OVERVIEW

The course aims at providing the basic concepts of binary logic and arithmetic for the analysis and design of digital systems.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course introduces the methodologies for the study and design of digital systems. Contents: Boolean algebra, description, synthesis and optimization of combinational networks, design of finite state machines asynchronous and synchronous, analysis and synthesis of complex subsystems (counters, adders, arithmetic units, memories, ..). The digital systems will be descibed using the VHDL language.

TEACHING METHODS

The course alternates between lectures and lab sessions.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Boolean algebra, description, synthesis and optimization of combinational circuits, Karnaugh maps, number systems, complex combinatorial networks (arithmetic networks, detection and correction of errors), sequential circuits, registers, Finite State Machines (FSM), tools for the description of a FSM: Algorithmic State Machine, designing synchronous FSM and overview of asynchronous FSM design, state assignment, the problem of races, FSM optimization, introduction to semiconductor technologies, organization and description of a computer and its components. Description of digital systems with Hardware Description Language (HDL).

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Corse notes (on Aulaweb)

Further readings (in italian):
A.Gentile, F.Sorbello, S.Vitabile, “Reti Logiche” (adattamento e traduzione di M.Morris Mano, C.R.Kime, “Digital Logic and Computer Design”), Prentice-Hall, 2008 (4° Ed.).
C.Bolchini, C.Brandolese, F.Salice, D.Sciuto, “Reti Logiche”, Apogeo, 2008 (2° Ed.).

Further readings (in english):
J.Daniels, "Digital Design from Zero to One", Wiley, 1996.
M. Morris Mano, M.D.Ciletti, "Digital Design", Prentice-Hall, 2012 (5th Ed.).
F.Vahid, “Digital Design”, Wiley, 2010 (2nd Ed.).
F.Vahid, R.Lysecky, “VHDL for Digital Design”, 2010.
J.F.Wakerly, “Digital Design Principles and Practices”, Prentice-Hall, 2005 (5th Ed.)

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

DAVIDE ANGUITA (President)

LUCA ONETO

DOMENICO PONTA

TULLIO VERNAZZA

LESSONS

Class schedule

DIGITAL DESIGN

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of a written test and an optional oral exam. There is no minimum threshold on the written test for partecipating to the oral exam.

The final evaluation can be integrated, optionally, by intermediate evaluations obtained by conducting  written tests offered during the course or through lab reports.

Exam schedule