Digital Systems and Microprocessors

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

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

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
• The behaviour of digital circuits
• How a simple microprocessor can be built from standard building blocks

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Design combinational and sequential systems by hand
• Meet this module's contribution to the subject specific practical learning outcomes of ELEC1029.
• Use a range of electronic design automation (EDA) tools
• Design and verify combinational and sequential systems using SystemVerilog

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)

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.

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

M. Zwolinski (2009). Digital System Design with SystemVerilog. Pearson Prentice Hall.

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

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

M M Mano, M D Ciletti (2007). Digital Design. Pearson Prentice Hall.

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.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

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.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External