Module Code - Title:
EE4523
-
DIGITAL SYSTEMS 2
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The module covers digital system topics including: Fully synchronous systems; Finite State Machines(FSM); Mealy and Moore type FSMs; Hardware Description Languages and RTL modelling. Modern digital design requires designers to use HDLs for design and verification. (Digital Systems 1 on the programme is a prerequisite for this module.)
Syllabus:
Fully synchronous systems: A review of the benefits of a fully synchronous system.
Finite State Machines(FSM): State diagram, state table and assignments. Mealy and Moore type FSMs. Using memory in a general Mealy-Moore state machine. Other approaches: 'One-shot' encoding and shift register-based machines.
Hardware Description Languages: The nature and use of HDLs. Hierarchical modelling concepts and structural specification of logic circuits. Gate-level modelling. Behavioural modelling. Description of basic digital circuits using a HDL.
Simulation: Event-driven simulation. Simulation using test benches.
Register-Transfer-Level (RTL) description.
Design flow and CAD tools. HDL code for FSMs (E.g. serial multiplier).
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Draw state diagrams, implement next state functions, and design and implement finite state machines using basic logic elements.
Design basic digital circuits/systems using a HDL.
Use CAD tools to design and analyse digital systems.
Detail how a Hardware Description Language is interpreted for simulation and synthesis
Code a test bench to test and verify the operation of a digital circuit
Implement and test a FSM using a HDL
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
N/A
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Module will be delivered using 2 hour labs, using industry standard EDA tools. Assessment will include online quizzes, lab exam and project work
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Palnitakar (2003)
Verilog HDL: A guide to digital design and synthesis, 2nd Ed,
, PrenticeHall.
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BEECENUFA - ELECTRONIC AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
Richard.Conway@ul.ie