flip-flop

n 1: a decision to reverse an earlier decision [syn: {reversal},

{change of mind}, {turnabout}, {turnaround}]

2: an electronic circuit that can assume either of two stable

states

3: a backward somersault

v : reverse, as of direction or attitude [syn: {interchange}, {switch},

{alternate}, {flip}]

flip-flop

A digital logic circuit that can be in one of two

states which it switches (or "{toggles}") between under

control of its inputs. It can thus be considered as a one bit

memory. Three types of flip-flop are common: the {SR

flip-flop}, the {JK flip-flop} and the {D-type flip-flop} (or

{latch}).

Early literature refers to the "Eccles-Jordan circuit" and the

"Eccles-Jordan binary counter", using two {vacuum tubes} as

the active (amplifying) elements for each {bit} of information

storage. Later implementations using {bipolar transistors}

could operate at up to 20 million state transitions per second

as early as 1963.

(1995-11-11)