Computer Science, Prifysgol Cymru Aberystwyth University of Wales


CS25410 - Digital System Design


Brief Description

The design of digital systems, at one time the sole domain of physicists and electrical engineers is now of great importance to computer scientists. This module provides a semi-formal approach to the design of digital systems and introduces CAD tools and techniques that support the design process. The module will survey a range of technologies from field-programmable logic through to full-custom integrated circuit design. Emphasis will be placed on the software engineering aspects of the design tools and the parallels that can be drawn between the design of software systems and the hardware design techniques used.

Aims, Objectives, Syllabus, Booklist


Further Details

Number of lectures
14
Number of seminars/tutorials
0
Number of practicals
10 x 2 hours
Coordinator
Dr. Fred Long
Other staff involved
Not yet known
Pre-requisites
CS15010
Co-requisites
CS21020
Incompatibilities
None
Assessment
Assessed coursework - 100%
Timing
This module is offered only in Semester 1

Aims

To give an understanding of the problem area and develop a systematic approach to the solution of a system's architecture and control.

Objectives

To enable the design and implementation of complex logic circuits using software tools in design, realisation and testing.

Syllabus

Introduction - 1 Lecture
Course organisation; Recap of logic; What are PLD's; What is ORCAD.
Building Blocks - 2 Lectures
Sequential logic devices; Counters; Shift-registers; Multiplexers.
ORCAD - 3 Lectures
PLD language; Indexed equations; Tables; Streams; Testing.
Design Methods - 4 Lectures
Top-down; Control and architecture; Algorithmic State Machines; Notation; Transition tables; Realisation.
ORCAD - 2 Lectures
PLD and ASM's; Procedures; Integrated environment.
Practicalities - 2 Lectures
Design pitfalls; Fixed product terms; Fixed I/O pins; Registers; Propagation times.
Laboratory Work - 10 Practicals
This section of the course will be concerned with giving the student experience of digital system design using the methods introduced in lectures. A number of design problems, of increasing complexity will be set. The student will obtain experience of the process of moving from a well specified problem, through a systematic design procedure, to a realisation in software and hardware. All practical work will require documentation as discussed.

Booklist

It is considered essential to purchase the following

Franklin P. Prosser and David E. Winkel. The Art of Digital Design. Prentice-Hall International Editions, 2nd edition, 1987.

Students are likely to need ready access to the following

Neil Storey. Electronics: A Systems Approach. Addison Wesley, 1st edition, 1992.

Randy H. Katz. Contemporary Logic Design. Benjamin/Cummings Publishing, 1st edition, 1994.

The following should be consulted for different approaches or for further information

Martin S. Roden. Micro-Cap IV. Benjamin/Cummings Publishing, 1st edition, 1993.

Version 2.1

Syllabus Syllabus

Nigel Hardy Departmental Advisor

nwh@aber.ac.uk

Dept of Computer Science, UW Aberystwyth (disclaimer)