MODULE TITLE:
Digital Systems Design
MODULE CODE:
EEE421
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION:
2013-2014
MODULE LEVEL:
5
CREDIT POINTS:
20
MODULE STATUS:
Compulsory
SEMESTER:
2
LOCATION:
Magee
E-LEARNING:
Blended learning
PREREQUISITE(S):
None
CO-REQUISITE(S):
N/A
MODULE CO-ORDINATOR(S):
Harkin, J
TEACHING STAFF
RESPONSIBLE FOR MODULE
DELIVERY:
Harkin, J
HOURS:
Lectures
24 hrs
Seminars
0 hrs
Tutorials
12 hrs
Practicals
36 hrs
Independent study
128 hrs
(including assessment)
TOTAL EFFORT HOURS:
200
ACADEMIC SUBJECT:
EEE
MODULAR SUBJECT:
N/A
RATIONALE
Digital logic systems are fundamental in the provision of modern electronic
computing systems. It is therefore imperative that undergraduates of electronics and
computer science related disciplines gain knowledge and understanding of the
building blocks and how to use them in the design of digital computing systems. This
module presents an introduction to modern digital design including key building
blocks, Finite State Machines and Algorithmic State Machines.
AIMS
To provide the student with knowledge of:
(1) Combinational logic building blocks
(2) Sequential logic blocks and sequential circuit design
(3) A range of arithmetic circuits
(4) Digital system design methods
(5) Design issues relating to control and datapath architectures.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
A successful student will be able to:
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
K1 Understand the principle operation of a range of combinational logic blocks and
their role within supporting the implementation of large digital systems.
K2 Understand the principle operation of a range of sequential logic blocks and be
able to design various types of counters using both combinational and
sequential logic blocks.
K3 Understand how arithmetic operations are realised using digital logic blocks
and be able to create an ALU of moderate complexity with pipelines.
K4 Understand the principles of digital design methods and be able to create
digital circuits from textual descriptions.
INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES
I1
Apply appropriate techniques and theory to digital systems design.
I2
Analyse problems and design solutions.
PROFESSIONAL/PRACTICAL SKILLS
P1 Define design issues in terms of recognised guidelines.
P2 Design and carry out a programme of practical exercises using modern
electronic design technologies.
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
T1
Justify the choice of design solutions and analytical procedures.
T2
Adhere to recognised engineering standards.
T3
Develop the ability to write technical reports.
CONTENT

Combinational Logic:
Key combinatorial building blocks including multiplexer/de-multiplexer,
encoders, decoders, comparator circuits and their functioning role in modern
digital electronic systems.

Sequential Logic Circuits:
Key sequential building blocks including clocked devices, Flip-flops, latches,
registers, shift and barrel registers and counters (binary, ring, Johnson).
Building counters from flip-flops and discrete logic circuits. Applications of
counters in digital systems.

Arithmetic Logic Circuits:
Key arithmetic blocks including adders (full, half, ripple-carry), subtractor
circuits, multiplier circuits. Using the building blocks to realise low-complexity
Arithmetic and Logic Units (ALUs), how to create pipelines and the associated
risks.

Digital System Design Methods
Introduce the principle of top-down design and the concept of the controller
and datapath architecture. Introduce Finite State Machines (FSM) including
Mealy and Moore machines, their advantages and disadvantages. Introduce
methods of capturing digital systems specifications using Algorithmic State
Machines (ASM), how to use clocked states to control the operation of digital
systems. Realising ASMs using controller and one-hot methods, introduce
design issues such as clock skew.
TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS
This module is presented through lectures, tutorials and practical laboratories.
Lectures will introduce and explain the theoretical aspects of the module’s subject
topic. Practical laboratory exercises will underpin the theoretical content of the
module via the design of solutions to example exercises and the building and
testing\evaluation of hardware circuits. Tutorials will focus on supporting the student
in overcoming any conceptual problems related to the content of the module.
Students will also be directed to read sections of recommended texts and will be
expected to undertake directed reading in preparation for all scheduled classes, and
consolidate the material covered in class by private study.
The module is offered by Blended Learning.
ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK
Coursework 1:
A written class test of 1 hour and 30 minutes duration (between weeks 4-6)
contributing 25% towards the module assessment. Feedback will be provided
through worked solutions (written and oral) in the tutorial sessions.
Coursework 2:
Mini-project: A report on the design of a digital circuit to be completed over the
duration of the module contributing 25% towards the total module assessment (to be
completed between weeks 10-11). Feedback will be provided through worked
solutions (written and oral) in the final tutorial session of the module.
Examination
A 3-hour paper with between 5 and 6 questions in which there will be an element of
choice. The exam will be held during the examination period at the end of the
semester.
50% Coursework
50% Examination
READING LIST
Required: one from:
Even, G, Medina, M, 2012, Digital Logic Design: A Rigorous Approach, Cambridge
University Press
Harris, D, Harris S, Digital Design and Computer Architecture, Morgan Kaufmann 1st
edition
Jain, R.P, 2007. Modern Digital Electronics, McGraw-Hill International Edition
Tocci, R.J et al, 2011, Digital Systems: Principles and Applications, 11th Edt.,
Prentice Hall
Vahid, F, 2011, Digital Design with RTL Design, VHDL, and Verilog, 2nd Edt., Wiley
Recommended:
Balabanian, N, Carlson, B, 2001, Digital Logic Design Principles, John Wiley & Sons
Deschamps J.P, Bioul, G, Sutter, G, 2006, Synthesis of Arithmetic Circuits: FPGA,
ASIC and Embedded Systems, John Wiley and Sons
Kumar S, et al., 2011, Foundation of Digital Electronics and Logic Design, Pan
Stanford Publishing
Vahid, F, 2007, Digital design, Wiley Publications
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
This module introduces digital building blocks and the principles of modern digital
systems design. The module also discusses performance issues related to the
realisation of digital systems. Both elements of the module are presented through
lectures, tutorials and practical sessions and are assessed using both continuous
assessment and formal written examination methods.