Logic controller having programmable logic "and" array using a programmable gray-code counter

A programmable logic device having a plurality of input/output ports, comprising:

• a plurality of programmable logic cells
• dynamically generating logic signals;
• a plurality of first and second programmable combinatorial logic means connected to said prorammable logic cells for combining a subset of logic signals for generating a plurality of combinatorial signals therefrom;
• a plurality of programmable output cells connected to said first programmable combinatorial logic means, each receiving programmably selectable ones of said combinatorial signals generated by said first programmable combinatorial logic means, for generating a signal therefrom to said predetermined input/output port;
• a plurality of storage cells connected to said second programmable combinatorial logic means, each receiving programmably selectable ones of said combinatorial signals generated by said second programmable combinatorial logic means for storing predetermined ones of said combinatorial signals, for generating a signal therefrom;
• and
• a programmable counter connected to said second programmable combinatorial logic means to receive programmably selectable ones of said combinatorial signals generated by said second programmable combinatorial logic means for storing a count value therefrom, and for selectably incrementing or decrementing said count value to generate, counting signals;
• said plurality of logic cells further responsive to said signals generated by predetermined ones of said programmable output cells, said storage cells and said programmable counter for determining next-state logic signals;
• wherein said combinatorial signals generated by said second programmable combinatorial logic means includes a plurality of load address signals and a load control signal and wherein said programmable counter is further responsive to receipt of said load control signal for replacing its contents with said load address signals.

A programmable logic device having a plurality of input/output ports:

• a plurality of programmable logic cells dynamically generating logic signals;
• a plurality of combinatorial logic means connected to said programmable logic cells for combining a subset of logic signals, for generating a plurality of combinatorial signals therefrom;
• a plurality of programmable output cells connected to said combinatorial logic means, each receiving programmably selectable ones of said combinatorial signals, for generating a signal therefrom to said predetermined input/output port;
• a plurality of storage cells connected to said combinatorial logic means, each receiving programmably selectable ones of said combinatorial signals, for storing predetermined ones of said combinatorial signals, and for generating a signal therefrom;
• and
• a programmable counter connected to said combinatorial logic means to receive programmably selectable ones of said combinatorial signals for storing a count value therefrom and for selectably incrementing or decrementing said count value to generate counting signals;
• said plurality of logic cells further responsive to said signals generated by predetermined ones of said programmable output cells, said storage cells and said programmable counter for determining next-state logic signals;
• wherein said combinatorial signals include a plurality of load address signals and a load control signal, and wherein said programmable counter is further responsive to receipt of said load control signal for replacing its contents with said load address signals.