Abstract: A programmable-divider provides a lower-speed transition signal to effect a synchronized load of a new divisor value during a safe-load period of the programmable-divider, such that the division occurs using either the prior divisor value or the new divisor value, only. A combination of in-phase and reverse-phase counter stages are used to position the divisor-independent period of each counter stage so that an edge of at least one of the lower-speed counter-enabling signals occurs during a period when all of the counter stages are in a divisor-independent period. The preferred selection of in-phase and reverse-phase counter stages also maximizes the critical path duration, to allow for the accurate division of very high speed input frequencies.

Abstract: The microcomputer has an instruction memory interface that applies instructions to an instruction execution unit. In a normal state instructions are obtained from instruction memory under control of a normal program counter. In a test state a same source of an instruction is used cyclically to apply a same instruction information from a test instruction memory. Normal addressing is suppressed in the test state, so that the same instruction is executed repeatedly independent of normal program flow.