Survivalcraft provides a convenient single-block binary up/down counter. However, there are many instances where a counter with more features are needed. In particular the 4-Bit Counter makes no distinction between carry and borrow since it only has an overflow output. That lack makes it unsuitable as the basis of extended (more than 4 bits) up/down counters. This article will explain other ways to make counters and why and where they may be used, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of these alternate designs.
Random Sequence(s) Counter
This counter is simple in design and has the greatest flexibility. However, it must be carefully programmed. As shown, there are two sequence inputs but this can easily be increased to four. Each button steps the counter through a specific sequence of outputs. Each sequence can be unique and they don't have to be sequential numbers, either. I.e., one sequence could be 1-7-4-A-C-6-2-9-7-1. The total number of different outputs must be 16 or less and you cannot repeat any number in the sequence. You also have to be careful that one sequence doesn't include a number that may put another sequence in a state it can't recover from. This would only happen in 'strange' sequences. Any number that one sequence can generate must be covered by every sequence that might follow it.
One advantage to that circuit is it easily makes short sequence, up/down counters. The circuit shown can be used this way. Note that there are two connections to each button. This takes advantage of the 'isolated' outputs they have. If these signals are outputs from other gates, you will have to use an 'OR' gate to combine them.
The output does not change until the CLOCK input is active. Therefore this is a "synchronous" counter. For an "asynchronous" counter that relies solely upon the UP and DN controls, see below.
Programming
The circuit shown has 2 buttons (sequences) and they are meant to be UP and DOWN. Since they are connected to the 1 and 3 bit inputs on the A>D, we will only program the corresponding rows of the Memory Bank. Let's assume we want a counter to run 0-1-2-3-4 up and 4-3-2-1-0 down.
The UP line translates to a "1" input to the bank and the DOWN line to a "4", so only these rows (high addresses) are used. The low addresses represent the current counter output so in each row, we just place the next output in each sequence. For the UP function (row '1'), under the 0 we will place a 1. Under the 1, a 2. Under the 3, a 4 and under the 4, a 0. This way the count will start over and keep cycling.
The DOWN function (row '4') is programmed similarly but with decreasing numbers.. Under the 0, we place a 4, under the 1, a 0 and so on. That's all the programming the bank needs.
The adjustable delay gate is fed to the clock input of the bank and this will "latch" the output when it goes high. Otherwise the output would change when the input does and it would just keep changing constantly. By using the clock input, the output will only change when the clock first goes active. The delay gate must be set to a delay of 3 ticks, or 0.03 seconds because the clock must wait for the other inputs to be stable. If you put the 'OR' gate in, it only needs to be 2.
Updated (small) Random Counter
This counter is an upgrade of the above sequencer. It only needs 2 components and can count in any sequence programmed into it. The sequence may be a 'regular' count, such as 1, 2, 3, ... or it could count by -2's or even any other unique sequence.
The sequence is controlled by the function input. It uses no clock since the counter will update at each 'pulse' of the function input. This means the function input must return to '0' after each update.
The upper memory bank does the counting/sequencing function while the lower one controls the clocking of the first bank. The function input (from the left) is pulsed briefly with the code for the type of count to be performed. This is usually +1/-1/+2/-2 but any sequence can be implemented.
This function code is input to the counter bank but its output does not change yet since the clock input is connected. The code is also sent to the clock generator bank. This bank simply outputs an 'F' whenever the function code is not '0'. This 'F' triggers the read of the counter bank and the counter's output is then updated. The output of the clock gen is a single 'tic' delayed from the function code which gives the system time to calculate the next value of the counter bank. The clock input then latches that value when the read is activated via the clock input.
This circuit is the fastest (and smallest) 'discrete' counter/sequencer possible as its new value is ready 2 tics after the function code is active. The function code may remain active for a random time but must be returned to '0' before another code is input. The output will remain steady until a new function code is activated.
There is no provision for presetting this counter and at least 1 function code should be programmed to always output a '0' so the counter may be reset. If all the counter does is +1/-1 then the single-chip 4-Bit Counter may do the job but this circuit does not require a separate reset input and can 'count' in any fashion.
The negative is that it does not include carry/borrow provisions so is limited to the 4-bit hex (analog) output range.
Presettable, Bus-based Counter
Many times a counter needs to be started from a specific value. The 4-Bit Counter in the game cannot be preset to a value. The circuit here not only allows an initial value to be set, it also includes buffers that allow it to be connected to a data bus. The bus is expected to carry the preset value when loading is needed and it can read the counter's output when the output buffer is enabled.
