The Straight Ring Counter and the Twisted Ring Counter have some differences:
Connection: In the Straight Ring Counter, the output of the last shift register is connected to the input of the first shift register. However, in the Twisted Ring Counter, the complement (opposite) of the output of the last shift register is connected to the input of the first register.
Names: The Straight Ring Counter is also known as a “One hot counter.” On the other hand, the Twisted Ring Counter is referred to as a “Walking ring counter” or “Johnson’s counter.”
Number of States: The Straight Ring Counter has the same number of states as the number of flip-flops used. In contrast, the Twisted Ring Counter has double the number of states compared to the number of flip-flops.
Circulating Bits: In the Straight Ring Counter, only a single bit, either 0 or 1, circulates around the ring. Meanwhile, the Twisted Ring Counter circulates a stream of 1 followed by a stream of 0.
PRESET and CLEAR Functions: The Straight Ring Counter utilizes a PRESET function in the first shift register. However, the Twisted Ring Counter does not use the PRESET function.
CLEAR Function: In the Straight Ring Counter, the CLEAR function is used for the last (n-1) flip-flops. In contrast, the Twisted Ring Counter uses the CLEAR function for all the flip-flops within it.
Applications: The Straight Ring Counter is commonly used in successive approximation and stepper motor control. On the other hand, the Twisted Ring Counter finds its applications in phase shift or function generators.
In summary, the Straight Ring Counter and the Twisted Ring Counter differ in their connection method, names, number of states, circulating bits, use of PRESET and CLEAR functions, and their respective applications.
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