OVERVIEW

The course introduces the fundamentals of digital electronic system analysis and design. Starting with Boolean algebra and binary arithmetic, it presents methods for analysing and designing combinational and sequential circuits. Particular attention is given to finite state machines (FSMs), and their use as control units. The course concludes with an introduction to the architecture and operation of microprocessor-based systems.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Digital Design foundations: Boolean algebra, binary arithmetic, combinatorial and sequential networks. Finite State Machines.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• represent and process digital information using binary codes, arithmetic operations and Boolean algebra;
• analyse and design combinational circuits by translating specifications into logic functions, minimising them and verifying their circuit implementations;
• analyse sequential circuits by determining the evolution of states and outputs and accounting for timing constraints;
• design finite state machines by defining states, transitions and outputs and representing their behaviour using ASM charts;
• design simple controller–datapath systems by identifying the required processing resources, control signals and sequence of operations;
• describe the operation of a microprocessor-based system and the interactions between the control unit, datapath, memory and input/output devices;
• simulate and prototype digital systems, verifying compliance with specifications and identifying functional and timing errors;
• justify and communicate design choices using appropriate technical language, comparing alternative solutions in terms of correctness, complexity and energy efficiency.

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of calculus, physics and logic is required. Prior knowledge of Boolean algebra is helpful, although its fundamentals will be covered during the cou

TEACHING METHODS

The course alternates between lectures and practical sessions. The lecturer’s slides and lecture notes will be made available before each class to support independent study. During classes, the lecturer will explore the concepts presented in the materials in greater depth and demonstrate their application, guiding students through the design and simulation of digital circuits and discussing any difficulties they encounter.

Students may use their own computers during lectures to carry out the proposed activities. Practical sessions involve solving applied problems using computer-based tools and the techniques introduced in lectures.

Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), disabilities, or other educational needs are invited to contact the teacher and the School Disability Coordinator at the beginning of the teaching unit to discuss possible teaching methods that, while respecting the teaching unit objectives, take into account individual learning styles. The contact details of the School Disability Coordinator are available at the following link: University Committee for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities or SLD | UniGe | University of Genoa

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course covers the following topics:

• Digital representation of information: sensors and actuators, digital-to-analogue conversion, Boolean functions and logic circuits.
• Combinational circuits: Boolean function minimisation, Karnaugh maps and an introduction to algorithmic methods.
• Binary arithmetic: codes and operations, complement representations, conversions, main arithmetic and logic architectures, error-detection codes and alphanumeric codes.
• Sequential circuits: timing, flip-flops, registers, counters and behavioural analysis.
• Finite state machines: ASM charts, state and decision boxes, conditional outputs, design methods, state assignment criteria and an introduction to asynchronous machines.
• Introduction to microprocessor-based systems: use of FSMs as controllers and organisation of the main components of a computer: datapath, control unit, memory and input/output devices.

The course also explores the relationship between digital design and sustainability, focusing on the environmental impact of electronic systems, energy efficiency and the responsible use of resources.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The slides, lecture notes, source code and other materials used during the course will be available on aul@web. The materials provided, supplemented by notes taken during lectures, are sufficient to prepare for the examination. The following books are recommended for further reading:

• G. Donzellini, Introduzione al progetto di sistemi digitali, Springer.
• D. Harris, Digital Design and Computer Architecture, Morgan Kaufmann.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

 https://corsi.unige.it/en/corsi/11911/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The examination consists of a written test and an oral examination. The written test may be taken either as a single test at the end of the course or as two partial tests during the course. The topics are divided as follows:

• First partial test: analysis and design of combinational and sequential circuits;
• Second partial test: analysis and design of digital systems controlled by finite state machines.

The oral examination includes a discussion of the written test and questions on the theoretical topics covered during the course.

Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), disabilities, or other educational needs may request compensatory and/or exemption measures for the exam. The procedures will be defined on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with the University Regulations, in consultation with the instructor and the School's Disability and SLD Coordinator.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The written test lasts 3 hours, while the oral examination lasts approximately 15 minutes. Further guidance on the tests and the required depth of understanding will be provided during lectures.

The written test assesses students’ ability to apply the knowledge acquired to digital system analysis and design problems. Students must develop correct solutions that meet the specifications, explain their approach and justify their choices.

The oral examination assesses students’ understanding of theoretical concepts, their ability to explain them accurately and to discuss their conditions of application, advantages and limitations. When discussing the written test, students must justify their design choices and compare them with possible alternatives.

Overall, the tests assess subject knowledge, the ability to apply it to practical problems, independent judgement and clarity of technical communication.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information not included in the course description, please contact the lecturer.