Blended courses

Digital Systems I

Digital circuits are the foundation upon which the computers, cell phones, and calculators we use every day are built. This course explores these foundations by using modern digital design techniques to design, implement and test digital circuits ranging in complexity from basic logic gates to state machines that perform useful functions like calculations, counting, timing, and a host of other applications. Students will learn modern design techniques, using a hardware description language (HDL) such as Verilog to design, simulate and implement logic systems consisting of basic gates, adders, multiplexers, latches, and counters. The function and operation of programmable logic devices, such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), will be described and discussed in terms of how an HDL logic design is mapped and implemented. Experiments involving the design of combinational and sequential circuits will provide students a hands-on introduction to basic digital electrical engineering concepts and the skills needed to gain more advanced skills. In the laboratory, students will construct, troubleshoot, and test the digital circuits that they have developed using a hardware description language. These custom logic designs will be implemented using FPGAs and validated using test equipment.

Short Description

Digital computers and information. Number systems and alphanumeric codes. Binary arithmetic. Boolean algebra. Logic functions representation, minimization and realization. Analysis, design and implementation of combinational circuits. Basic sequential circuits. Latches and flip-flops. Analysis and design of simple sequential circuits. Registers and counters. Implementation of digital circuits.

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students:

• Are able to design, simulate and implement logic systems
  
• Become familiar with the function and operation of programmable logic devices, such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)
• Are able to design combinational and sequential circuits
• Are able to construct, troubleshoot, and test the digital circuits that they have developed using a hardware description language.
• Are able to implement the system using FPGAs and validated using test equipment 

Course Outline

1.    Number representations

2.    Boolean algebra

3.    Design and simplification of combinational circuits

4.    Arithmetic circuits

5.    Analysis and design of sequential circuits

Textbook

“Digital Design: With an Introduction to the Verilog HDL, VHDL, and SystemVerilog” Sixth Edition, M. Morris Mano, Michael Ciletti

Lab Work: Laboratory rules and regulations will be posted on the course site. Six labs have been organized and will be distributed along the term proportional with their degree of difficulty. You will be working in groups of 2 / 3 students.  The same group will work together throughout the semester.  A lab report is expected from each group.  The lab report should be prepared according to the guidelines found in the lab manual. The report will be submitted electronically (in WORD format). The FPGA Altera DE2-115 Development & Education Board will be employed to perform the lab experiments:

The midterm exam is a closed book exam and covers material presented in the weeks prior to the mid-term. The mid-term schedule is to be announced (date TBD).

The final exam is also closed book and will cover all material studied during the term.

Grading

• 15% reflection on content
• After topics, you should reflect
• 15% Assignment / class work
• 5% peer assessment
• 10% activities (online – (A)synchronous )
• 10% Online / Real-time quiz
• 20% Lab work
• 20% Project (bonus)
• 10% bonus for other activities (needs approval)
• 40% Final Exam and Mid-term
• Sum: 115+30%