Latch-based storage devices Memory devices that store state using electronic latching circuits are called ________.

Introduction / Context:
Digital storage can be realized using many technologies: capacitor charge in DRAM, floating gates in flash, magnetic domains in disks/tape, or bistable electronic latches. This question focuses on the class that relies on latching circuits to hold binary states.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• A “latching circuit” is a bistable element (two stable states).
• Common implementations: SR latch, D latch, and edge-triggered flip-flops.
• Use cases: registers, counters, pipeline stages, small on-chip memories.

Concept / Approach:
A flip-flop is an edge-triggered bistable device built from cross-coupled gates that stores one bit reliably until changed by a clocked input. Arrays of flip-flops form registers and small register files. In contrast, DRAM stores charge on capacitors (needs refreshing) and is not “latching” in the same sense; magnetic tape is a magnetic medium, not an electronic latch.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Textbook register-transfer-level diagrams show registers as banks of D flip-flops, clearly using latching circuits to hold state between clock edges.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• RAM: A broad category; much RAM (e.g., DRAM, SRAM) is not described purely as “latching circuits” in the general sense, and the term is too generic.
• Magnetic tape: Not electronic latching; it is a magnetic storage medium.
• DRAM: Stores charge on capacitors and requires refresh; not latch-based.
• Flash arrays: Use floating-gate transistors; not classic latching circuits.

Common Pitfalls:
Conflating SRAM (static RAM) with discrete flip-flops; while SRAM cells are bistable, the question uses the phrase “electronic latching circuits” typically referring to flip-flops in logic design contexts.

Final Answer:
flip-flops