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
no
Course unit content
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.
Full programme
Introduction to digital systems (4h):
• analog and digital signals
• the base-2 numeral system
Logical operators and expressions (4h)
• Boolean Algebra and Boolean algebra theorems
• De Morgan's laws
• Basic logic gates and truth table
canonical forms (2h)
Half Adder, Full Adder, Decoders, Multiplexers (4h)
Combinational logic design (8h)
• Logic synthesis
• Optimization of combinational logic circuits
• Karnaugh maps
• Determination of prime implicants
• Finding the constitutive terms of a minimal expression
• the propagation delay and the transport delay
• static and dynamic hazards
• Programmable devices: ROM, PAL, PLA
Synchronous Sequential Machines (14h)
• design of Sequential Circuits
• Flip-Flops & Counters
• the state diagram and its reduction
• the steps for the design of sequential circuits
Asynchronous Sequential Machines (6h)
• model, applications
• flow-table synthesis: the toggle circuit
• races and state assignment
Bibliography
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
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 information
further information are available on the website lea.unipr.it
