Specification
Write down the seven digits of your student identification number below. An example is shown so
that you know what to expect.
Example
1 4 2 7 5 1 4
Actual SID
The digits in your ID number, in the right to left order are used to specify the sequential behaviour that a
synchronous counter will execute in response to applied clock pulses. Assume that the ID digits are
represented in a conventional 4-bit BCD code. The behaviour required of the counter is that it produces a 4-
bit digital output that represents the BCD value of the successive digits of your ID number in the right to left
sequence above. Once the left hand digit is output the counter will go back to the first and the sequence
repeats. Note the digits represent the outputs of the counter and not its state variables.

1. Traditional design
   Draw a state diagram to represent the behaviour of the counter you are required to design. It is
   suggested you employ the letters of the alphabet to refer to each state and keep the outputs as
   decimal numbers at this stage.
   ➢
   Insert state diagram here. (2 marks)
   Convert the state diagram into its associated state table.
   ➢
   Insert state table here. (2 marks)
   Assume that a simple binary state variable allocation can be made and that any unused states can be
   treated as don’t cares. Draw the corresponding transition table for the counter including flip-flop (DFF) inputs and BCD outputs for your designated storage device.
   ➢
   Insert transition table here. (4 marks)
   Using excitation maps (K-maps) to determine the next state logic functions that can be used to drive
   your flip-flop inputs.
   ➢
   Insert excitation maps clearly showing groups and logic functions here. (6 marks)
   Also draw Karnaugh maps to deduce minimal logic functions for the 4 output functions that are
   required to give the BCD output codes. Note that depending on your ID number not all outputs will
   be significant in all cases.
   ➢
   Insert the output function maps and logic equations here. (5 marks)
   ➢
   Enter the associated schematic circuit diagram here along with commentary. The simulation
   results clearly show the implementation is fully compliant with the specification. (6 marks)
   This document is for Coventry University students for their own use in completing their
   assessed work for this module and should not be passed to third parties or posted on any
   website. Any infringements of this rule should be reported to
   [email protected].
2. VHDL Design
   For exactly the same counter specification in Part 1, write a VHDL entity and architecture that will
   model the required sequential behaviour. The VHDL code should be entered in a VHDL tool such
   as Xilinx Vivado to confirm that it compiles without errors.
   ➢
   Insert your VHDL model design with proof of compilation here. (9 marks)
   Also write a test bench that will enable the correct function of the counter model to be simulated.
   Again include proof that it compiles without errors on your design tool.
   ➢
   Insert your VHDL test bench here. (8 marks)
   ➢
   Finally include output from the simulator that confirms your design simulates correctly.
   Briefly explain why you consider the result gives this confirmation. Insert simulation results
   and commentary here. (8 marks)
   Note: it is very important that the work submitted is an individual effort. The penalties for
   plagiarism are severe.
   Notes:
3. You are expected to use the Coventry University Harvard Referencing Style. For support and
   advice on this students can contact Centre for Academic Writing (CAW).
4. Please notify your registry course support team and module leader for disability support.
5. Any student requiring an extension or deferral should follow the university process as outlined
   here.
6. The University cannot take responsibility for any coursework lost or corrupted on disks, laptops
   or personal computer. Students should therefore regularly back-up any work and are advised to
   save it on the University system.
7. If there are technical or performance issues that prevent students submitting coursework
   through the online coursework submission system on the day of a coursework deadline, an
   appropriate extension to the coursework submission deadline will be agreed. This extension will
   normally be 24 hours or the next working day if the deadline falls on a Friday or over the
   weekend period. This will be communicated via your Module Leader.
8. You are encouraged to check the originality of your work by using the draft Turnitin links on your
   Moodle Web.
9. Collusion between students (where sections of your work are similar to the work submitted by
   other students in this or previous module cohorts) is taken extremely seriously and will be
   reported to the academic conduct panel. This applies to both courseworks and exam answers.
10. A marked difference between your writing style, knowledge and skill level demonstrated in class
    discussion, any test conditions and that demonstrated in a coursework assignment may result in
    you having to undertake a Viva Voce in order to prove the coursework assignment is entirely your
    own work.