Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE ESE2105

 
TITLE Foundations of Digital Electronics for Technology

 
UM LEVEL 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
ECTS CREDITS 5

 
DEPARTMENT Electronic Systems Engineering

 
DESCRIPTION This study unit covers the following topics: 1) Logic functions and boolean algebra including: Digital logic, Logic gates and truth tables. Boolean algebra is covered as well as the laws of commutation, association, duality and De Morgan's laws. Standard forms of functional expression are introduced, including logic function design and analysis. Minimisation techniques such as the Karnaugh map and tabular methods using SOPs and POSs are introduced. Design using NAND and NOR gates is covered and logic and functional hazards are explained. 2) Number representations and mathematical operations are introduced. This includes: Binary numbers. Binary to Decimal conversion; Binary arithmetic; 1's and 2's complement; signed numbers. Hexadecimal and octal numbers, BCD; Addition and subtraction. 3) Combinational Logic Functions are introduced: Half, full and carry look-ahead adders, comparators, decoders and encoders, multiplexers and de-multiplexers.

Study-Unit Aims:

To present the structure and function of binary logic and apply this knowledge to solve simple technological problems using digital electronic circuits.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
1. Represent, convert and process data through the use of number systems with emphasis on the Decimal, Binary and Hexadecimal number system representations;
2. Identify basic logic gates through symbol recognition and recall the function characteristics of such gates, and combinations thereof by means of truth tables;
3. Describe the logic of a digital circuit in terms of a mathematical Boolean expression, and hence design a logic circuit corresponding to the expression;
4. Reduce and simplify combinational circuits by means of Boolean algebra manipulation and by Karnaugh maps;
5. Analyze and Design circuits using synchronous sequential logic and corresponding discrete devices such as flip-flops.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
1. Research details about the characteristics of electronic digital components by proper interpretation of datasheets;
2. Use instruments such as a power supply, signal generator, oscilloscope and multimeter to power up, measure and test signals originating from a circuit;
3. Implement prototype circuits on a simulation package and as prototype hardware on a breadboard;
4. Implement reliable circuits on a veroboard by soldering;
5. Design and manufacture printed circuit board layouts suitable for educational purpose, not industrial purpose.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Main Texts:

- Floyd, Thomas L. (2013) Digital Fundamentals. Pearson. ISBN: 978-1292025629.
- Morris Mano, M. (2006). Digital Design. Prentice Hall. ISBN: 978-0131989245.

Supplementary Readings:

- Everyday Practical Electronics website and Magazine. Available Online at [www.epemag.com]
- Electronics Education Magazine. Available Online at [http://www.theiet.org/education/supportteachers/electronicseducation/index.cfm]

 
ADDITIONAL NOTES Pre-requisite Study-units: TET1008; TET1013.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Independent Study, Lecture, Practical & Tutorials

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Practical SEM1 No 35%
Examination (3 Hours) SEM1 Yes 65%

 
LECTURER/S Kenneth Chircop

 

 
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The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

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