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.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course the student will be able to understand, analyze, and design (at a functional level) simple digital systems based on Finite State Machines.

PREREQUISITES

None

TEACHING METHODS

The course alternates between lectures and lab sessions.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

1. Boolean algebra and combinational logic
- Classic approach that does not require preliminary knowledge.
2. Combinational Network Design
- Synthesis and minimization with Karnaugh maps.
- Standard combinational logic.
- Propagation delays.
3. Numeral Systems and Binary Arithmetic
- Classic approach.
- Arithmetic networks.
4. Complements in Combinational Network Design
- Minimization of expressions with Quine-McCluskey method.
5. Introduction to Sequential Networks
- Intuitive transition from combinational to sequential logic.
- Structure and operation of principal flip-flop types.
- Dynamic flip-flop characteristics.
6. Flip-flop Based Synchronous Networks
- Introduction to synchronous flip-flop networks.
- Sequential networks: registers and counters.
- Techniques for timing analysis of synchronous networks.
7. Sequential Networks as Finite State Machines
- FSM pro ject, realized through ASM diagrams.
- Solved exercises of ASM diagrams.
- FSM synthesis with state tables and maps.
8. The Finite State Machine as System Controller
- Design of Controller-Datapath systems.
- Solved exercises on Controller-Datapath systems.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

G. Donzellini, L. Oneto, D. Ponta, and Anguita. D. Introduction to Digital Systems Design. Springer, 2018

G. Donzellini, L. Oneto, D. Ponta, and Anguita. D. Introduzione al Progetto di Sistemi Digitali. Springer, 2017

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

LUCA ONETO (President)

DOMENICO PONTA (President)

DAVIDE ANGUITA

GIULIANO DONZELLINI

LESSONS

Class schedule

DIGITAL DESIGN

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Exam consists in an intermediate written exam (April, 0-10 points), a final written exam (June, 0-20 points), and an oral exam (+/- 3 points).

Alternativelly, written exam (0-20 points) and oral exam (+/- 10 points).

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The purpose of the written exam is to verify the ability of the student to design simple digital systems and the oral exam has the purpose to verify both the knowledge level and the ability to exploit the instruments for the design and the analysis of combinatorial and sequential networks.

Exam schedule