Module overview
To introduce digital system design, the principles of programmable logic devices, the implementation of combinational and sequential circuits, and the principles of hardware design using SystemVerilog, a state-of-the-art hardware description language.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Configure programmable logic devices using a hardware description language
- Design and analyse combinational and sequential digital circuits
- Meet this module's contribution to the subject specific intellectual learning outcomes of ELEC1029
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Meet this module's contribution to the subject specific practical learning outcomes of ELEC1029.
- Design and verify combinational and sequential systems using SystemVerilog
- Design combinational and sequential systems by hand
- Use a range of electronic design automation (EDA) tools
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Meet this module's contribution to the transferable and generic learning outcomes of ELEC1029
- Manage your time in a laboratory
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- How to describe digital hardware using a software-style language
- How a simple microprocessor can be built from standard building blocks
- The behaviour of digital circuits
Syllabus
Combinational Logic Design
- Logic and Logic algebra
- Combinational logic gates: AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, EXOR, EXNOR
- Logic Technologies
- Truth tables
- Combinational logic devices: multiplexer, encoder, decoder
- Combinational logic design
- Logic minimisation and Karnaugh maps
- Combinatorial Systems in SystemVerilog
Sequential Logic Design
- Introduction to sequential logic
- Level-sensitive latches
- Edge-sensitive flip-flops
- Clocks, synchronous and asynchronous circuits
- Registers and shift registers
- Counters (synchronous and asynchronous)
- Algorithmic State Machine (ASM) design
- Moore and Mealy machines
- Sequential Systems in SystemVerilog
Programmable Logic
- Programmable technology: PALs, PLDs and FPGAs
- Hardware Description Languages: Introduction to SystemVerilog
- Modelling of hardware behaviour in software
- Test benches and interpreting simulation results
- Hardware synthesis
- Software tools
Number Representation and Computer Arithmetic
- Positional number systems
- Unsigned binary numbers and arithmetic
- Signed binary number representation and arithmetic
- Conversion between number systems
- Occurrence and detection of overflow
- Hardware for binary addition/substration
Introduction to Chip Design
- Performance requirements of integrated circuits
- MOS logic gates – NAND and NOR
- CMOS performance
- Logic timing and delays
Introduction to Computer Architecture
- Busses and contention
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
- Instruction Sets
- Introduction to the Fetch-Execute Cycle
- Microprocessors and Microcontrollers
- SystemVerilog Example(s)
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Syllabus material is taught through the lectures and supporting tutorials. Learning will be through a combination of independent study alongside the taught sessions, the formative problem sheets, and lab activities.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Wider reading or practice | 30 |
Tutorial | 12 |
Completion of assessment task | 20 |
Revision | 18 |
Lecture | 36 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 34 |
Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
J F Wakerly (2006). Digital Design - Principles and Practices. Pearson Prentice Hall.
M.S. Nixon (2015). Digital Electronics: A Primer - Introductory Logic Circuit Design. Imperial College Press.
M. Zwolinski (2009). Digital System Design with SystemVerilog. Pearson Prentice Hall.
M M Mano, M D Ciletti (2007). Digital Design. Pearson Prentice Hall.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Assessment on the module mixes practical and theoretical elements, and formative and summative elements.
4 Problem Sheets on different topics are spread throughout the module, to provide formative feedback.
Two technical labs are also associated with the module; they are conducted under the umbrella of ELEC1029 but the marks contribute towards this module. These technical labs consider Discrete Digital Circuits and Bus Operation and Control, addressing the above-listed learning outcomes.
An end-of-semester design exercise considers digital systems and microprocessors, addressing the above-listed learning outcomes. It is conducted under the umbrella of ELEC1029 but the marks contribute towards this module.
Skills labs are conducted under the umbrella of the zero-credit ELEC1029 module and address its learning outcomes. The marks contribute to a number of ELEC12xx modules, including this one.
An end-of-module exam provides summative assessment on all topics covered.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Technical Laboratories | 10% |
Design Exercise | 10% |
Skills Laboratories | 10% |
Examination | 70% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Examination | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Examination | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External