Keypad HDL encoder signal naming In the keypad encoder design, a signal or bit array often named “ts” is used to control tri-state enables for shared bus or column/row drivers.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Correct

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
In keypad scanners and other bus-shared designs, HDL commonly uses tri-state enables to allow one source at a time to drive a shared line (such as a row driver or a bidirectional port). A control vector like “ts” (tri-state) is a conventional name for the enable bits, where each bit turns a driver on or off.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Multiple lines share a common resource and must not drive simultaneously.
  • HDL supports tri-state ports or, in FPGA flows, infers multiplexers for internal busses and uses tri-state only at I/O pins.
  • “ts” is treated as an enable mask: ts[i] = 1 enables driver i.


Concept / Approach:
During scanning, exactly one row driver is enabled while others are set to high-impedance (Z). The “ts” array represents these enables. Even if the synthesis tool replaces internal tri-states with multiplexing, the naming and intent remain: control which source is actively driving and which are Z.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Define a vector ts[N-1:0] for N drivers.Assign ts[k] = 1 for the selected row/driver; clear others to 0 (Z state).Map ts bits to output buffer enables or to mux selects, depending on technology.Verify in simulation that only one active driver exists at a time.


Verification / Alternative check:
Waveforms should show only the selected line actively driven; others stay at Z or are not selected in the multiplexer model.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Incorrect” conflicts with common naming conventions and usage. “Represents test sequence only” misinterprets the abbreviation. “Only used for analog multiplexers” is unrelated to digital tri-state control.



Common Pitfalls:
Driving multiple lines simultaneously; forgetting that many FPGAs disallow internal Z—requiring mux logic internally and Z only at pins.



Final Answer:
Correct

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