Difference between Synchronous and Asynchronous Sequential Circuits

Both Synchronous and Asynchronous Sequential Circuits are types of sequential circuits that use
feedback for the next output generation. On the basis of the type of this feedback, both circuits can
be differentiated. A sequential circuit is one whose output depends upon both present and past
inputs.

The classification of sequential circuits into synchronous and asynchronous sequential circuits is
done on the basis of their triggering. In a synchronous sequential circuit, the changes in all the state
variables are synchronized with the universal clock signal. In contrast, in an asynchronous sequential
circuit, the changes in all the state variables are not synchronized and they may change at any time.

Read this tutorial to learn more about synchronous and asynchronous sequential circuits and how
they are different from each other.

What is a Synchronous Sequential Circuit?

If all the outputs of a sequential circuit change with respect to the active transition of a clock signal,
then this type of sequential circuit is known as a Synchronous Sequential Circuit. Thus, all the
outputs of the synchronous sequential circuits change at the same time. Therefore, the outputs of
synchronous sequential circuits are synchronized with either only positive edges or only negative
edges of the universal clock signal.

Synchronous sequential circuits are more reliable because their states of transition are always
predictable. However, the synchronous sequential circuits are slower in its operational speed
because of the propagation delay of clock signal in reaching all elements of the circuit. The
synchronous sequential circuits are widely used in counters, shift registers, memory units, etc.

What is an Asynchronous Sequential Circuit?

If some or all the outputs of a sequential circuit do not change with respect to the active transition of
a clock signal, then this type of sequential circuit is known as an Asynchronous Sequential Circuit.
Thus, all the outputs of an asynchronous sequential circuit do not change at the same time.
Therefore, most of the outputs of asynchronous sequential circuits are not synchronized with either
the positive edges or the negative edges of the universal clock signal.

In asynchronous sequential circuits, there are no clock signals present, but only inputs lines are
available. Because of this, the asynchronous sequential circuits are the input driven circuits, i.e. the
state of the output variables changes in direct response to the change in input variables. Also, the
asynchronous circuits can enter into a wrong state because of the time difference between the
arrivals of inputs. This condition is called as race condition. This makes the asynchronous sequential
circuits less reliable.
Difference between Synchronous and Asynchronous Sequential Circuits
The following table highlights all the important differences between Synchronous and Asynchronous
Sequential Circuits −

Key Synchronous Sequential Circuits Asynchronous Sequential Circuits

Synchronous sequential circuits are

Asynchronous sequential circuits are digital
digital sequential circuits in which
sequential circuits in which the feedback to the
Definition the feedback to the input for next
input for next output generation is not governed
output generation is governed by
by clock signals.
clock signals.

In Synchronous sequential circuits,

Un-clocked flip flop or time delay is used as
the memory unit which is being get
Memory Unit memory element in case of Asynchronous
used for governance is clocked flip
sequential circuits.
flop.

There are chances for the Asynchronous circuits

The states of Synchronous
to enter into a wrong state because of the time
State sequential circuits are always
difference between the arrivals of inputs. This is
predictable and thus reliable.
called "race condition".

The presence of feedback among logic gates

It is easy to design Synchronous
Complexity causes instability issues making the design of
sequential circuits
Asynchronous sequential circuits difficult.

Due to the propagation delay of

clock signal in reaching all
Since there is no clock signal delay, these are fast
Performance elements of the circuit the
compared to the Synchronous Sequential Circuits
Synchronous sequential circuits are
slower in its operation speed

Asynchronous circuits are used in low power and

Synchronous circuits are used in high-speed operations such as simple
Example counters, shift registers, memory microprocessors, digital signal processing units
units. and in communication systems for email
applications, internet access and networking.

Conclusion

To conclude, Synchronous Sequential Circuits are digital sequential circuits in which the feedback to
the input for the next output generation is governed by a universal clock signal, while Asynchronous
Sequential Circuits are digital sequential circuits in which the feedback to the input for the next
output generation is not governed by a universal clock signal.