Digital Logic
Buffer
A circuit that isolates input from output, provides drive strength, or stores data temporarily.
Detailed Explanation
The term "buffer" has multiple meanings in hardware. A logic buffer (non-inverting gate) passes its input to output with increased drive strength. A tri-state buffer can disconnect its output (high-impedance state) for bus sharing. A data buffer (like FIFO or skid buffer) stores data between pipeline stages.
Clock buffers and reset buffers form distribution trees ensuring signals reach all destinations with adequate strength and controlled skew. Buffer insertion is a key step in physical design.