The knowledge about finite state machine

The vending machine controller can be seen as a finite state machine. We try to find some detailed explanation about the FSM on the Internet. I listed some key points I found useful.

 

1. Finite-state machine (FSM) is a mathematical model used to design both computer programs and sequential logic circuits.

 

2. A unique FSM is defined by a list of states and corresponding triggering conditions.

 

3. The machine can only be at one state at a time. The machine needs the triggering condition to move from current state to next state.

 

4. In our course ELEC211, we study two kinds of FSM including Mearly and Moore machine.

We separatly studied each kind of machine. For our project, I am wondering that it is possible to combine these two kinds of machines so that the ASM chart can be more precise.

 

5. Finite-state machines can be used to model many problems including electronic design automation (this is the area that our project links), communication protocol design, language parsing and so on.

Here is the website address. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finite-state_machine