Digital System Design

This subject is not offered in 2014.

170 hours

The prerequisite for this subject is

None

None

ELEN20001(431-204 )Digital Systems 2: System Design

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/

AIMS

This subject develops a fundamental understanding of concepts used in the analysis and design of digital systems. Such systems lie at the heart of the information and communication technologies (ICT) that underpin modern society. This subject is one of four subjects that define the Electrical Systems Major in the Bachelor of Science and it is a core requirement for the Master of Engineering (Electrical and Mechatronics). It provides a foundation for various subsequent subjects, including ELEN30013 Electronic System Implementation, ELEN90066 Embedded System Design and ELEN90061 Communication Networks.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

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.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILO)

Having completed this subject it is expected that the student be able to:

1. Apply fundamental tools in the analysis of combinational and sequential logic systems, with an appreciation for the role and limitations of important digital abstractions;

2. Apply fundamental concepts, including hardwired and programmed (e.g. microprocessor based) approaches, to implement digital systems that achieve specified functionality;

3. Use a hardware description language (VHDL) for the documentation, simulation and synthesis of reasonably complex digital systems;

4. Configure and test digital hardware development platforms in the laboratory.

• One written examination, not exceeding three hours at the end of semester, worth 60%;
• Continuous assessment of submitted tutorial, laboratory and small group (2-3 students) project work, not exceeding 30 pages in total over the semester, worth 30%;
• A one hour mid-semester test, worth 10%.

Hurdle requirement: Students must pass the written exam to pass the subject.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)1 to 3 are assessed in the final written examination, the mid-semester test, submitted tutorial quizzes, and reports for three homework projects. ILO 4 is assessed as part of submitted laboratory exercises and in-class discussions.

TBA

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

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

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.

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

LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS

The subject is delivered through lectures and workshop classes that combine both tutorial and hands-on laboratory activities.

INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES

Students are provided with lecture slides, lecture notes, tutorial worksheets and solutions, a laboratory manual, homework project specifications, and reference text lists

CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS

Exposure to industry standard engineering design automation tools through laboratory activities