Unit information: Digital Circuits and Systems in 2011/12

Unit name	Digital Circuits and Systems
Unit code	EENG14000
Credit points	20
Level of study	C/4
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Dr. Mike Barton
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	EENG11002 and EENG18010 Desirable not mandatory.
School/department	School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

An introductory unit for EE, CSE, and engineering design students, covering the design and implementation of digital systems. It shows how circuit components can be configured into logic elements, and how these elements may be interconnected into larger subsystems such as simple computers. The 'Logic Design' element deals with the design of small-scale combinatorial and sequential systems. 'Digital Electronics' considers the sub-gate level, raising electrical and timing issues. 'Computer Architecture' introduces the machine-level operation of a computer, together with the fundamentals of assembler programming.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Having completed the Logic Design element, students will be able to:

• describe the binary representation of both numerical and non-numerical information;
• create minimal SOP and POS expressions and NAND-/NOR-only implementations for simple combinatorial problems, using Karnaugh maps and Boolean Algebra, starting from plain language or truth table definitions;
• describe the external operation of D, and SR flip-flops, and the internal construction of the asynchronous SR flip-flop;
• create state machine diagrams and minimal implementations for Moore and Mealy machines using random or programmable logic and D-type flip-flops;
• describe the internal and external operation of standard elements such as adders, decoders, multiplexers, and demultiplexers;
• apply positive and negative logic representations;
• interpret simple VHDL descriptions including entity and architecture declarations.

Having completed the Digital Electronics element, will be able to:

• recall which active devices are used to make logic circuits;
• describe how the diode, FET, and BJT work and are characterised;
• apply graphical methods to analyse diode and transistor circuits;
• model a diode, FET and BJT for logic operation;
• design simple switching circuits using diodes and BJTs;
• apply these models to analyse complex logic circuits; and
• review the operation and performance of some standard logic families.

Having completed the Computer Architecture element, students will be able to:

• describe the internal and external operation of a simple CPU at the fetch/execute level;
• apply a typical range of addressing modes and conditional/unconditional control instructions;
• explain the role of the stack in subroutine calls, and its use for saving of variables;
• create and debug simple assembly-language programs, including translation from pseudo-code /flowcharts;
• describe (in simple terms) the operation of an interrupt mechanism.
• describe the principles of high-level language, compilation and linking.

Assessment Information

Name: In-lecture quizzes

Type: e-voting

% of final mark: 5

Description: Tests to measure progress

Name: Multiple-choice test (LD)

Type: Test

% of final mark: 7.5

Description: On Logic Design lab - also includes component based on attendance. Includes penalties to discourage guessing.

Name: Multiple-choice test (Micro)

Type:Test

% of final mark: 8

Description: On Microprocessor lab - also includes component based on attendance. Includes penalties to discourage guessing.

Name: Progress Test

Type: Test

% of final mark: 2.5

Description: Test to measure progress on Digital Electronics.

Name: Terminal Exam

Type: Exam

% of final mark: 77

Description: 3 hour written paper - Logic Design (50%), Computer Architecture (25%), Digital Electronics (25%) with flat structure within each section. Tests suitability for progression to following year. Emphasis is on capability of undertaking simple analysis and design as defined in the learning outcomes.

Reading and References

• Wakerly, J.F., Digital Design – Principles and Practices (4th ed); Pearson Prentice Hall 2006, ISBN 0131733494 & ISBN 8120330218. (Essential)

• Mano, M.M., & Krime, C.R., Logic and Computer Design Fundamentals (4th ed); Pearson Education 2008, ISBN 013198926X. (Background)