Module Details

Module Code: ELTR6005
Title: Digital Systems Fundamentals
Long Title: Digital Systems Fundamentals
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2020/21 ( September 2020 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5230 - Electronic Engineering
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module introduces the learner to the basic building blocks of modern digital electronics. Assuming no prior knowledge, it begins with the basic logic gates from which all digital and computer systems are built, dealing with simple binary numbers processed by these systems, and goes on to develop and refine more advanced circuits as the module progresses.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Convert between binary, BCD, decimal, and hexadecimal number systems and perform simple operations on numbers in these formats.
LO2 Draw logic symbols, truth tables, and Boolean expressions for all basic logic gates, use these to construct logic circuits and identify suitable SSI chips to implement these circuits.
LO3 Perform all elements of a design cycle, including using algebraic and mapping techniques, for simple combinational logic circuits from a given specification to an efficient implementation with universal NAND/NOR logic.
LO4 Work alone and in groups to construct simple logic circuits on breadboard. Measure and analyse the performance of these circuits using modern simulation software, and standard laboratory test equipment. Verify correct operation using truth tables, timing diagrams.
LO5 Write short laboratory reports, in accordance with accepted engineering professional standards.
LO6 Conduct themselves in accordance with professional engineering standards while collecting and reporting on experimental data and in their dealings with others.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
13975 ELTR6005 Digital Systems Fundamentals
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Digital Concepts
Digital and analogue quantities. Logic levels. Typical voltages encountered. Digital waveforms: clock and pulse. Practicalities of IC chips.
Number Systems
Pure binary counting system, binary to decimal conversion, decimal to binary conversion, addition of binary numbers, signed binary numbers: sign-magnitude, 1’s complement, 2’s complement, subtraction using 8-bit 2’s complement addition, hexadecimal number system, binary coded decimal (BCD) system.
Basic Logic Gates
AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, EX-OR, EX-NOR gates: distinctive-shape symbols, truth tables. Boolean expressions for associated logic functions. Timing diagrams for pulsed operation. Pinout diagrams of SSI chips.
Simple Logic Circuits
Precedence of logic functions. Draw logic circuits given Boolean equations. Derive Boolean equations from logic circuits. Determine output levels for input combinations. Construct truth tables for complete logic circuits. Draw timing diagrams for complete logic circuits.
Minimisation
State and prove (by truth table or algebraically) the laws and rules of Boolean algebra. Minimisation of simple expressions using Boolean algebra. Use of De Morgans Laws. Standard SOP formulation. Use of mapping techniques to minimise multi-variable expressions.
Universal NAND/NOR Logic
Implementation of any logic gate using all-NAND/all-NOR circuits. Conversion of complete logic circuits to all-NAND/all-NOR formats to minimise chip-count. Elimination of redundant inverter-pairs. Selection of ICs for above circuits.
Design cycle for simple circuits
Circuit specification. Block diagram. Truth table. Boolean expression. Minimisation. AND-OR-NOT implementation. Optimisation using universal NAND/NOR logic. The use and interpretation of bubble logic in circuit diagrams
Written Report
Correct use of Passive voice, Spelling & Grammer, Units, Figures & Diagrams, Tables.
Personal and Professional Conduct
Use of Peer review, ethical conduct considerations, plagiarism and due recognition of sources, Health and Safety considerations of practical work.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Performance Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 4,5,6
Assessment Description
A week-by-week assessment of practical competency through laboratory-based assignments with reports.
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 15
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
A written assessment comprising a number of short quiz-type questions.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 15
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,5,6
Assessment Description
Short (max 1000 words) written reports on topics as they arise in class and appropriately timed to allow for feedback.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lectures on theory Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact A laboratory-based session covering practical construction, testing, troubleshooting and analysis of relevant logic circuits Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Review of lecture notes and recommended material and preparation of reports for selected laboratory sessions, and in class topics Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lectures on theory Every Week 1.50 1.5
Lab Contact A laboratory-based session covering practical construction, testing, troubleshooting and analysis of relevant logic circuits Every Week 1.50 1.5
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Review of lecture notes and recommended material and preparation of reports for selected laboratory sessions, and in class topics Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Thomas L. Floyd,. (2015), Digital Fundamentals, 11th. Chapters 1 to 6, Pearson, [ISBN: 9780132737968].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Ronald J. Tocci, Neal S. Widmer, Gregory L. Moss. (2017), Digital Systems: Principles and Applications, 12th. Chapters 1 - 4, Pearson, [ISBN: 9780134220130].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EELES_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electronic Engineering 1 Mandatory
CR_EELXE_7 Bachelor of Engineering in Electronic Engineering 1 Mandatory