Digital design

The course can be part of the following programmes:

1. Computer Science, Bachelor's Programme (N1COS)
2. Computer Science, Master's Programme (N2COS)

The course is a also a single-subject course at Gothenburg University.

To be eligible for the course students should have successfully completed courses corresponding to 60 hec in the subject of Computer Science, including the course DIT791 Introduction to Computer Engineering (or equivalent).

Applicants must prove knowledge of English: English 6/English level 2 or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.

The course is intended to give fundamental knowledge about design, implementation, and optimization of combinatorial and sequential digital circuits. It further presents the technologies used for implementing such circuits. As part of the course, the students will be introduced to modern computer-based design tools (CAD), and learn the basics of a hardware description language. More precisely, the course contents are the following:

• Boolean Algebra and logic minimization
• Arithmetic Units
• Memory
• Combinational circuits
• Sequential circuits and Finite State Machines
• Technologies of digital circuits (ASIC, FPGA)
• Asynchronous circuits
• Timing and Power consumption of digital circuits
• Testing and design for testing
• Hardware description languages (VHDL) for digital circuits
• Hardware Design, test and evaluation of a simple processor

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• describe binary arithmetic units for addition, multiplication and division.
• describe the different storage elements used in digital circuits (latches, flip-flops, different types of memories).
• recognize the function and uses of Reconfigurable and ASIC technologies.
• list the differences of various types of Finite State Machines (Mealy, Moore, synchronous Mealy).
• recognize the basics of design for testability and the basic principles behind the testing.
• identify and describe asynchronous sequential circuits.
• list the factors that affect the timing, power and area of a digital circuit.

Competence and skills

• minimize a Boolean function or derive its canonical form.
• create the design specifications of a digital circuit for a given problem.
• measure the critical path delay of a digital circuit.
• use VHDL to describe combinatorial and sequential circuits.
• use modern tools to perform simulation, synthesis and implementation of a digital circuit described in VHDL.
• create test benches for VHDL designs to validate their correct functionality.
• use FPGA technology to implement a digital hardware design.
• define FSM encodings and perform state minimization.

Judgement and approach

• evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of different implementation technologies (ASICs, FPGAs) for digital designs, and select one for a specific design.
• compare different design for binary arithmetic (e.g. different adder designs).
• critically evaluate and judge a design choice in terms of power, delay, area, and be able to select the one that fits the particular design constraints.

The course additionally includes exercise sessions complimentary to the lectures.

Language of instruction: English

The course is examined by an individual exam given in an examination hall and 7 laboratory assignments. The Laboratory work is carried out in groups of normally 2 students.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

Sub-courses

1. Written hall examination, 4.5 credits
   Grading scale: Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3) and Fail (U)
2. Laboration, 3 credits
   Grading scale: Pass (G) and Fail (U)

The grading scale comprises: Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3) and Fail (U).

In order to pass the course both the laboration and the written hall examination have to be approved. The final grade in the course is decided from the grade of the written hall examination.

The course is evaluated through meetings both during and after the course between teachers and student representatives. Further, an anonymous questionnaire is used to ensure written information. The outcome of the evaluations serves to improve the course by indication which parts could be added, improved, changed or removed.

The course is a joint course together with Chalmers.

The course replaces the course DIT797, 7.5 credits. The course cannot be included in a degree which contains DIT797. Neither can the course be included in a degree which is based on another degree in which the course DIT797 is included.