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:
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:
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:
Common Pitfalls:
Final Answer:
Register
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