CPSC 321
Introduction to Logic Circuit
Design
Mihaela Ulieru (‘Dr. M’)
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION
Boolean algebra.
 Design of combinational circuits and their
implementation using primitive logic gates.
 Design and implementation of
synchronous and asynchronous sequential
circuits.

What!!??... What is this about…







A bit more clear please!…
We will understand how digital circuits work and how we
can design them
What are digital circuits?
(Anyone aware that we live in the ‘Digital Age’?...)
What is a ‘digital computer’?
DIGIT: from Latin ‘digitus’ = finger. ‘Any of the Arabic
numerals from 0-9’. ‘One of the elements that combine to
form numbers in a system other then the decimal one’.
DIGITAL: ‘of/relating to/using calculation by numerical
methods or by discrete units’. ‘relating to data in the form
of numerical digits’
Why is it named ‘digital’?
Early computers were used mainly to
perform numeric computations
 They used discrete elements of
information: digits
 DIGITAL SYSTEMS: manipulate discrete
elements of information (finite sets)
 E.g. the 10 decimal digits, the 26 letters of
the alphabet, 64 squares of chess board)

Beyond the digital computer…
But building on its generality (ability to
follow instructions operating on given data)
 Digital devices (camcorders, DVDs, TV,
phones, microprocessor-based devices)
 Discrete elements of information are
represented in a digital system by physical
quantities called signals. (e.g. Electrical
voltages, currents – Via transistors).
 Binary digits (bits) – binary codes

Why Digital Circuits?
Digital devices are programmable – by
simply changing the program the same
hardware can be used for different
applications
 Advances in digital integrated circuits
technology – accuracy, reliability (DVD)
 Digital systems are interconnections of
digital modules

Digital Circuits





What digital modules in digital systems are
made of
Each digital circuit implements a logical
function
Combination of digital circuits form a more
complex logical function (of the module)
Combinations of modules – function of devices
We will study different types of digital circuits
and learn to analyze their functionality and
ultimately how to design digital circuits that
accomplish a desired logical function
TEXT

Digital Design, 3rd edition, M. Morris
Mano, Prentice-Hall Inc., 2001.
OBJECTIVE
Upon successful completion of this course, you shall
be able to:
 understand the nature of various numbering systems
 gain familiarity with the theorems and properties of
Boolean algebra – the basis of logic design
 understand and gain familiarity with Boolean functions
and logic gate design (the basic tools!)
 apply simplification techniques to Boolean functions (to
be able to design optimal/ ‘minimal’ circuits)
 design and implement combinational circuits (obtain
logical functions by combining various circuits)
 design and implement sequential circuits (Synchronous feedback signals and Asynchronous – timing/events)
ULTIMATE PURPOSE
Gateway to understanding how digital
systems work
 What is behind the Digital Age?...
 Beyond the technical literacy issue…
 Have the choice to master today’s
technological advances
 Basis for becoming the inventors of
tomorrow’s technologies!

THE PROCESS… by which to
achieve THE PURPOSE
COURSE FORMAT
 5 HOURS of scheduled instruction per week (3 hours of
Lecture and 2 hours of Laboratory.)
 New material will be formally presented in lectures.
 Labs will be used to reinforce the lectures by providing
an opportunity to study examples and practice the
application of concepts.
NOTE! Labs are not just for students who require extra
help; they are an integral part of the course and
attendance is required.

ASSESSMENT






Assignments
Two (10% each)
20%
Labs
Midterm
(Date: October 16)
Final Exam
10%
30%
40%
ASSIGNMENTS
There are a total of two (2) assignments.
Each assignment will include a collection
of problems which students are expected
to complete individually. The problems
will challenge students by asking them to
apply the knowledge they have gained in
lectures and labs.
In Learning THE PROCESS is more
important then THE RESULTS!






Problem solving techniques and skills can only be
acquired through practice and through the study of
increasingly more difficult problems. The assignments all
involve problem solving. It is very important that you
understand how you solved the problem, and not just
be happy with handing in a computer program that
produces the requested results.
HOW – is more important then DO
After graduation: No one will ask you about your grades!
Everyone will ask if you can solve problems
This requires individual study – beyond class and Lab.
I cannot learn for you! (SORRY…)
I will do my very best to help you through THE PROCESS!
HOW TO SUCCEED






DO THE LAB EXERCISES AND ALL THE
ASSIGNMENTS!
DO EXTRA EXERCISES (basis for
understanding!) 10% inspiration – 90% practice!
WE WILL LEARN TOGETHER HOW TO THINK.
Capture the essence about the topic – so you
can solve similar problems based on what you
learned!) – [Thinking – vs. memorizing…].
PARTICIPATE!
Ask for help! First from your TA.
IF <TA can’t answer> THEN <see Dr. M. together
with the TA>
Learning Resources







Course website:
www.enel.ucalgary.ca/Course/CPSC321/home.htm
Dr. M.: ICT 540, ulieru@ucalgary.ca
http://isg.enme.ucalgary.ca/people/ulieru/default.htm
OFFICE HOURS: Mo & Wed. 15:00-16:00 (after
class)
Office number: 220-8616
I am here to support and guide you through THE
PROCESS!
APPROACH: build first a strong foundation and then
on its basis develop new, more complex knowledge
Ground Rules (so the Process runs
best)






Cellular phones ‘OFF’ during class
No side talking during class
Write your questions and ask them when I invite
you to do so
See other rules in Course Outline
?? What do you wish to add…
Ground Rules are negotiable – but only before
they are broken