48441 Introductory Digital Systems
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Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): 48510 Introduction to Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Anti-requisite(s): 48622 Mechatronics 1
Recommended studies:
it is important to have knowledge of basic electrical engineering circuits and soldering skills
Description
The objectives of this subject are to enable students to master the fundamentals of digital and programmable electronic circuits and their engineering applications; master the hardware architecture of a typical small computer system; and understand the principles of low-level programming and gain an ability to write simple assembly code. Topics include digital sequential circuits; state diagram and its application in the design of sequential digital circuits; basic hardware architectures of a typical microcontroller in terms of its building blocks; how hardware integrates with software at the machine level; low-level language programming; interrupts; input and output; and hardware interfacing design techniques.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Design combinational and sequential logic circuits. (C.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Design and implement programmable logic devices and related input/output components. (C.1) |
| 3. | Analyse digital logic circuits. (D.1) |
| 4. | Create assembly programs using appropriate software tools. (D.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and processes to meet specified requirements. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:
- 1.1. Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
- 2.1. Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
- 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
Teaching and learning strategies
A problem-based learning strategy is adopted in this subject. Students develop their own solutions to design and analyse digital logic and microcontroller circuits. The laboratory assessments are designed to reinforce the importance of practice-based learning.
In weekly delivery mode, there are:
- 1 two-hour interactive workshop
- 1 two-hour tutorial/laboratory activities
The teaching and learning strategies focus on:
- Introducing in lecture notes and Canvas videos the key fundamental concepts and their interrelations.
- Introducing in workshops appropriate problems to motivate, illustrate and exemplify the concepts presented in workshops.
- Introducing in labs practical digital circuit implementation and programming in assembly language.
Students are expected to watch the Canvas videos before coming to the classes. The interactive workshops will discuss the major issues and questions raised by students regarding digital logic design and microcontrollers. The workshops aim at further explaining the studied material by solving a variety of problems. In addition, a hardware kit will be used by students to design simple digital circuits and write assembly programs. Laboratory activities are designed to provide students with practical understanding of the theoretical material and help them complete the laboratory assessments.
Student learning is supported in the following way:
- Prior to each lab, students are required to study the notes and associated readings and prepare questions.
- In the lab, the tutor will discuss the challenges the students could face. Students faced with similar challenges will be prompted to come together to facilitate collaborative discussions.
- The lab tutor is available in each lab to review work and provide immediate feedback. If required, the lecturer will be available to provide further consultation.
Content (topics)
- digital combinational and sequential circuits
- state diagram and its application in the design of digital circuits
- basic hardware architectures of the digital computer in terms of its building blocks
- component module soldering as required (kit assembly)
- how hardware integrates with software at the machine level
- low-level language programming
- internal architecture and design of a typical register-based central processing unit, main memory subsystem and their interdependence
- microcomputer interrupt-driven processing
- digital systems input-output interfacing
- micro-controller architectures
Assessment
Assessment task 1: In Class Tests
| Intent: | For students to demonstrate a solid understanding of fundamental concepts in digital electronics. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 50% |
| Length: | 20 minutes in class (interactive workshop). |
Assessment task 2: Lab Reports
| Intent: | Students demonstrate their ability to perform laboratory tasks using real or simulated hardware. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 50% |
| Length: | During the lab 5 - 10 minutes per task. |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
Required texts
None.
Recommended texts
The following textbook is recommended, but not required:
Logic and Computer Design Fundamentals, 4th Edition, By Mano and Kime, Prentice Hall, 2008, ISBN 0-13-198926-x. Library’s Call Number: 621.395 MANO (ED.4).
References
The following reference texts may be useful in this subject:
M.M. Mano and M.D. Ciletti, Digital Design, with an introduction to the Verilog HDL. ISBN-13: 978-0132774208
Introduction to Logic Design. 3rd Edition. Alan B. Marcovitz, McGraw-Hill 2010.
Logic and Computer Design Fundamentals. 3rd Edition Updated with Xilinx 4.2i, M. Morris Mano and Charles R. Kime, Prentice Hall, 2004, ISBN 0-13-1911651
Digital Fundamentals, 8th Edition, Thomas L. Floyd, Prentice Hall, 2003, ISBN 0-13¬046411-2. Library’s Call Number: 621.3815 FLOY (ED.8).
Digital Principles and Design, D. Givone, McGraw-Hill 2003.
The Atmel AVR microcontroller : Mega and XMega in Assembly and C, Huang, Han-Way, Clifton Park, NY : Delmar, c2014. ISBN 1133607284
Programming and interfacing Atmel AVR microcontrollers, Thomas Grace, Massachusetts, 2016, ISBN 0¬07-136175-8.
Some Assembly Required Assembly Language Programming with the AVR Microcontroller, Timothy S Margush, Publisher: CRC Press 2011, ISBN: 9781439820643
The following websites offer resources useful in this subject:
A) Digital Hardware Section
A.1) AVR microcontroller resources
http://www.microchip.com (Here you will find the latest information on Microchip Technology products, including AVR MCUs).
A.2) FPGA resources
http://www.altera.com (The website of the manufacturer of the Programmable Logic Devices used in the subject).
Altera University Programs (https://www.altera.com/support/training/university/overview.html ).