Digital storage elements Which type of logic device or circuit is primarily used to store multi-bit digital information for later use or transfer?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Register

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Temporary storage is essential in digital systems for pipelining, synchronization, and data movement between functional blocks. Storage elements may be arranged as single flip-flops or grouped into registers that can hold multi-bit words, often controlled by clocks and enables.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • A register is an array of flip-flops capable of storing multiple bits.
  • We are comparing basic logic components by primary function.
  • No specific register type (parallel-load, shift register) is implied; general storage is intended.


Concept / Approach:

Registers are built from flip-flops to store N-bit values. They support loading, holding, and sometimes shifting, making them the standard choice for CPU registers, pipeline stages, and interface boundary registers. Counters do store state but their main purpose is counting sequences, not general data storage.


Step-by-Step Reasoning:

Identify device whose primary role is storage of multi-bit data → register.Distinguish counters: optimized for advancing through states in response to clock pulses.Inverters and buffers process signals but do not store data.


Verification / Alternative check:

Any microarchitecture diagram shows multiple registers for data, addresses, and intermediate values. Datasheets for parts like 74HC273 (octal D-type flip-flop) label them as registers, highlighting their storage function.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Counter: primarily counts; storage is incidental to sequencing.
  • Inverter: logical negation, no memory.
  • Buffer: drive strength or isolation, no memory.
  • Decoder: translates codes, not storage.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Assuming any sequential device is a register. Only devices designed to hold arbitrary data words are considered registers.
  • Confusing shift registers with counters; shift registers do store but for serial movement, still registers by function.


Final Answer:

Register

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