Learning objectives
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
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Course unit content
<u><strong><br />
1st Module</strong></u><br />
<br />
Introduction to electronic systems: components and basic functions. <br />
Concept of signal and signal processing; analog, digital and binary representations of information . <br />
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. <br />
Computer-Aided design tools: schematic entry, simulation. <br />
Design of combinational systems: logic functions and their implementation, truth tables, Karnaugh maps; equivalent functions: minimization, algorithms and software tools. <br />
Automatic synthesis of combinational systems. NAND- and NOR-based synthesis. <br />
Programmable devices: MUX, ROM, PAL, PLA. <br />
Non-idealities: propagation delays, glitches. <br />
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<br />
<u><strong>2nd module</strong></u><br />
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Sequential systems: concepts and definitions. Memory elements. Synchronous and asynchronous sequential networks. Finite state machines: description, optimization and synthesis. <br />
Design of synchronous systems: algorithms and software tools. <br />
Asynchronous systems: non-idealities, transient effects (glitches, races), fail-safe design criteria. <br />
Complex functional elements: ALU, registers, counters. <br />
Programmable devices: CPLD, FPGA. <br />
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<u><strong>3rd module</strong></u><br />
<br />
Digital Electronics Lab: <br />
the design flow of digital systems <br />
Using MATLAB for design and simulation <br />
Hardware description languages <br />
Basic concepts and constructs of VHDL <br />
Formal description of simple combinational and sequential systems<br />
Simulation<br />
Full programme
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Bibliography
F. Fummi, M. Sami, C. Silvano , “Progettazione digitale” II ed, McGraw-Hill.<br />
M. Morris Mano, C.R. Kime, “Reti Logiche”, Pearson Prentice Hall<br />
http://www.vhdl.org
Teaching methods
The course includes oral lectures, alternating with software demonstrations and laboratory practice.<br />
The exam includes an evaluation of laboratory activity and an oral test.
Assessment methods and criteria
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Other information
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