This is the schematic for the circuit. As you can see it's fairly simple. There are three buffers (AND gates) and two Memory Banks.
The bank labeled "count" holds the counter output value. The current value is always available at the "Count Out" signal. When this value is needed to be carried on the bus, the O.E. control must be set to '1'. This bank is programmed in the first line only, with: 0123456789abcdef
The bank labeled "+1" provides for incrementing the "count" bank. For every output value of the count bank, the +1 bank is programmed to output that value +1. If the 'Inc Sel' signal is active then the output from the +1 bank is at the input of the count bank. When the 'Pulse' signal goes high, this value is locked into the count bank. The output of the count bank then increases by 1 and a normal count is achieved. Note that since the clock input to the banks are "edge-triggered" the change will NOT feed back into the bank and cause unstable changes. The +1 bank is programmed with: 123456789abcdef0 Note that each value is +1 from its location. That's how the +1 is performed.
The counter can be set to any value present on the data bus in addition to normal counting. The 'Load Sel' signal must be held high while the 'Pulse' control goes high. The Count bank will then hold that value and any further counting will be done from that value.
Variations
There can be many variations on this circuit. The O.E. buffer may not be needed at all, if this circuit is not fed to a data bus. The other buffers could be implemented with additional memory banks to allow the control signals to be a combined 'analog' signal. This may make the layout simpler in some cases. Then a single analog control signal runs to both buffer banks. (The banks would be programmed as demultiplexers.)
Fixed Presets
If you don't need to preload a random value but a specific starting value, both select buffers may be removed. Only a single control signal is needed to tell the circuit whether to count or to load and this signal may be sent to the H input on the +1 bank. This bank would then hold the fixed preset value in another location, in addition to the +1 row given above. Which row the preset value goes in would depend on how the set/count signal is created.
If we assume a digital control signal and a '0' on this signal tells it to count normally, then a '1' on this signal would prepare the circuit to load the preset value. In this case, the row-0 value is the same as given above, and the preset value will be programmed into every space in the 'F' row.
As an example, let's assume that we want a preset of '2'. Then the bank's complete program would be:
123456789abcdef0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000002222222222222222
This idea may even be expanded further to include up to 15 different possible load values. Which value is loaded would depend on the value of the control input.
A -1 count bank could be included, or a -2, or a +3, etc. Each one could be a separate bank, controlled by a single digital signal.
Or they may be incorporated into a single bank that uses an encoded control signal. The possibilities are nearly unlimited. We would then have a fully programmable, variable sequence state-machine. The next state is set within the bank and can output any hex value for any current state at the one input and the 'program sequence' present at the other bank input. The memory bank programming is all that is needed to change this behavior.
Loadable Up/Down Counter
The last example is of a complete, loadable up/down counter unit. This circuit can be daisy-chained to any length desired (within reason and the limits of Survivalcraft electrics) and is very flexible. However, it is also the most complicated. It is intended to be connected to a data bus and will also supply an unbuffered, steady output. This output can be used to address a section of memory and will function as a Stack Pointer or Program Counter. The local (steady) outputs are in hex (analog) form as well as the data bus I/O and change only in response to the rising edge of the clock.
This is a ‘ripple’ counter meaning that a finite amount of time is required for all the stages to update once the count changes. Counters with more stages will require more time to reach a stable condition. The circuit is designed to minimize this time and a single clock is common to all stages. Thus, it should be able to operate properly with high clock rates. A four stage counter (16 bits) has been tested to a clock speed of 80 ms, or 12.50 Hz. Shorter counters will operate faster. A two stage counter operates at least to a 40 ms, or 25 Hz speed.
Following is the circuit diagram of one stage. The signals going to the next (higher) stage are all at the top. Note that the bits of the data bus are NOT shared between the stages, so a dotted line is shown as a reminder.
Controls
There are several inputs to the counter. There are four inputs that interact - two separate inputs for counting up and down, a LOAD input and a clock input. When either the up or down input is set, the counter will increase or decrease on the next rising edge of the clock. This change will ripple through the circuit to update all sections. If the load input is set, then the data present on the bus will be loaded into the counter on the next rising edge of the clock. The load input takes precedence over the up or down controls. If both the up and down inputs are high then the count will not change. There is an output enable control input. When this is high, the counter’s outputs will be presented to the data bus. It is assumed that the size of the counter does not exceed the size of the data bus. If that is not the case, additional circuitry will be required to select the different portions of the counter.
