Logic controller having programmable logic 'and' array using a

Abstract

A programmable logic device has a high level counter element and a programmable AND array suitable for control applications. Moore and Mealy state machines are readily implemented by the controller by virtue of its programmable AND array and counter which allow the next-state and output to be based on the contents of the counter as well as any set of input signals. Conditional testing can be made entirely state dependent, partially-state dependent, or state-independent. Multiway branching is also readily implemented since the presence of the programmable AND array allows the user to specify a number of sets of input conditions, so that from a given state, as determined by the counter contents, each set of input condition gives rise to a transition to a specified next state. Instructions can be stored in the AND array in a logical form directly useable by the hardware. Dedicated buried registers are provided as are dedicated feedback paths from the output registers, dedicated registers and counter to the AND array. Two separate OR arrays are provided, one generating output signals, the other generating control sequencing signals.