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Codiode/Problems/Sequential Logic

Cascaded 4-Bit Synchronous Counters

MediumLogic CircuitTiming Diagram

Two 4-bit synchronous counters are cascaded to form an 8-bit counter. The lower counter increments on every positive edge of CLK when EN is HIGH. The upper counter increments on the positive edge of CLK only when the lower counter's terminal count (TC0) is HIGH. TC0 evaluates to HIGH strictly when the lower counter is at 15 and EN is HIGH.

Four signals are shown: CLK (clock, period 2), EN (master enable input), TC0 (terminal count output of the lower stage), and Q1_0 (LSB output of the upper stage). The lower counter starts at a value of 14 (1110) and the upper counter starts at 0 (0000).

Trace TC0 and Q1_0 across all 12 time steps.

Constraints

  • Both counters are strictly positive-edge-triggered.
  • TC0 is a combinational output that depends on the lower counter's current state and the current value of EN.
  • The upper counter evaluates TC0 exactly at the rising edge of CLK.

Topics

CountersCascadingSynchronous Design

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