This course provides an introduction to the analysis and design of digital systems and microprocessors. Key topics follow. Review of combinational logic analysis and design. Analysis and design of synchronous finite state machines and register transfer level systems. Computer-aided design of digital electronic systems using real-world software packages. A detailed introduction to the VERILOG hardware description language. Extensive hardware labs involving the implementation of digital systems in FPGA programmable logic devices. Microprocessor devices, basic architecture principles and instruction sets. Hardware interpretation of instruction execution. Basics of the Assembly language and introductory C programming. Co-design of digital hardware and microprocessor systems. Simple embedded programming applied to the AVR microcontroller architecture.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon completion of this course students should be able to:- Design combinational and sequential logic hardware using schematics and Verilog HDL. Follow an appropriate workflow for the design of digital systems and their implementation in programmable logic.
- Analyse and design complex digital systems through the Finite State Machine and Register-Transfer-Level frameworks.
- Demonstrate a solid understanding of core microprocessor architecture and its relationship with the assembly language.
- Write simple embedded C programs to operate a real-world microcontroller and develop solutions based on microcontroller technology to address simple engineering problems.
- Describe the architecture, programming and use of microprocessors and FPGAs, distinguish appropriate areas of application for each, and recognise the potential of co-designed systems combining both technologies.
- Adopt a top-down design approach to deconstruct a design goal and translate system requirements into a practical design.
- Plan, execute and report on a project working in a group.
- Use a number of commercial and open-source softwares: ISE WebPACK, ICARUS Verilog, GTKwave, Atmel Studio.
- Demonstrate practical electronics testbench skills and use a development board.
- Interpret schematics and datasheets.
- Communicate effectively in written form about their work.
Indicative Assessment
- Practical Labs: 15%,
- Assignment (project) 1: 20%,
- Assignment 2: 15%,
- C Programming primer: 5%,
- Final exam: 45%
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Twenty one lectures plus three hours of labs per week
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
- J. F. Wakerly, “Digital Design, Principles and Practices”, 4th edition, Pearson/Prentice Hall
Assumed Knowledge
Previous experience with programming languages is desirable but not essential. It should be noted that students who have no electrical engineering background may need to undertake some independent review of introductory electrical knowledge such as basic physics and circuit theory. Basic electrical technology and analog electronics concepts will be assumed. Students should be capable of solving 1st order differential equations (e.g., resolving RC circuits).Specialisations
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2017 | $3660 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2017 | $4878 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3038 | 20 Feb 2017 | 27 Feb 2017 | 31 Mar 2017 | 26 May 2017 | In Person | N/A |
