3.6 - Finite State Machine (FSM) Design in Verilog
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Introduction to FSMs
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Today, we will learn about Finite State Machines, commonly known as FSMs. Who can tell me what an FSM is?
Is it a way to represent logic circuits that can be in different states?
Exactly! FSMs can switch between a limited number of states based on inputs. They are widely used in digital design for control units. Can anyone name the two types of FSMs?
Is one of them a Mealy machine?
And a Moore machine?
Yes! Great job! Mealy machines are output-dependent on the state and the inputs, while Moore machines only depend on the current state. Let's dive deeper into how we can implement a Moore machine in Verilog.
Moore Machine Example
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Here’s an example of a Moore machine implemented in Verilog. Notice how we define our states at the beginning. Why is this important?
It makes the state transitions clear and manageable, right?
Exactly! We define them like this: `parameter IDLE = 2'b00, RUN = 2'b01, DONE = 2'b10;`. This way, every state can be referred to by name instead of by binary number. Now, can someone explain how the transition occurs using the `always` block?
The transition is controlled by a case statement that checks the current state and input conditions to switch to the next state.
Correct! It uses edge-sensitive operations to ensure transitions only occur on the appropriate clock edge or when reset is activated.
Understanding State Transitions
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Let’s go over the transition from IDLE to RUN. When does that happen?
It switches to RUN when the `start` signal is activated.
Right! And once in the RUN state, what happens next?
It goes to DONE next, and then back to IDLE.
Perfect! This flow ensures that all states are accounted for. Remember, clear state management is crucial for proper FSM functionality.
Reviewing Key Concepts
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Let’s summarize today’s lesson. What are the characteristics of a Moore machine we discussed?
Its outputs depend only on the present state.
And we define states as parameters to keep our code clean.
Exactly! And we use an `always` block to control state transitions based on clock edges. How about the importance of edge sensitivity?
It's essential to ensure that state changes happen synchronously with the clock, avoiding glitches.
Great job, everyone! Your understanding of FSMs is vital for designing reliable digital systems.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
Finite State Machines are crucial tools in digital design, used to model various sequential logic applications. This section describes the methodologies to design FSMs in Verilog, emphasizing the construction of a Moore machine through a detailed example.
Detailed
Finite State Machine (FSM) Design in Verilog
Finite State Machines (FSMs) are vital for modeling sequential logic in digital systems, commonly used in control units and protocol management. In this section, we explore the design of FSMs in Verilog, particularly focusing on the implementation of a Moore machine.
Key Concepts:
- FSM States: The states of the FSM are defined using parameters, allowing for clear and understandable code.
- State Transitions: Transitions between states are governed by the current state and input signal conditions. A case statement is typically employed within an
alwaysblock to handle these transitions. - Edge Sensitivity: State changes occur based on clock edges and reset signals, ensuring synchronized transitions that are essential in digital circuit design.
Overall, understanding FSMs and their applications in Verilog significantly enhances a designer's ability to create efficient and reliable digital systems.
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Overview of Finite State Machines (FSMs)
Chapter 1 of 3
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Chapter Content
FSMs are commonly used in digital design to model sequential logic, like control units in processors or protocol controllers. Verilog can be used to design both Mealy and Moore type FSMs.
Detailed Explanation
A Finite State Machine (FSM) is a model used in digital design that represents states and transitions between those states. It's particularly useful for controlling devices or systems that respond to differing inputs, like how a remote control communicates with a television. FSMs can be categorized as Mealy or Moore machines depending on how they respond to inputs: Mealy machines respond to inputs immediately, while Moore machines respond with outputs based only on the current state.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a traffic light system as an FSM. The light can be in one of three states: red, yellow, or green. The transitions from one light to the next depend on a timer or a button press, which can be seen as inputs triggering those transitions. This makes it easier to design complex control systems in a logical way.
FSM Example: Moore Machine
Chapter 2 of 3
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Chapter Content
module fsm (
input wire clk,
input wire reset,
input wire start,
output reg [1:0] state
);
// State Encoding
parameter IDLE = 2'b00, RUN = 2'b01, DONE = 2'b10;
always @(posedge clk or posedge reset) begin
if (reset)
state <= IDLE;
else begin
case (state)
IDLE: if (start) state <= RUN;
RUN: state <= DONE;
DONE: state <= IDLE;
default: state <= IDLE;
endcase
end
end
endmodule
Detailed Explanation
In this Verilog module for a Moore machine, the FSM is defined with inputs for clock (clk), reset, and a start signal, and it outputs the current state as a 2-bit register. The states are encoded as parameters for better readability. The always block describes how the state changes: on a clock edge or when reset is high, it checks the current state. Depending on what state the FSM is currently in, and if the start signal is activated, it defines how to transition to the next appropriate state. The default case prevents undefined behavior.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a game scoreboard as a Moore FSM. The scoreboard is continually updated every time a goal is scored (triggered by the clock), and the score will reset if the game is restarted (using the reset input). Depending on the current score state (IDLE, RUN, DONE), it shows different messages, such as 'Game Over' or 'Next Round'. Each score update is a transition from one state to another based on actions that occur in the game.
State Encoding and Transitions
Chapter 3 of 3
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Chapter Content
● FSM states are defined as parameters, and state transitions are controlled based on the current state and input signals.
● Edge-sensitive operations are used in the always block to trigger state changes based on the clock signal.
Detailed Explanation
In FSM design, defining states with parameters improves code readability and maintainability. In the provided example, states like IDLE, RUN, and DONE are declared as parameters. This enables easy updates or changes to state encodings. Transitions between these states are contingent upon both the state the FSM is currently in and the input signals (like start). By using edge-sensitive operations in the always block, we ensure that state changes occur precisely at defined moments, such as the rising edge of the clock signal.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a light switch: it has different states, such as 'off' and 'on.' The switch's position affects the light's state. When the switch is pressed (an input signal), it transitions from ‘off’ to ‘on’ (state transition) based on the given rules (the mechanics of pressing the switch). Just like how the light's state changes with the switch action, the FSM toggles between states based on input signals at specific clock edges.
Key Concepts
-
FSM States: The states of the FSM are defined using parameters, allowing for clear and understandable code.
-
State Transitions: Transitions between states are governed by the current state and input signal conditions. A case statement is typically employed within an
alwaysblock to handle these transitions. -
Edge Sensitivity: State changes occur based on clock edges and reset signals, ensuring synchronized transitions that are essential in digital circuit design.
-
Overall, understanding FSMs and their applications in Verilog significantly enhances a designer's ability to create efficient and reliable digital systems.
Examples & Applications
A simple FSM that moves from IDLE to RUN state upon receiving a start signal and returns to IDLE after completion.
Code snippet for a Moore machine that transitions states based on clock edges.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
FSM flows, it knows, from state to state it goes.
Stories
Imagine a traffic light: RED, YELLOW, and GREEN. The light changes based on conditions (like time) and only shows colors representing its current state.
Memory Tools
M-E-S-S: Mealy outputs depend on Inputs and State, Moore outputs on State.
Acronyms
FSM
Finite States Matter!
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Finite State Machine (FSM)
A computational model representing a sequence of states and transitions based on inputs.
- Moore Machine
A type of FSM where outputs depend solely on the current state.
- Mealy Machine
A type of FSM where outputs depend on the current state and the input signals.
- State Transition
The process of moving from one state to another based on input conditions.
- Always Block
A block in Verilog that executes continuously based on specified events.
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