MIDTERM NUMBER 2, EE 271,

Marek A. Perkowski
  1. What is the similarity and the difference of a synchronous state machine and an iterative combinational circuit? In timing? In design procedures?
  2. Explain in your own words how the T flip-flop works? Explain in your own words how the D flip-flop works? Explain in your own words how the JK flip-flop works? Explain in your own words how the asynchronous latch works? Can you compare these flip-flops with some items that you know from every day life? For instance, can you compare a T flip-flop and a lamp's switch?
  3. Describe in English how and EXOR gate works. Give examples why it can be superior to an OR gate.
  4. Give an example of any iterative circuit that is not in the book. Describe how it works in English. Design this circuit step-by step using the procedure known from the class and the book. Next verify your solution. Explain step-by-step how did you verify?
  5. Give an example of an iterative circuit that uses "carry" signals going from left to right and "confirm" signals going from right to left. Why we need BOTH kinds of such signals?
  6. Design a circuiit to calculate a maximum of N numbers, each of them k bits.
  7. Describe the stages of a complete computer aided design process of digital circuits.
  8. What is an FPGA.
  9. What is a EPLD.
  10. Design a bit-serial sequential circuit to calculate F = (a + b) - (d - g).
  11. Solve problem 17.7 from the book.
    REMEMBER THAT YOU HAVE 2 HOURS and 50 MINUTES.

    THIS GIVES YOU ENOUGH TIME. DO NOT HURRY. VERIFY YOUR SOLUTIONS.

    THIS IS AN OPEN BOOK EXAM, USE YOUR BOOK OR ANY OTHER MATERIALS YOU HAVE.

    GOOD LUCK!!!