Serial in / Serial out (SISO) 8-bit shift register timing An 8-bit SISO shift register is clocked at 150 kHz. What is the time delay from the serial input to the Q3 tap (after four stages)?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 26.67 µs

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Shift registers propagate data one stage per clock. The delay to a particular tap equals the number of stages to that tap multiplied by the clock period. This is a core timing idea in digital design and serial interfaces.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Clock frequency f = 150 kHz.
  • Tap Q3 is four stages from the serial input.
  • Each clock advances data by one stage.


Concept / Approach:
Clock period T = 1 / f. Time to reach Q3 = 4 * T, because the bit must traverse four flip-flops.


Step-by-Step Solution:

T = 1 / 150,000 = 6.666... µsDelay to Q3 = 4 * T = 4 * 6.666... µs = 26.666... µsRounded to 26.67 µs


Verification / Alternative check:
Dimensional check: kHz implies microsecond periods. Four microsecond-scale periods give a few tens of microseconds, which matches 26.67 µs and not milliseconds.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 1.67 µs: Too small; equals roughly T/4, not 4T.
  • 26.7 ms / 267 ms: Millisecond values are three orders of magnitude too large for a 150 kHz clock.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Mistaking the number of stages (three vs. four) for Q3.
  • Mixing kHz with ms instead of µs during unit conversion.


Final Answer:
26.67 µs

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