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Module details for 2023/24.

15 credits

FHEQ Level 5

Module Outline

This module introduces you to the world of digital logic and to the design of microprocessors. Thanks to the current explosion of connected devices, the Internet of Things, autonomous vehicles, wearable and mobile devices, and of Artificial Intelligence, there is a growing industrial push to include advanced functionalities in hardware to achieve ultra-high performance or ultra-low power. Understanding the design of digital logic or custom processors will enable you to apply for exciting jobs in these domains and others.
In this module you will learn how to design digital logic, starting from simple combinational circuits and then designing and analysing ever more complex sequential circuits, culminating in the ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ Processor – a processor which you will learn to program and then extend its architecture to give it improved hardware functionalities.
This module gives you a solid foundation of computer engineering and will allow you to progress to study embedded systems and advanced hardware architectures in the following years.

Module Topics
This module introduces students to the following topics:
· digital basics and combinational logic design
· Boolean algebra
· design of combinational circuits
· standard combinational components
· implementation technologies
· introduction to VHDL
· basic language elements
· combinational & sequential coding
· levels of abstraction
· simulation
· design flow to target device
· sequential logic
· bistable
· latches & flip-flops
· Finite State Machines (FSM) models, State diagrams
· analysis and synthesis of sequential circuits
· standard sequential components
· Register Transfer-Level design
· datapaths
· control units
· microprocessor systems
· computer arithmetic
· central processing unit, ALU, memory, I/O
· architecture, busses
· instruction set
· assembly language programming

The syllabus thus addresses the AHEP4 Learning Outcomes: C1, M1, C2, M2, C3, M3, C4, M4, C6, M6, C9, M9, C12, M12, C13, M13, C17, M17

Library

Core reading:
1) Digital Logic and Microprocessor Design with VHDL, E. O. Hwang, Thomson, 2006.

Background reading:
1) Digital Systems Design using VHDL, C. H. Roth & L. K. John, Thomson, 2008.
2) Logic and Computer Design Fundamentals, 4th ed., M. M. Mano & C. R. Kime, Pearson, 2008.
3) Fundamentals of Logic Dsign, 6th ed., C. H. Roth & L. L. Kinney, Cengage, 2010.

Module learning outcomes

Have knowledge of combinational and sequential design concepts and their design application methods.

Demonstrate the ability to apply combinational and sequential concepts through the use of design and VHDL coding, outside of the context in which they were first studied.

Have critical understanding of the digital processes in low-complexity microprocessor systems.

Demonstrate practical skills in the use of a modern suite of EDK software and target hardware.

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Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Dr Leonardo Garcia Garcia

Assess convenor
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