Course outline
  • Mathematics of Digital Circuits
    • binary and other encodings
    • Boolean algebra
    • truth tables
    • basic logic gates
    • logic families
  • Combinatorial Logic Devices
    • encoders/decoders
    • bus drivers
    • 7-segment displays
  • Sequential Logic Devices
    • flip-flops
    • synchronous and asynchronous counters
  • Digital I/O and Communications
    • serial vs. parallel
  • Complex Digital Circuitry
    • computer architecture
    • microprocessors
    • DSPs
    • Programmable Logic Arrays
  • Analog-to-Digital and Back
    • A-to-D and D-to-A converters
    • sensors and transducers
    • control and time sequencing
  • Microcontroller-Based Devices
    • microcontroller architecture
    • PIC microcontrollers
    • assembly-language programming

This is only an approximate listing, some topics may not get covered this year. As time allows, other topics not listed here may be included.

Marking scheme
Component Worth Comments
assignments 30% Late penalty: 15%/day; some assignments will be in the form of Problem-Based Tutorials (group work)
midterm 10% Conducted during the regular lecture time slot, time/date TBA
term project 25% Marks assigned for the Abstract/initial presentation (5%); quality of the project (10%); final report/presentation (10%)
laboratories 35% Both attending the lab and submitting a written lab report are required to complete a lab. On the first lab report the students will be given an opportunity to correct and re-submit; a minimum of 75% grade must be achieved on the first lab report. All lab reports will have a 100% late penalty, with only medical excuses considered valid. A passing grade of 50% in the lab component must be achieved to pass the course. At the end of the course there is a final oral lab exam.