This ASM macro-cell is supported in a new ASM Editor window in GPAK Designer SW. Shown here is the view inside the ASM editor. This editor supports the flexibility to:

• Check boxes to select states in project, up to the allowable maximum number of states based on silicon architecture
• Edit state names to match application
• Easy “point and click” actions to add state transitions
• Arrange state diagram for best comprehension
• Set value of output signals in Output RAM Array

Inside the main GPAK Designer GUI, the ASM macro-cell shows up with inputs that drive state transitions, and outputs that can be routed to other internal resources, or out to pins. Inside each state, the allowed “next states” show up here, with an input that when asserted will cause that state transition to happen. The connection between resources used to make state transitions, and the state transition links is also shown back in the original ASM Editor window with labels on each of the state transition signals showing the source of the signal.

As this macro-cell does not require a clock input, it will consume less than 1 µA when not in active state transition. This gives the designer tremendous flexibility to create low power designs in minutes. This is especially valuable when designing event driven systems that are waiting long periods of time with little activity, as the ASM macro-cell can remain in a low power state waiting for input, and and react in less than a µS to change state.