What is the main function of a latch?

The primary function of a latch is to store data as long as power is supplied. Latches are basic memory devices that retain their output state until they are triggered to change. This makes them essential in digital circuits, as they enable the storage of binary information, allowing systems to remember the state of a signal or a bit of data even when there are no active input signals.

The behavior of latches is fundamental to memory design in digital electronics, serving roles in a variety of applications such as data storage, state retention in sequential logic, and synchronizing signal changes. Unlike other components such as amplifiers or timers, which perform different functions, the latch's intrinsic ability to hold onto data makes it a crucial building block in both memory and logic circuits.