FINITE STATE MACHINE
(Pulse & Fundamental Mode of
Operation)
Digital Hardware Design
( SPD509)
Submitted By:
Ankesh Singh (24/SPD/07)
Ankit Kaswan (24/SPD/08)
Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering
Delhi Technological University
Finite State Machine (FSM):
It is a digital system in which there are finite number of states.
• FSM is a sequential logic circuit that traverses b/w states based on input and clock pulses.
• A state machine can be viewed as consisting of combinational logic, memory (flip-flops or
registers), inputs & outputs.
• If there are n - flip flops then maximum possible states = 2^n
• Memory is used to store the state of the system.
• The combinational logic can be viewed as two distinct functional blocks: a next-state decoder and
an output decoder
• The next state decoder determines the machine’s next state and the output decoder determines the
output.
Real Life Application:
• Traffic Light Control System
• Vending Machine
• FSMs are widely used in designing digital systems, communication protocols, text processing, and
artificial intelligence.
PULSE MODE OPERATION: Design methodology for asynchronous finite state machines (FSMs)
where the input signals are applied in the form of pulses rather than levels.
• Pulsed Inputs: Only pulses are allowed as inputs, which simplifies the design process.
• Data-Triggered Memory Elements: Toggle modules or T flip-flops are used as memory
elements, which are sensitive to the rising edge of the input pulse.
• Restricted Input Conditions: The width of the input pulses must be carefully controlled to
ensure correct operation.
Advantages:
• Simplicity: Design is generally simpler than fundamental mode.
• Reduced Hazards: The use of pulsed inputs helps eliminate certain hazards.
• No Clock Skew Issues: Asynchronous design eliminates clock skew problems.
Disadvantages:
• Limited Input Flexibility: Only pulsed inputs are allowed.
• Timing Constraints: The width of input pulses must be carefully controlled.
Applications:
• Digital Clocks: Use pulse signals from a quartz oscillator to update seconds, minutes, and
hours. The FSM transitions between states to display the correct time with each pulse.
• Frequency Counters: Measure the frequency of an incoming signal by counting the
number of pulses within a specific time interval.
Fundamental mode of operation :
The fundamental mode of operation in a Finite State Machine (FSM) refers to the system's core behavior,
specifically how it transitions between states in response to inputs. To understand this better, let's break it
down into key principles that define the fundamental operation of FSMs:
Key Component:
• Sequential State Transition
• Input-Driven Transitions
• Synchronous or Asynchronous Operation
• Reset and Initial State
• Output Generation
• State Transition Diagram/Table
Sequential State Transition:
Sequential State Transition refers to the core operational principle of a Finite State Machine (FSM)
where the system moves through a series of predefined states in a step-by-step manner, based on inputs
and transition rules. The machine is always in exactly one state at any given time and transitions to
another state when triggered by specific inputs.
Input-Driven Transitions:
Input-Driven Transitions in a Finite State Machine (FSM) refer to the process where the system moves
from one state to another based on external inputs or events. In an FSM, each state has predefined rules
that dictate how it transitions to the next state when certain inputs are received.
Synchronous and Asynchronous:
Synchronous and Asynchronous operation refer to different ways in which a system (like a Finite State
Machine, FSM) handles state transitions and processes inputs. These terms describe how the system is
controlled, especially in terms of timing and how transitions occur.
Reset and Initial State:
In a Finite State Machine (FSM), the Reset and Initial State are fundamental concepts that define the
starting point of the system and allow it to return to a known state when needed. These concepts ensure
that the FSM begins its operation in a defined state and can be reset to that state during its operation.
Output Generation :
Output Generation in a Finite State Machine (FSM) refers to how the system produces outputs based on
its current state and, in some cases, the inputs it receives. The output is the visible or measurable result
of the FSM’s operation, such as turning on a light, triggering an alarm, or displaying a message. The
way outputs are generated depends on whether the FSM is a Moore machine or a Mealy machine, which
are the two main types of FSMs based on output behavior.
Applications:
• Digital Circuits with Level-Sensitive Inputs: Systems that work with stable input
signals, such as combinational circuits or certain types of sequential circuits.
• Applications with Less Strict Timing Requirements: When the input signals are
relatively slow or the timing constraints are not as critical.
• Flexible Design: Fundamental mode offers more flexibility in handling various input signal
patterns.
PULSE Vs Fundamental Mode:
Thank You
