Final answer:
A four-bit synchronous counter with parallel load using T flip-flops requires designing the toggle conditions and combinational logic to both count and load values. It involves using multiplexers for each T input to select between counting action and parallel loading, controlled by a load/count signal. The counter operates in sync with the clock.
Step-by-step explanation:
Designing a four-bit synchronous counter with parallel load using T flip-flops involves using the characteristic equation of T flip-flops and creating logic that allows for both counting and parallel loading. A T flip-flop toggles when its T input (toggle input) is high. When designing this type of counter, you would need to use combinational logic to determine the conditions under which each flip-flop should toggle, taking into account the parallel load function. To implement the parallel load feature, you would need additional inputs to the counter, as well as multiplexers at each flip-flop's T input to choose between the toggling action for counting and the value to be loaded for the parallel load. A control signal would determine whether the counter is in load or count mode.
Here's a broad sequence of steps to create the counter:
- Determine the toggle conditions for each T flip-flop to achieve the sequence of count.
- Design the combinational circuitry that would generate the correct T input signals for counting.
- Add parallel load input lines and control signal.
- Connect the outputs of flip-flops back to the input through the combinational logic as feedback.
- Use multiplexers controlled by the load/count control signal to choose between the feedback from the flip-flops and the parallel load inputs.
This design would result in a synchronous counter capable of counting up when in count mode and loading a specific value when in load mode, all while keeping the operations in sync with the clock signal.