Past exam of the year 1 of the computer science course of the University of Oxford / 2016 / Digital systems, linear algebra, introduction to formal proof / 1 / a

Use a synchronous binary counter with three positive-edge-triggered D flip-flops, all driven by the same clock signal. Write their outputs $q_2{q}_1{q}_0$, with $q_0$ the least significant bit. The next-state Boolean functions areImplement these with one NOT gate, two exclusive or gates, and one AND gate. Connect each $D_i$ to its corresponding D flip-flop; its output $q_i$ is address line $i$. A reset input clears all three flip-flops to zero, so the first selected sensor is sensor zero.

The state sequence isThe low bit toggles at every clock edge, the middle bit toggles exactly when the old low bit is one, and the high bit toggles exactly when both old lower bits are one. These are precisely the carry conditions for incrementing a three-bit binary representation. Every possible state belongs to the cycle, so there is no unused state requiring recovery. Choose a clock period allowing the combinational logic to settle before the next capture.