Flip-Flop Concepts — Master–Slave J–K Behavior A master–slave J–K flip-flop is sometimes described as a pulse-triggered or level-triggered device. The statement claims: “input data is read during the entire time the clock pulse is at a LOW level.” State whether this statement is true or false, considering conventional master–slave operation.
-
ATrue
-
BFalse
-
COnly true for asynchronous inputs
-
DTrue only for T flip-flop mode
Answer
Correct Answer: False
Explanation
Introduction / Context:A classic master–slave J–K flip-flop consists of two latches clocked on opposite phases. The “master” is enabled during one clock level, while the “slave” is enabled during the opposite level. Overall behavior appears edge-triggered because the slave transfers the master state only when the clock transitions. Understanding which clock level is sampled avoids timing mistakes.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Device: master–slave J–K flip-flop built from two gated latches.
- Conventional design: if the device is labeled as positive-edge triggered, the master is transparent while the clock is HIGH, not LOW.
- The statement asserts that sampling happens the entire time the clock is LOW.
Concept / Approach:In a master–slave arrangement, one latch is transparent while the clock is at its active level and the other is opaque, then roles swap on the opposite level. Hence, for a positive-edge equivalent device, the master reads inputs during the HIGH level. The slave updates the output when the clock goes LOW, producing an effective edge-triggered transfer.
Step-by-Step Solution:Identify the active sampling window: for positive-edge behavior, inputs affect the master while CLK is HIGH.Determine when outputs update: the slave becomes transparent when CLK goes LOW, passing the master state to the output.Compare with the claim: the statement says inputs are read during the entire LOW level, which is not the general case.Conclude the statement is incorrect.
Verification / Alternative check:Timing diagrams show J and K gating the master while CLK is HIGH. When CLK falls, the slave latches the master state, yielding behavior indistinguishable from edge triggering.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- True: Does not match typical master–slave timing.
- Only true for asynchronous inputs: Asynchronous inputs (preset/clear) bypass the clock and are unrelated.
- True only for T mode: T toggling derives from J = K = 1 but does not change which level is sampled.
Common Pitfalls:Assuming the slave sampling window equals the input sampling window; confusing level-sensitive internal latches with the overall edge-triggered behavior.
Final Answer:False