Digital Systems and Microprocessor Design (H7068)

15 credits, Level 5

Autumn teaching

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

In addition, laboratory work will involve computer-aided design of digital systems using elements learnt in lectures. Project includes design entry in hardware description language (VHDL) for simulation and synthesis. Designs are then realised using a target FPGA development hardware allowing circuit testing and verification.

Teaching

60%: Lecture
40%: Practical (Laboratory)

Assessment

40%: Coursework (Project, Test)
60%: Examination (Computer-based examination)

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 55 hours of contact time and about 95 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2022/23. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to COVID-19, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let our applicants know of material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses: