Digital electronics — ring counter concept: Instead of counting upward with binary numbers, a ring counter circulates “words” in which exactly one position (bit) is high at any time. In this context, that single high element is a:

Introduction / Context:
A ring counter is a specialized sequential circuit used for timing, sequencing, and one-hot state encoding. Unlike a binary counter that increments through natural binary codes, a ring counter recirculates a pattern in which exactly one storage element is high (logic 1) at any given time. Understanding the “one-hot” nature of the pattern clarifies how ring counters simplify decoding and reduce hazards in digital systems.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The device discussed is a ring counter (e.g., using D or JK flip-flops).
• Its state is “one-hot,” meaning only one position contains a logic 1.
• The question asks what that single high element is called.

Concept / Approach:
A ring counter connects flip-flops in a loop so that a single logic 1 circulates. In an N-stage ring counter, the sequence length is N because the 1 advances one position per clock. Each flip-flop output represents one bit of the state word. Therefore, the “single high” element is a high bit. This one-hot scheme makes decoding trivial: each output line directly indicates a unique state without further combinational logic.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the nature of the state word in a ring counter: one-hot.Map each flip-flop output to a bit in that word.Conclude that the single high item circulating is a high bit.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard texts describe ring and Johnson counters as one-hot or quasi-one-hot encodings where each flip-flop corresponds to a bit position in the circulating word.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Bytes” is 8 bits, not a single position. “Gate” and “chip” refer to hardware building blocks, not the position within the state word. “None of the above” is invalid because “bit” is correct.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing ring counters with binary ripple/synchronous counters; assuming multiple bits may be high in a normal ring counter (they should not be).

Final Answer:
bit.