Form 20
Version 3.0 (2007/2008)
Heriot-Watt University - Module Descriptor Template (RAY)
Module Title
Digital design and programming
School
EPS
Module
Co-ordinator
EECE teaching group convener
SCQF
Level
8
1. Pre-requisites
Module
Code
B38DB
Semester
On or OffCampus
Credits
1
On
15
B37DA
2. Linked Modules
(specify if synoptic)
3. Excluded Modules
4. Replacement Module
Code:
Date Of Replacement:
5.
Availability as an
Elective
Yes
No
X
6. Degrees for which this
is a core module
7. Aims











Understand Basic flip-flop structures and the action state-machines
Gain proficiency in the design and implementation of digital circuits.
Appreciate the role of programmable logic as a replacement for discrete devices.
Be aware of the practical nature of logic signals
Understand basic Von-Neumman computer architecture
To develop an insight into controller hardware, the computer instruction set and the instruction set addressing modes.
Be able to write a significant high-level language program with multiple functions that manipulate data structures and arrays
Read and write binary and character data to/from disk files
Appreciate the design challenge of more complex software
Understand the role of modern m controllers in embedded systems design
Be able to program and implement a simple m controller program based on a case-study device
1/3
Form 20
Version 3.0 (2007/2008)
Heriot-Watt University - Module Descriptor Template (RAY)
Module Title
Digital design and programming
School
EPS
Module
Co-ordinator
EECE teaching group convener
SCQF
Level
8
Module
Code
B38DB
Semester
1
On or OffCampus
Credits
On
15
8. Syllabus
Revision of digital design principles. Digital circuits as computer building blocks. Finite state machines, design and implementation of a simple computer architecture
(e.g. CSCI 320), including registers, multiplexors, computational units (ALUs, adders, multipliers), logic units etc.; designing and comparing the implementation of logical
expressions in hardware and software using the simple architecture.
Practical work: building a simple stored program control computer using Quartus design tools. Implementation of hardware and software functions using the above.
Review of basic high level language programming: Maths, branching and loop constructs; Functions.
Data structures: 1D/2D arrays; structures; File I/O.
Introduce project concepts: Separate compilation; Libraries; Makefiles.
Role of assembly language programming
Assembly language programming for micro controllers: Review of computer; architecture; The role of a register model; Case study of a modern m controller;
Architecture; Programming; I/O structures
9. Learning Outcomes (HWU Core Skills: Employability and Professional Career Readiness)
Subject Mastery
Understanding, Knowledge and Cognitive Skills
Scholarship, Enquiry and Research (Research-Informed Learning)
To be capable of using design tools and methodologies for the implementation of moderately complex combinational and synchronous logic
systems
To develop a core understanding of computer architecture and the relationship between hardware and machine code
2/3
Form 20
Version 3.0 (2007/2008)
Heriot-Watt University - Module Descriptor Template (RAY)
Module Title
Digital design and programming
School
EPS
Module
Co-ordinator
EECE teaching group convener
SCQF
Level
8
Personal Abilities
Industrial, Commercial & Professional Practice
Module
Code
B38DB
Semester
Autonomy, Accountability & Working with Others
1
On or OffCampus
Credits
On
15
Communication, Numeracy & ICT
To develop skills transferring design specifications into practical engineering solutions.
To develop an awareness of modern digital design procedures and tools.
10. Assessment Methods
Method
11. Re-assessment Methods
Duration of Exam
Weighting (%)
Synoptic modules?
Method
(if applicable)
Coursework
Exam
2 hours
Duration of Exam
(if applicable)
50
50
100% Coursework
12. Date and Version
Date of Proposal
22nd Nov 07
Date of Approval by
School Committee
PQRS 12-11-08
ISS updated
Date of
Implementation
Version
Number
1.0
3/3