This question asks us to determine the total number of unique states in a ring counter that utilizes 5 flip-flops.

Understanding Ring Counters

A ring counter is a specific type of sequential logic circuit. It's essentially a shift register where the output of the last flip-flop is connected back to the input of the first flip-flop. This feedback loop creates a circulating pattern of '1's and '0's.

States in a 5 Flip-Flop Ring Counter

In a standard ring counter configuration with n flip-flops, the counter cycles through n unique states. Each state typically has only one flip-flop set to '1' (or '0') while the rest are in the other state. The single '1' bit then shifts from one flip-flop to the next in each clock cycle.

For a ring counter with 5 flip-flops ($n=5$):

• The initial state could be: 10000
• After the first clock pulse: 01000
• After the second clock pulse: 00100
• After the third clock pulse: 00010
• After the fourth clock pulse: 00001

After the fifth clock pulse, the '1' shifts back to the first flip-flop, returning the counter to the initial state (10000).

Therefore, there are exactly 5 distinct states that this type of ring counter can achieve.

Analyzing Other Options

• 32 states: This would correspond to $2^5$, which is the number of states possible if each flip-flop could be independently set to 0 or 1, typical for a general asynchronous or synchronous counter without specific feedback loops like a ring counter.
• 10 states: This number of states ($2n$) is characteristic of a Johnson counter (or twisted ring counter), where the inverted output of the last flip-flop is fed back to the input of the first. The question implies a standard ring counter.
• Infinite: Counters operate in cycles and do not have infinite states.

Based on the standard definition of a ring counter, a setup with 5 flip-flops results in 5 unique states.