The following table highlights the major differences between Synchronous and Asynchronous Counters.
Key | Synchronous Counter | Asynchronous Counter |
---|---|---|
Trigger | In case of Synchronous Counters, all the constituent flip-flops are triggered with same clock simultaneously. | In case of Asynchronous Counters, there is triggering of different flip-flops with different clock. |
Operation Speed | Operation speed of a synchronous counter is faster as compared to that of an asynchronous counter. | The operation speed of an asynchronous counter is comparatively slower than a synchronous counter. |
Error Prone | Synchronous Counters are less error-prone; they hardly produce any decoding errors because each flip-flop is individually clocked. | Asynchronous Counters are more error-prone and produce decoding errors in the system. |
Complexity | All the flip-flops in a synchronous counter coordinate with the clock, hence its design and implementation is complex as compared to that of an asynchronous counter. | In an asynchronous counter, the output of one flip-flop acts as the input of the next flip-flop, hence its design and implementation is quite simple. |
Sequence | A Synchronous counter can be operated in any desired count sequence, as it could get manipulated by changing the clock sequence. | An Asynchronous counter can operate only in a fixed count sequence, i.e., UP and DOWN. |
Delay | There is no propagation delay observed in case of Synchronous Counters. | In case of asynchronous counters, there is a subsequent propagation delay from one flip-flop to another. |
All the flip-flops in a synchronous counter are clocked simultaneously with the same clock input. In contrast, the constituent flip-flops of an asynchronous counter are clocked with different input signals at different instants of time.
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