Computer Science, Prifysgol Cymru Aberystwyth University of Wales
CS25410 (1995-96 session)
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 with an emphasis on field-programmable
logic. 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
/C210
- 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.
-
Introduction to the basic building blocks.
-
An appreciation of design approach and methodology.
-
Familiarisation of a range of current FPD's including:
PAL's, PLA's and FPGA's.
-
Familiarisation of CAD tools.
-
Practical considerations and limitations of PLD's.
-
Experience in the practical implementation of solutions
using field programmable logic devices and computer-based
design tools.
Objectives
To enable the design and implementation of complex logic
circuits using software tools in design, realisation and testing.
-
A thorough understanding of sequential logic circuits
including counters, shift-registers and multiplexers.
-
Use of top-down design approach and modularity in the
hardware domain.
-
A detailed experience of the use of specific devices in a
number of applications.
-
An appreciation of an integrated CAD environment using an
industrial standard CAD tool.
-
A detailed working knowledge of the PLD language and
environment in the software design, software implementation
and software testing of PLD's.
-
An awareness of State Machine pitfalls.
-
Appropriate application of PAL's, PLD's and FPGA's.
Syllabus
-
Introduction - 1 Lecture
-
Course organisation; Recap of logic; What are
PLD's; Design environment and language.
-
Building
Blocks - 2 Lectures
-
Sequential logic devices; Counters; Shift-registers;
Multiplexers.
-
Design Environment - 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.
-
Design Environment - 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 4.1
Syllabus
John Hunt Departmental Advisor
jjh@aber.ac.uk
Dept of Computer Science, UW Aberystwyth (disclaimer)