Aims

This module will provide know-how on designing digital circuits and systems. Students will learn to critically evaluate combinatorial and sequential circuits from the designer's point of view. This module will also focus on experiencing computer-aided digital design techniques and hardware description languages (VHDL), mainly for programmable logic devices, logic synthesis and simulation. At the end of the module, students will be able to design digital circuits and systems, including computer arithmetic circuits and synchronous and asynchronous sequential logic circuits based on programmable logic.

Outline Of Syllabus

Students will be asked to bring curiosity about hardware design. Together, we will develop the ability to design standard arithmetic and combinational logic circuits, move to synchronous and asynchronous sequential logic, and address finite state machines.

In particular, one important aspect covered in this module is handling hardware description language such as VHDL. These are used to describe, simulate, and create hardware for digital circuits such that these can be simulated before being implemented in the hardware.

Upon completing this module, which spans one semester, students will become familiar with hardware description languages such as VDHL and gain experience designing the core building blocks used in digital electronics.

Through these outcomes, students will more naturally learn other hardware programming languages (e.g., Verilog) that are useful for career advancement.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Besides regular class activity in which slides (whose PDF printouts are available from the course's CANVAS page before lectures) are used and discussed during class hours, allowing students to focus on the discussed concepts and take notes. A relevant part of the course will be spent in a computer cluster to learn hardware description languages and digital design tools. Laboratory sessions and tutorials will focus on practising VHDL using CAD EDA tools.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The examination allows the student to demonstrate their understanding of the course material. The VHDL assignment enables students to demonstrate that they can apply their digital design techniques knowledge and their analysis and synthesis skills using computer-aided and hardware description languages. The formative problem solving exercises provide the opportunity for students to demonstrate their abilities.