Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ

Brief description of the unit:

This unit introduces the methodologies and techniques used for the design and implementation of digital hardware systems, especially integrated circuits. It focuses on register transfer level (RTL) design using hardware description languages (HDLs). 

It introduces hardware modelling concepts, behavioural descriptions, concurrent statements, and the simulation process. The course covers the design of combinational and sequential data path components, control circuits, and more advanced algorithmic state machines. It introduces synchronous design methodologies, verification techniques, and design-for-test principles. 

Students will gain experience with Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools carrying out design and implementation of digital systems using programmable logic devices (FPGAs). 

• Enable students to use structured design methods, hardware description languages and verification tools to design digital systems.  
• Introduce elements of the design process: behavioural modelling, register-transfer-level description, synthesis, verification and implementation.  
• Provide practical experience in the design and implementation of digital systems. 

ILO 1 - Predict the behaviour of a component specified using a hardware description language (VHDL or Verilog).

ILO 2 - Produce descriptions of combinatorial and sequential data-path components, finite state machines and algorithmic state machines.

ILO 3 - Design and implement simple digital systems in hardware using programmable logic devices.

ILO 4 - Estimate timing performance limits of a given digital circuit.  

ILO5 - Understand the digital design process from specification, through register-transfer-level description, synthesis, verification and implementation, to test.

The students will be expected to watch video lecture material, and complete on-line exercises, before the relevant in-person lectures. Weekly lectures (10 x 2-hour) will highlight and elaborate key points and illustrate with examples materials provided in the video lectures, with interactive activities and time for questions. Tutorials (2 x 2-hours) will focus on revisions and solving example problems. Laboratories (5 x 3-hours) will provide practical hands-on experience in design, simulation, and hardware implementation. 

Coursework associated with these labs, completed individually in students’ own time, will further develop student’s understanding and practical design skills. 

Coursework - Feedback provided via CANVAS system three weeks after the submission deadline.

Written exam - Exam marks provided following Examination Board.