Digital System Design

Subject ELEN30010 (2012)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2012.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 3 one hour lectures and 1 two hour workshop per week
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours
Prerequisites: The prerequisite for this subject is
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: ELEN20001(431-204 )Digital Systems 2: System Design
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Michael Cantoni

Contact

Email: cantoni@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: This subject develops a fundamental understanding of the concepts that underpin the analysis and design of digital systems. Topics include:
  • Digital systems - quantifying and encoding information, digital data processing, design process abstractions;
  • Combinational logic – CMOS realisation of basic gates, timing contracts, acyclic networks, switching algebra, logic synthesis;
  • Sequential logic – cyclic networks and finite-state machines, metastability, synchronous timing, pipelining, control vs data-processing logic, stored-programme machines;
  • Microprocessors - instruction set and addressing architectures, interfacing and interrupts, programme development;
  • Interconnection structures - shared vs dedicated connections, addressing and arbitration, synchronous exchange, open-ended and REQ-ACK asynchronous exchange.

These topics will be complemented by exposure to the hardware description language VHDL and the use of engineering design automation tools and configurable logic devices (e.g. FPGAs) in the laboratory.
Objectives: On completing this subject the student should be able to:
  • Apply fundamental tools in the analysis of combinational and sequential logic systems, with an appreciation for the role and limitations of important abstractions;
  • Apply fundamental concepts, including the programmed (e.g. microprocessor based) approach, to implement digital systems that achieve specified functionality;
  • Assess tradeoffs within the context of digital system design;
  • Use a hardware description language (VHDL) for the documentation, simulation and synthesis of reasonably complex digital systems;
  • Configure and test digital hardware development platforms in the laboratory.
Assessment:
  • One written examination, not exceeding three hours at the end of semester, worth 60% (must pass written exam to pass subject);
  • Continuous assessment of project work, not exceeding 30 pages in total over the semester, worth 30%;
  • A one hour mid-semester test, worth 10%.
Prescribed Texts: TBA
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: On completion of this subject students should have developed the following generic skills:
  • Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals
  • Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
  • Ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance
  • Ability to communicate effectively, with the engineering team and with the community at large
  • Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning
  • Expectation of the need to undertake lifelong learning, capacity to do so
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Engineering
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: B-ENG Electrical Engineering stream
Electrical Systems
Master of Engineering (Electrical)
Master of Engineering (Mechatronics)
Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. Core selective subjects for B-BMED.
Related Breadth Track(s): Electrical Engineering

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