The Basic RS NOR Latch

While most of our demonstration circuits use NAND gates, the same functions can also be performed using NOR gates. A few adjustments must be made to allow for the difference in the logic function, but the logic involved is quite similar.

The circuit shown below is a basic NOR latch. The inputs are generally designated "S" and "R" for "Set" and "Reset" respectively. Because the NOR inputs must normally be logic 0 to avoid overriding the latching action, the inputs are not inverted in this circuit. The NOR-based latch circuit is: