This course introduces advanced theoretical and technical knowledge of digital circuits and embedded systems. Digital systems and embedded systems are at the heart of almost all modern mechatronics and electronics technologies, ranging from smartphones to autonomous vehicle technologies. This course will first focus on sequential logic circuits, also called finite-state-machine, by utilising field-programmable-gate-array boards and a hardware-description language. The second focus will be on embedded system design using a microprocessor and programming. Through the term projects, students will design working embedded systems, then critically analyse and evaluate the erformance of the systems. The course will also develop advanced cognitive, technical and communication skills to solve complex design problems.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Explain the fundamental principles of sequential digital circuits and finite state machines.
- Compare and describe the architecture and fundamental concepts of modern embedded microprocessor systems.
- Design complex digital systems using schematics and Verilog HDL, and implement these on commercial-grade field-programmable gate array (FPGA) development boards.
- Design an embedded system using C/C++ programming and microcontroller boards.
- Analyse critically, and evaluate the performance of systems against the design requirements.
- Plan, execute and report on a small project working in a group, communicating effectively in written form about their work.
Other Information
Professional Skills Mapping
Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment and Professional Competencies
Indicative Assessment
- Practical labs (17) [LO 3,4,5]
- Assignment project (FPGA) (20) [LO 3,5,6]
- C programming quiz (5) [LO 4]
- In-lab assessment (15) [LO 4,5]
- Final exam (40) [LO 1,2,5]
In response to COVID-19: Please note that Semester 2 Class Summary information (available under the classes tab) is as up to date as possible. Changes to Class Summaries not captured by this publication will be available to enrolled students via Wattle.
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Workload
2 lectures per week (total 3 hrs) for 4 semester weeks and 1 lecture per week (total 2 hours) for 8 semester weeks; 1x practical labs a week for 8 semester weeks (5x3hr labs and 3x3.5hr labs); 1x2hr tutorial per week for 4 semester weeks; plus an average of 6-8 hours/week on reading, working on online course activities and/or conducting assignment work
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
J. F. Wakerly, “Digital Design, Principles and Practices”, 5th edition, Pearson/Prentice Hall.
Other texts will be used. These will be made available to students via the course portal.
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 |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $4320 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $5760 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2559 | 24 Feb 2020 | 02 Mar 2020 | 08 May 2020 | 05 Jun 2020 | In Person | N/A |
