| Unit name | Digital Circuits and Systems |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EENG14000 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Vasilakos |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one | |
| School/department | School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
An introductory unit, covering the design and implementation of digital systems. It shows how circuit components can be configured into logic elements, and how these elements may be interconnected into larger subsystems such as simple computers. The 'Logic Design' element deals with the design of small-scale combinatorial and sequential systems. 'Digital Electronics' considers the sub-gate level, raising electrical and timing issues. 'Computer Architecture' introduces the machine-level operation of a computer, together with the fundamentals of micro-controllers programming.
Having completed the unit, students will be able to:
1- 'Describe the binary representation of both numerical and non-numerical information;
2- 'Create minimal SOP and POS expressions and NAND-/NOR-only implementations for simple combinatorial problems, using Karnaugh maps and Boolean Algebra, starting from plain language or truth table definitions;
3- 'Describe the external operation of D, and SR flip-flops, and the internal construction of the asynchronous SR flip-flop;
4- 'Create state machine diagrams and minimal implementations for Moore and Mealy machines using random or programmable logic and D-type flip-flops;
5- 'Describe the internal and external operation of standard elements such as adders, decoders, multiplexers, and demultiplexers;
6- 'Apply positive and negative logic representations;
7- 'Recall which active devices are used to make logic circuits;
8- 'Describe how the diode, FET, and BJT work and are characterised;
9- 'Apply graphical methods to analyse diode and transistor circuits;
10- ' Model a diode, FET and BJT for logic operation;
11- ' Design simple switching circuits using diodes and BJTs;
12- 'Apply these models to analyse complex logic circuits; and review the operation and performance of some standard logic families.
13- ' Describe the internal and external operation of a simple CPU at the fetch/execute level;
14- ' Create and debug simple python programs
15- 'Describe the principles of high-level language, compilation and linking.
Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, including lectures, practical activities supported by drop-in sessions, problem sheets and self-directed exercises.
Formative: Online Test 1, 2 & 4
Summative: Exam 1 (January) (30%), Exam 2 (Summer) (70%)
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EENG14000).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
