DIGITAL ELECTRONICS: FUNDAMENTALS AND LABORATORY
Learning outcomes of the course unit
The course provides the basic information needed to the understanding of digital systems operating principles. After completing this course, students acquire a functional vision of digital systems, familiarize with some of the basic CAD tools and are able to complete simple design experiences.
Prerequisites
no
Course contents summary
1st module
Introduction to electronic systems: components and basic functions.
Concept of signal and signal processing; analog, digital and binary
representations of information .
Abstraction of physical systems: hierarchy of description levels.
Functional and structural description of digital systems. Analysis and
synthesis processes. Logical networks: definitions and introductory
concepts. Elementary logical operations. Combinational and sequential
systems.
Computer-Aided design tools: schematic entry, simulation.
Design of combinational systems: logic functions and their
implementation, truth tables, Karnaugh maps; equivalent functions:
minimization, algorithms and software tools.
Automatic synthesis of combinational systems. NAND- and NOR-based
synthesis.
Programmable devices: MUX, ROM, PAL, PLA.
Non-idealities: propagation delays, glitches.
Sequential systems: concepts and definitions. Memory elements.
Synchronous and asynchronous sequential networks. Finite state
machines: description, optimization and synthesis.
Design of synchronous systems: algorithms and software tools.
Asynchronous systems: non-idealities, transient effects (glitches, races),
fail-safe design criteria.
Complex functional elements: ALU, registers, counters.
2nd module
Digital Electronics Lab:
- the design flow of digital systems
- Hardware description languages
- Basic concepts and constructs of VHDL
- Formal description of simple combinational and sequential systems
- Simulation
Recommended readings
1) R. Laschi, M. Prandini, "Reti Logiche", Progetto Leonardo, Bologna
2) F. Fummi, M. Sami, C. Silvano , "Progettazione digitale"; II ed, McGraw-
Hill.
3) M. Morris Mano, C.R. Kime, "Reti Logiche", Pearson Prentice Hall
4) http://www.vhdl.org
5) Mark Zwolinski, "VHDL Progetto di Sistemi Digitali",PEARSON - Prentice
Hall
Teaching methods
The course includes oral lectures, alternating with software demonstrations and laboratory practice.
Assessment methods and criteria
The exam includes an evaluation of laboratory activity and a written test with exercises on the topics covered during the course.
To access the written test a positive evaluation must be obtained in the laboratory exam.
Other informations
further information are available on the website lea.unipr.it
