Computer
Architecture & Design
Presentation Topic:
Synchronous
Sequential Circuits
Understanding the Basics of Digital Logic
Group Members and their ID
NAME ID NUMBRR
1. KARIFA KAMARA 13061
SLIDE OUTLINES
[Link]
[Link] FEATURES
[Link] WITH ASYNCHRONOUS CIRCUITS
[Link] COMPONENTS
[Link] PRINCIPLE
[Link] STRUCTURE
[Link] CONSIDERATIONS
[Link]
[Link] AND DISADVANTAGES
[Link]
[Link]
What is a Synchronous Sequential
Circuit?
Introduction
Synchronous sequential circuits are digital systems
where the output depends on both current inputs and past
inputs (i.e., the system's history). These circuits use
memory elements and are synchronized by a global clock
signal, ensuring that all state changes occur
simultaneously at discrete time intervals.
Key Feature
• Predictable behavior due to “global clock’’ controlling
transitions.
Synchronous vs. Asynchronous
Synchronous Asynchronous
Clock-driven transitions Input-driven transitions
No glitches (stable timing) Prone to race conditions
Complex clock distribution Simpler design but harder to
debug
🔑 Key Components
•Clock Signal: A periodic signal that coordinates the
timing of all operations in the circuit.
•Flip-Flops: Basic memory elements (like D, T, JK flip-
flops) used to store binary information.
•State register: Stores the current status of the circuit.
•State Transition: The process of moving from one state
to another, triggered by the clock signal and influenced by
input values.
•Combinational Logic: Determines next state and
output.
Working Principle
• Input + Current State → Next State
• Clock pulse triggers state transitions
• Output = f(current state and/or input)
• Ensures predictable timing and control
Circuit Structure
Block diagram of sequential circuit
INPUT Combinational OUTPUT
Circuit
Flip-
Flops
memory
Block diagram of Synchronous
Sequential circuit
INPUT Combinational OUTPUT
Circuit
9
8 Flip-
Flops
CLK Pulse
memory
Timing Considerations
• Setup Time: Input must stabilize before clock edge.
• Hold Time: Input must remain stable after clock edge.
• Propagation Delay: Time for output to update post-clock edge.
• Max Clock Frequency
Examples
• Registers: Store binary data (e.g., 4-bit register).
• 2. Counters: Cycle through states (e.g., modulo-8 counter).
• 3. Finite State Machines (FSMs):
• Moore Machine: Outputs depend only on current state.
• Mealy Machine: Outputs depend on state + inputs.
Advantages of Synchronous Sequential Circuits
• Predictable Timing: Clock synchronization ensures consistent and reliable
operation.
• Simplified Design: Easier to analyze and troubleshoot due to uniform
timing.
• Reduced Errors: Minimizes issues like race conditions and glitches.
Disadvantages of Synchronous Sequential Circuits
• Clock Skew: Variations in clock signal arrival times can cause synchronization
issues.
• Power Consumption: Continuous clocking leads to higher power usage.
• Complexity in Large Systems: Managing clock distribution becomes challenging
as system size increases.
Applications of Synchronous
Sequential Circuit
•Counters: Used in digital clocks, timers, and event counters.
• Shift Registers: For data storage and transfer in
communication systems.
• Finite State Machines (FSMs): In control systems like traffic
lights and vending machines.
• Memory Units: Basic building blocks for RAM and other
storage devices.
• Digital Signal Processing: In filters and modulators for audio
and video processing.
Summary
• Synchronous circuits use clock signals for
synchronization.
• Core components: Flip-flops, combinational
logic, clock.
•Critical for systems requiring precision (e.g.,
CPUs, FSMs).
• Widely used in digital systems
• Foundation for more complex designs
Questions & Answers
• Any Questions?
