A 1-input, 2-output synchronous sequential circuit behaves as follows : Let…

2003

A 1-input, 2-output synchronous sequential circuit behaves as follows : Let zk, nk denote the number of 0's and 1's respectively in initial k bits of the input (zk + nk = k). The circuit outputs 00 until one of the following conditions holds.

    zk - nk = 2. In this case, the output at the k-th and 
                 all subsequent clock ticks is 10.
    nk - zk = 2. In this case, the output at the k-th and
                 all subsequent clock ticks is 01.

What is the minimum number of states required in the state transition graph of the above circuit?

  1. A.

    5

  2. B.

    6

  3. C.

    7

  4. D.

    8

Attempted by 19 students.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Answer: 5 states.

Reason:

  • Track the difference d = (number of 0's) - (number of 1's) in the initial k bits.

  • Before reaching a magnitude of 2, d can be -1, 0, or +1. These three differences require distinct states, and while in these states the output is 00.

  • When d reaches +2, the machine enters an absorbing state that outputs 10 on that k-th and all subsequent clocks.

  • When d reaches -2, the machine enters an absorbing state that outputs 01 on that k-th and all subsequent clocks.

Thus the required states are:

  • State for d = 0 (output 00)

  • State for d = +1 (output 00)

  • State for d = -1 (output 00)

  • Absorbing state for d = +2 (output 10)

  • Absorbing state for d = -2 (output 01)

Transition summary:

  • From d = 0: input 0 -> d = +1; input 1 -> d = -1.

  • From d = +1: input 0 -> d = +2 (enter absorbing output-10 state); input 1 -> d = 0.

  • From d = -1: input 1 -> d = -2 (enter absorbing output-01 state); input 0 -> d = 0.

  • From either absorbing state (d = +2 or d = -2): remain in that absorbing state regardless of further inputs.

Because these five states are sufficient to represent all reachable differences and the output behavior (with the ±2 states absorbing), the minimum number of states required is 5.

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