In the multivibrator pages you are introduced to a host of latches and flipflops. The interactive figure
above shows the hierarchy that links the different types of multivibrators. The most basic multivibrator
circuit is the Set Reset. Then with the addition of an inverter (i.e. a single transistor), you can change a
Set Reset multivibrator to a Data multivibrator. Next we can build upon the Data circuit to create a JK
circuit. Finally, with the JK you can implement a Toggle circuit. Our interactive figure presents a fairly
exhaustive lineage.
From a classical perspective a multivibrator is either a latch or a flipflop. Many people don’t recognize
this division of class. Purists, however, understand the terms to refer to different levels of sophistication.
In that view, a latch is a transparent or level-sensitive multivibrator. This distinction means that while
the signal C of a latch is asserted (ON) the output of the latch will respond to changes at the input. On
the other hand, a flipflop will only change its output state at the edge of the clock signal, i.e. while the
clock signal is changing from one value to another. All the circuits in the interactive figure above are
flipflops. Turn the C signal ON and then play around with the other input signals. You will see that
nothing changes at the outputs. But if you cycle the clock signal C, then the changes you make at the
input will cause changes at the output.
For another illustration, Figure 1 below shows two data multivibrators. One is a latch and one is a
flipflop. Play around with them to see the difference. First, set C = ON then play with D. Second, turn D =
ON and play with C.