Learning objectives
Objectives of the course (preferably expressed in terms of learning outcomes and competences): 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
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.
Programmable devices: CPLD, FPGA.
Digital Electronics Lab:
the design flow of digital systems
Using MATLAB for design and simulation
Hardware description languages
Basic concepts and constructs of VHDL
Formal description of simple combinational and sequential systems
Simulation.
Full programme
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.
Programmable devices: CPLD, FPGA.
Digital Electronics Lab:
the design flow of digital systems
Using MATLAB for design and simulation
Hardware description languages
Basic concepts and constructs of VHDL
Formal description of simple combinational and sequential systems
Simulation.
Bibliography
THEORY: Reti Logiche, di Laschi Roberto e Prandini Marco - Ed. Progetto Leonardo Esculapio Bologna
LAB: VHDL Progetto di Sistemi Digitali, di Mark Zwolinski, edito da PEARSON - Prentice Hall
Teaching methods
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Assessment methods and criteria
The exam includes an evaluation of laboratory activity and a written examination.
Other information
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