How is a latch different from Schmitt Trigger?

Question

Consider a simple latch (two cross coupled inverters). The positive feedback makes the circuit operate in either of the two stable states if the overall gain is greater than unity. If there is a trigger that pushes the operating point beyond the switching point or pulls it down below the point, the output changes its state. Is the only difference between this and a schmitt trigger is that there are two trigger points in a schmitt trigger?

How do these circuits differ in operation in terms of positive feedback?

Answer 1

They differ in the level of the signal that is required to change their state.

In a Schmidt trigger, a relatively small, well-controlled change of signal level is needed. The input is designed to accomodate this signal, and the input current will be relatively low. In the case of an HC14 supplied with 5v, the hysteresis, the difference in switching levels, is about 1 volt, and the current peaks up to about 400uA when switching.

When two inverters connected together, they can be forced from one state to the other and back again by driving one of the inputs high or low. However, to do this, the input voltage must be taken to the logic thresholds of the gate, and the input current must 'fight' the short-circuit output current of the other gate.

You can make two inverters into a 'tamer' schmidt, by using a resistor to feedback the logic state from the second gate back to the input. This reduces the input current as it only has to supply the current through the resistor.

Answer 2

Schmidt triggers and latches are two different electronic components or topologies both of which utilize positive feedback. An automotive analogy might be a pick-up truck and a station wagon. Both are designed to carry cargo and be driven by a human being. Yet, both play somewhat different roles and serve different situations in the automotive world.

The biggest difference between the Schmidt trigger and a latch is that the ST has one input, while a latch has two inputs (Set & Reset). Also, the ST is basically an analog device. It has an analog input which is responsive to non-logic voltage levels (the high-going and low-going threshold voltages), and a logic/digital output (it has only two stable states: saturated to the low supply rail or saturated to the high supply rail).

On the other hand the latch is a purely digital device. Both inputs are strictly logic level signals and the output produce a logic level.

So, yes, they are similar in that they both use positive feedback. However, they are used for quite different purposes by the designers of electronic circuits and systems.