Internal Operation
The bank labeled ‘L’ is the core of the counter. This holds the current count value and is essentially a latch circuit. It is programmed with the linear function. All clock inputs to each stage are connected together. This ensures that the outputs will change at the same time. The bank labeled ‘+/-1’ computes the next value to be loaded in the latch. The current value is input to one side (L) and the other side has the command input. This command incorporates both the UP and DOWN control in a single hex (analog) signal. This is done to greatly simplify the circuitry but requires the two controls to be combined through a D>A chip, or other means. The programming expects the UP control to be input as the bit3 and DOWN as bit2 on this input. These may be changed as needed but the bank’s programming must be modified accordingly. To clarify the programming, the +/- bank’s output will be equal to the latch output +1, when only the UP control is positive. The +/- bank’s output will be equal to the latch output -1, when only the DOWN control is positive. For all other values of the up/down input, the +/- bank’s output will be equal to the latch output, and no change to the latch will happen when its clock input rises. The ‘C/B’ bank determines whether a carry or borrow will be needed from the next higher stage. The latch output (of its current stage) goes into one of its inputs while the +/-1 function feeds into the other. This lets it detect whether the current stage will overflow or underflow with the next clock pulse and it will supply the +/-1 control to the next higher stage, accordingly. The discrete gates at the bottom of the schematic control the input to the latch. As long as the LOAD control is high, the +/-1 bank’s output is disconnected from the latch and the data bus is fed to the latch. On the next clock rising edge, this data will be loaded into the latch. The AND gate at the top of the diagram is a buffer to the data bus. The latch output is sent to the bus as long as the OUTPUT ENABLE control is high.
Options and Notes
- The NOT gate and the AND gate it feeds could be combined into a single memory bank, to save space.
- There are many other possibilities available with this setup. You could create +/-2 counts or even non-linear functions. This article will not cover those cases.
- If your system needs the UP count to take precedence over the DOWN count, that program is provided below. Also given is the opposing program (DOWN over UP). The main code assumes that if both are set, this indicates an error condition and no change will take place.
- If the counter does not need to be read by the bus, the top AND gate is not required and the physical layout will be simplified.
- It is possible to disable the +/-1 bank’s output differently and eliminate some gates, by incorporating the load control in the +1/-1 control. This is left as an exercise for the reader, if desired.
- Typically, a Program Counter only requires the UP function. In this case, that control may be binary (digital) and fed directly to the +/-1 bank. That bank’s program will be simplified and is also provided below.
- This counter could be operated in an asynchronous mode with one minor addition. Instead of using a system clock, the three (or two) control inputs may be ‘OR’d together, followed by a short delay. That signal would then be fed to the clock input to cause an update any time one of the control signals goes active. This may be desirable for a Stack Pointer or a Program Counter.
Programs
These are the ‘programs’ to be put into the several memory banks. They are provided here so they may be copied by the device running Survivalcraft and pasted directly in the game. The procedure to do this is described in the Memory Bank article. All programs assume the address inputs are assigned as described above. If they are swapped, the data matrix (grid) must be ‘inverted’. This is not covered here.
The ‘L’ bank has a basic linear function and uses only the first line: 0123456789ABCDEF
The ‘+/-1’ bank selects the next state of the latch. This assumes bit assignments as detailed above:
0123456789ABCDEF000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000F0123456789ABCDE000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000123456789ABCDEF00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
For UP control dominance, use:
0123456789ABCDEF000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000F0123456789ABCDE000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000123456789ABCDEF0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000123456789ABCDEF0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
For DOWN control dominance, use:
0123456789ABCDEF000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000F0123456789ABCDE000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000123456789ABCDEF0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000F0123456789ABCDE000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
For a binary (digital) UP ONLY bank, use:
0123456789ABCDEF00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000123456789ABCDEF0
This is the same as putting the first row (‘0’) as: 0123456789ABCDEF and the last row (‘F’) as: 123456789ABCDEF0
The ‘C/B’ bank determines the carry or borrow to the next stage:
0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000400000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000080000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
This is the same as putting row ‘4’ as: 4000000000000000 and row ‘8’ as: 0000000000000008
16-bit Function Code Counter
The above circuit can be expanded to 16-bits. The following circuit is an example. Also, rather than having separate control inputs for the various functions, this circuit uses a single hex signal input that indicates the required function. The total delay from function code change to a valid, latched output is 5 tics.
