)