D Flip-Flop

The D flip-flop is a two-input flip-flop. The inputs are the data (D) input and a clock (CLK) input. The clock is a timing pulse generated by the equipment to control operations. The D flip-flop is used to store data at a predetermined time and hold it until it is needed. This circuit is sometimes called a delay flip-flop. In other words, the data input is delayed up to one clock pulse before it is seen in the output.

The simplest form of a D flip-flop is shown in the figure below, view A. Now, follow the explanation of the circuit using the truth table and the timing diagram shown in the figure, views B and C.

D flip-flop: A. Standard symbol; B. Truth table; C. Timing diagram.

Depending on the circuit design, the clock (CLK) can be a square wave, a constant frequency, or asymmetrical pulses. In this example the clock (CLK) input will be a constant input at a given frequency. This frequency is determined by the control unit of the equipment. The data (D) input will be present when there is a need to store information. Notice in the truth table that output Q reflects the D input only when the clock transitions from 0 to 1 (LOW to HIGH).

Let’s assume that at t₀, CLK is 0, D is 1, and Q is 0. Input D remains at 1 for approximately 2 1/2 clock pulses. At t₁, when the clock goes to 1, Q also goes to 1 and remains at 1 even though D goes to 0 between t₂ and t₃. At t₃, the positive-going pulse of the clock causes Q to go to 0, reflecting the condition of D. The positive-going clock pulse at t₅ causes no change in the output because D is still LOW. Between t₅ and t₆, D goes HIGH, but Q remains LOW until t₇ when the clock goes HIGH.

The key to understanding the output of the D flip-flop is to remember that the data (D) input is seen in the output only after the clock has gone HIGH.

You may see D flip-flop symbols with two additional inputs - CLR (clear) and PR (preset). These inputs are used to set the start condition of the flip-flop - CLR sets Q to 0; PR sets Q to 1. The figure below shows the standard symbol with the CLR and PR inputs. Since these inputs are preceded by inverters (part of the flip-flop), a LOW-going signal is necessary to activate the flip-flop. These signals (CLR and PR) override any existing condition of the output.

D flip-flop with PR and CLR inputs.

You may also see an inverter at the clock input. In this case, the output will change on the negative-going transition of the clock pulse.