ELEC1202 Digital Systems and Microprocessors

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

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

Understand the logical behaviour of digital circuits
Understand the advantages and disadvantages of programmable logic devices
Know how to describe digital hardware using a software-style language
Understand how a basic microprocessor can be built from standard building blocks

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Analyse combinational and sequential digital circuits
Design combinational and sequential digital circuits
Configure programmable logic devices using a hardware description language
Meet this module's contribution to the subject specific intellectual learning outcomes of ELEC1029

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Manage your time in a laboratory
Present and explain your work in written reports
Meet this module's contribution to the transferable and generic learning outcomes of ELEC1029

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Design combinational logic using Karnaugh maps
Design sequential logic using ASM charts
Design and verify combinational and sequential systems using SystemVerilog
Use a number of electronic design automation tools
Meet this module's contribution to the subject specific practical learning outcomes of ELEC1029.

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, coder, decoder - Combinational logic design - Logic minimisation and Karnaugh maps - Combinatorial Systems in SystemVerilog Sequential Logic Design - Introduction to sequential logic - Level-sensitive latches (RS, D-Type) - Edge-sensitive flip-flops (D-Type) - Clocks, synchronous and asynchronous circuits - Registers and shift registers - Counters (synchronous and asynchronous) - Timing glitches - 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 - Half adders and Full Adders - Multi-bit Ripple Carry Adder/Subtracter Introduction to Chip Design - Performance requirements of integrated circuits - Basis of logic gates - MOS logic gates – NAND and NOR - CMOS performance - Logic timing and delays Introduction to Computer Architecture - Busses and contention - Tri-state buffers - Register-based architectures - Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) - Instruction Sets - Introduction to the Fetch-Execute Cycle - Microprocessors and Microcontrollers - SystemVerilog Example(s)

Learning and Teaching

Type	Hours
Wider reading or practice	40
Follow-up work	18
Preparation for scheduled sessions	18
Revision	10
Lecture	36
Completion of assessment task	16
Tutorial	12
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

M M Mano, M D Ciletti (2007). Digital Design.

J F Wakerly (2006). Digital Design - Principles and Practices.

M. Zwolinski (2009). Digital System Design with SystemVerilog.

M.S. Nixon (2015). Digital Electronics: A Primer - Introductory Logic Circuit Design.

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. Three 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, 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

Method	Percentage contribution
Continuous Assessment	30%
Final Assessment	70%

Repeat

Method	Percentage contribution
Set Task	100%

Referral

Method	Percentage contribution
Set Task	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External