ECE 274: Digital Logic

Textbooks: R.H.Katz, Contemporary Logical Design, Benjamin Cummings, 1994; LogicWorks 4: Interactive Circuit Design Software, Capilano Computing Systems, 1998.

Instructor: Dr. François E. Cellier, Professor of ECE.

Prerequisites by topic:

1. Basic mathematical knowledge (algebra)
2. Basic physical knowledge (energy conservation)
3. Basic electrical engineering knowledge (voltage, current, power)

Method of Assessing Student Knowledge of Prerequisite Topics:

The first homework shall contain questions about the prerequisite material as applicable to the concepts to be learnt in class.

Goals:

Overall Educational Goals:

The course offers an introductory exposition of the principles and techniques underlying the design and development of computer systems. It introduces Boolean algebra as a means to describing binary logical functions, then proceeds to show the implementation of such functions in digital logic.

Specific Instructional Goals:

1. Be able to express logical statements in mathematical language.
2. Be able to translate mathematical logic statements between the different commonly used representations: Boolean algebra, Venn diagram, truth table, and gate-level representation.
3. Analyze and design ideal combinational logic circuits at switch level, gate level, and chip level.
4. Analyze non-ideal combinational logic circuits, including hazards, fan-in and fan-out problems, time delays.
5. Two-level and multi-level design of combinational circuits.
6. Number representation, and basic components of computer circuitry.
7. Analyze and design sequential logic circuits.

Course Topics:

1. Boolean Algebra: Formal introduction into Boolean Algebra. The duality principle. Fundamental theorems of Boolean algebra. Set theory and Boolean algebra. Venn diagrams. (4 classes)

2. Two-Level Combinational Logic: Introduction to logical gates and their realization in hardware. Mapping Boolean functions to circuits consisting of logic gates. Tow-level logic canonical forms. Karnaugh maps. Boolean minimization. (4 classes)

3. Multilevel Combinational Logic: CAD tools for multilevel logic design, gate delays. timing wafeforms, hazards and their elimination. (3 classes)

4. Programmable and Steering Logic: Programmable arrays, switch and steering logic, multiplexers/selectors, decoders/demultiplexers, read-only memories. (3 classes)

5. Number Systems and Codes: Number systems other than decimal, in particular binary and hexadecimal number systems. Conversion between bases. Arithmetic with bases other than 10. Representations of negative numbers. Coding, error detection and correction. (3 classes)

6. Arithmetic Circuits: Networks of binary addition: half and full adders, carry lookahead, arithmetic logic units, BCD adders, multiplier circuits. (3 classes)

7. Sequential Logic: Feedback loops in gate logic circuits, bistable circuits, the concept of states, state transition tables. (3 classes)

8. Components of Sequential Systems: Flip-flops: R-S latches, J-K flip-flops, D flip-flops, T flip-flops. Design of circuits using flip-flops. Cascaded flip-flops. Asynchronous circuits. (3 classes)

9. Sequential Logic Circuits: Registers and counters, selfstarting counters, asynchronous versus synchronous counters, random-access memory circuits. (3 classes)

10. Finite State Machines: The concept of a state machine, finite state machine design, Moore and Mealy machines. (3 classes)

11. Hardware Description Languages: Introduction to VHDL. (3 classes)

12. Finite State Machine Optimization: State minimization, state assignment, finite state machine partitioning. (3 classes)

13. Finite State Machine Implementation: Finite state machine implementation with programmable logic. ROM versus PLA design, design with counters, advanced programmable logic devices. (2 classes)

Class Requirements:

1. Three lecture sessions per week.
2. Weekly homework assignments.
3. Three class examinations (midterms) and a final examination.

Computer Usage: LogicWorks 4.0 will be used in homework problems.

Laboratory Projects: Six laboratory projects will be offered.

Assessment of Course Goals: Through examinations.

Contribution to Professional Component:

    Mathematics or Basic Science:      0 credits
    Engineering Science or Design:     4 credits
    General Educational Requirements:  0 credits
    Major Design Experience:           0 credits
  

Develop an appropriate level of mastery of basic principles of digital circuits.

Midterms:

Laboratory:

Participation in a laboratory exercise consists of the following components:

• Preparation of the design component of the laboratory prior to coming to the laboratory session. Start with the preparation one week in advance of the laboratory session. If you have questions, resolve them with either the instructor or one of the laboratory assistants before coming to the laboratory session.
• Preparation of a written report documenting the design. The written report is prepared prior to the laboratory session.
• Participating in the laboratory session by implementing the previously worked-out design in the laboratory.
• Handing the report to the laboratory assistant at the end of the laboratory session.

Homeworks:

Withdrawals and Incompletes:

Grading Policy:

  Homework:           10%
  Laboratory:         30%
  Midterms:           30% (15% each)
  Final Examination:  30%