Sequential Design
Reset
A signal that forces circuit elements to known initial states, ensuring deterministic power-on behavior.
Detailed Explanation
Reset initializes flip-flops and state machines to defined values. Without proper reset, initial state is unpredictable, causing erratic behavior. Reset may be synchronous (active on clock edge) or asynchronous (immediate effect).
Reset distribution requires careful design—the reset must reach all flip-flops reliably. Reset release (de-assertion) must be synchronized to prevent metastability. Some flip-flops reset to 0, others to 1, based on design requirements.