Compared to the previous circuit, the functions of the discrete gates are being taken up by memory banks. In particular, the input select - the AND gates and the INVerter at the bottom are replaced with 2 banks. We can then feed the function code directly into the bank and let the bank do any decoding we need. Also, the Output Enable AND gate in the top left corner is not included. It may be added if the output is connected to a bus.
This circuit can count up or down (by any number up to 15) and be preset to any given value. A total of 16 functions could be implemented. Usually Reset, Load, +1, +2, +0, -1, -2 are sufficient.
Operation
This is essentially an expanded version of the previous circuit with the changes stated above and a few more. There is no clock input to control the latch. Instead, the latch control is generated internally to allow all functions to be initiated by a single function code input. Also, the load control is incorporated into the function code (a single hex signal).
As long as the function code is "Idle", no change is called for and the counter will stay in its current state as long as needed. The 'count' input enable is activated but the +/- banks simply pass it through. The Dec bank does not output a latch signal so the current value just stays as it is.
When the function calls for a 'count' (any), the 'Count' input enables are activated and the counter banks begin computing the new value. The 'Dec' bank outputs an 'F' in time to latch the first hex digit. The OR gates latch the next stages as they are calculated. (A delayed, common latch control was tried but something in SCE caused the delay time to become excessive so a chained latch was devised.) The new, latched value is ready to be read 5 tics after the function code activates. (The function code input must be held steady at least this long.)
If the 'reset' code is presented, all input enables are disabled and the +/- banks output a steady '0' which is latched and becomes the current counter value ('0000').
If the 'load' code is presented, the preset input enables are activated, allowing the new value to the +/- banks. These banks will simply pass this value on to the latches so the load value is latched and becomes the current counter value.
Use
Programming the Banks
The memory banks implement the function denoted by the code input. As an example, the memory programs listed below implement these functions:
0 = Idle 1 = +1 2 = -1 5 = +2 6 = -2 8 = Load Preset F = Reset (load '0000')
We will assume the layout and connections as shown in the schematic. All function codes are connected to the High-order input while the parameter is connected to the Low-order input. This makes laying out the bank programs easier.
Input Enables
There are two sets of input selects (or Enables) - the count feedback input and the preset input. The preset input is only active for the function code '8'. According to the schematic, the function is input to the H order input, so all other lines in the bank must be '0 and the line for an '8' is filled in linearly. That is, it's "0123456789ABCDEF", so the output simply follows the input but ONLY when the function code = '8'.
The other set of input selects enables the current count to be the input. The same (linear) function must be entered for all function codes that are "counts", i.e., codes = '1', '2', '5' and '6'. The idle code also has this input enabled.
+/-
These are the banks that do the 'counting'. They each have a function input in addition to the counter value input. When the function input says to +1, the bank is programmed to output (1 + the current value). The other functions are programmed similarly. For example, a -1 function line will look like: "F0123456789ABCDE". If the parameter is '0', the bank outputs 'F', etc. When the function is '8', the +/- banks just follow the input, like the input enables. When it is 'F', these banks force all '0's for output, resetting the counter.
C/B
These banks compute whether a carry or borrow is required from the next higher stage. Each line must be programmed uniquely for the function it is assigned to. For example, when we want to +1 and the current value is 'F', we will send a carry (+1) to the next stage. When we want to -2, a borrow (-1) must be sent if the current value is either '0' or '1' because both will need to borrow from the higher stage.
Note that the 'codes' sent to the next stage do NOT have to be the same as the function input codes. The programs listed DO have them the same but this is only so the first-stage C/B bank may be programmed the same as the higher-order ones.
Lat
These are latches and only follow the input value, just like the input enables. Only the connection is different. Since there is nothing connected to the High-order input, it is always '0' and we only need to program the '0' line. It is programmed with the linear function, like the enables. The difference is that with the clock input connected, the output does not change until the clock signal activates. This gives the "latch" function.
Enc
This single bank just converts the various function codes into a single, binary value. When the function is 'Idle', it outputs a '0'. For any other code, it outputs an 'F'. Thus, the first line is "0FFFFFFFFFFFFFFF". No other line matters since there is nothing connected to the High-order input.
The programs:
The final memory bank programs are listed here so they can be copy/pasted easily. The entire 256 entry is given for completeness.
Ena (Load)
Ena (Count)
+/-
C/B
Lat
Enc