Synchronous circuit

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A synchronous circuit is a digital circuit in which the parts are synchronized by a clock signal.

In an ideal synchronous circuit, every change in the logical levels of its storage components is simultaneous. These transitions follow the level change of a special signal called the clock. Ideally, the input to each storage element has reached its final value before the next clock occurs, so the behaviour of the whole circuit can be predicted exactly. Practically, some delay is required for each logical operation, resulting in a maximum speed at which each synchronous system can run.

To make these circuits work correctly, a great deal of care is needed in the design of the Clock Distribution Networks. Static timing analysis is often used to determine the maximum safe operating speed.