How many flip flops are in a 16bit counter?

[trickae]

Homework Statement

How many flip flops are in a 16bit counter? its actually an interview question, not homework per se.

Homework Equations

none

The Attempt at a Solution

I thought it was 4 since we have 2 inputs from 4 flip flops giving us 2^4 = 16 ?
however I'm told that its essentially just made up with 2 flip flops. How is this possible?

 

[out of whack]

A 16-bit counter holds 16 bits. You need 16 flip flops to implement it as a ripple counter. Add a few gates to implement it as a synchronous counter.

 

[berkeman]

Yeah, 4 bits gives 16 counts or states. 16 bits gives many more states...