Overall Organization

Following in step with the first digital clock, the actual approach to creating this product lies in assessing both the top-bottom view as well as the bottom-top view. It is in my experience that the utilization of both methodologies allows the designer to have an easier time in working with a project. Since a digital clock is composed of many general purpose circuits, I have chosen to start by separating various parts of the clock into modules. By creating these modules and illustrating their dependencies on one another to function in a specific way, the overall flow is better visualized.

The counters, being the heart of the clock, are assigned to be in the center while the supporting and auxiliary modules are placed around them. In the diagram below, the red lines indicate control flow where as the blue lines indicate data flow.

Although the above diagram neatly depicts the relationship between the modules, the information provided was not specific enough to be able to fully comprehend the actual inputs and outputs each module needs and provides respectively. To give myself enough information to be able to start working on each module independently of the rest, I went ahead and constructed a more detailed diagram.

Note that the extent of how many modules I have created to give myself a clearer idea on what to expect is dependent upon my own preferences since this layout is geared towards my benefit. Furthermore, there is a point in which creating a more specific diagram will do more to slow down the design process since one can easily become confused with all those arrows and boxes.

From this new diagram, I have noted that the "Control Distributor" and "Signal Distributor" modules interface with nearly all the other modules. These two are very important and was subject to many revisions since nearly all other modules are dependent upon these two.

The Order that the Modules were Addressed

Although all the modules are somewhat dependent on one another to operate correctly, I had enough information in the second version of my diagram to be able to work on and complete any module with a minimal of revisions due to unforeseen requirements from the rest. By my own personal preference, I decided to begin work on the "Clock Source" and "Reset Signal" modules since they would form a cornerstone for designing the other modules.

After the completion of those two initial modules, the next step was to work on the counters since the establishment of those would fulfill the bulk of circuit work. From the counters, the next logical choice of modules to work on would be the control and signal routing blocks to interconnect the counters to one another. After those modules had been designed, all the others were chosen based on my mood at the time.