28011 - Logic Design T

Academic Year 2016/2017

  • Moduli: Stefano Mattoccia (Modulo 1) Alfredo D'Elia (Modulo 2)
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures (Modulo 1) Traditional lectures (Modulo 2)
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Computer Engineering (cod. 0926)

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide a rational view of the main principles, tools and techniques involved in the logic design of combinational and sequential digital machines.

Course contents

  1. Design layers of a digital machine. Block description of a structure. Verbal description of a behavior. Signal classification. Switch networks
  2. Binary representation of information. Code properties. Coding of texts and numbers.
  3. Elaboration of symbol strings. Classification of digital machines: combinatorial, asynchronous and synchronous. Model of finite state machine (FSM); description of the behavior by means of state graph and flow table
  4. Combinatorial logic network. Functions, truth tables and logic schematics views. Commutation Algebra: operations, expressions and equivalence theorems. Synthesis and analysis through canonic expressions and general expressions. Real combinatorial networks: transient and steady-state behavior.
  5. Karnaugh maps. Synthesis with minimal expressions. Synthesis and analysis of combinatorial networks comprising MUX, ROM and Programmable Logic Arrays.
  6. The asynchronous sequential logical network as a combinatorial network with direct feedback. Obtainable behaviors, constraints for correct use and techniques aimed at a priori removal of undesired behaviors.
  7. The synchronous sequential logical network as a combinatorial network with feedback based on flip-flop. Sizing of the clock period. Synthesis and analysis methods for networks with D flip-flops. Synthesis and analysis methods for synchronous sequential networks containing registers, counters and shift registers.
  8. Logic design without the conventional graph-based approach.

Readings/Bibliography

Slides made available on the course's website: http://vision.disi.unibo.it/~smatt/Site/Courses.html

Teaching methods

The teaching activity is based on a balanced mix of theory and exercises on relevant case studies. 

Assessment methods

The examination aims to assess the achievement of the following learning objectives:
• thorough knowledge of the principles ruling the logic design of digital systems;

• in depth ability to exploit the appropriate design tools and techniquesfor the analysis and synthesis of combinational and sequential machines.

Students are required to pass a written test concerning the whole program of the course. Any educational material not allowed during the test.

The exam sessions will be held in june, july, september, october, january and february.

Teaching tools

Powerpoint slides (whose PDF printouts are available from the course's WEB site before lectures) are projected and discussed during class hours, thus avoiding Students the burden of taking notes all the time, letting them focus on the discussed concepts.
Exercises are continuously interleaved with theoretical concepts and immediately discussed.

Autonomous laboratory activities are also welcome and promoted by suggesting ideas and possible case studies.

Links to further information

http://vision.disi.unibo.it/~smatt/Site/Courses.html

Office hours

See the website of Stefano Mattoccia

See the website of Alfredo D'Elia