In the `main` module, you declared the `led` output signal, but you did not drive the signal. In other words, `led` is not connected to a driver. I think you simply need to connect it to the `LedScan` instance: LedScan scan ( .clk(clk), .leds0(flash_data_out), .leds1(row_1), .leds2(row_2), .leds3(row_3), .leds(led), .lcol(col_wire) ); When I make the connection to the `leds` port, the `led` signal becomes known (the x's are gone). Also, I don't think you need the `led_wire` wire. I think the same is true for `col` and `col_wire`.