A ripple counter is a (n) :

Answer: Asynchronous counter

Explanation:

• In a ripple counter each flip-flop output is used as the clock input for the next flip-flop, so state changes propagate sequentially from the least significant stage to more significant stages.

• Because flip-flops are not clocked simultaneously, the outputs do not change at the same instant; this causes a cumulative propagation delay and temporary intermediate states.

• Contrast with synchronous counters: in a synchronous counter all flip-flops receive the common clock so outputs change together, avoiding the ripple propagation delay.

• Trade-offs: ripple counters are simple to design and require fewer control signals, but they are slower for large bit widths due to propagation delay.