Detecting a redstone pulse w/out a tile entity

[Sciman101]

Is it possible to make a block that performs some action when it gets a redstone pulse, like how a dispenser or dropper work, without using a tile entity? I've been able to find code for a block being powered/unpowered, but nothing so far in terms of detecting when the signal initially turns on.

EDIT: I can use a tile entity if I have to, in the end, I'm just curious if it's possible without one for simplicity's sake.

Edited July 22, 2019 by Sciman101
Clarified reason for not using a tile entity

[Sciman101]

Ah, thanks - I looked there before, but I didn't see what it was doing. Thanks for clarifying!