72943 - Digital Systems M

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide a rational view of the main issues involved in the design of digital systems from both the architectural and logic points of view, emphasizing fundamental principles, modelling tools and synthesis methods.

Course contents

Logic-level synthesis. Models, methods and tools for a formal description of the behaviour and structure of digital systems. Impact of the microelectronic ICs technological evolution on the design methodologies of combinational and sequential (asynchronous and synchronous) digital systems. An introduction to hardware description languages: RTL and VHDL.

Architectural-level synthesis. Problem definition. Design description languages. Design constraints. Hierarchical modelling methods. Data-path resource selection and optimization. Time- and resource-constrained scheduling algorithms. Resource allocation and binding techniques. Control unit's synthesis by means of algorithmic state machines.

Readings/Bibliography

F. VAHID: ‘DIGITAL DESIGN', JOHN WILEY & SONS, II EDITION, 2011.

D. GAJSKI, N. DUTT, A. WU, S. LIN: ‘HIGH-LEVEL SYNTHESIS: INTRODUCTION TO CHIP AND SYSTEM DESIGN', KLUWER ACADEMIC PRESS, 1992.

G. DE MICHELI: ‘SYNTHESIS AND OPTIMIZATION OF DIGITAL CIRCUITS', McGRAW-HILL, 1994.

V. A. PEDRONI: ‘CIRCUIT DESIGN AND SIMULATION WITH VHDL', MIT PRESS, II EDITION, 2010.

M. ZWOLINSKI: ‘DIGITAL SYSTEM DESIGN WITH VHDL', PRENTICE HALL, 2004.

Teaching methods

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 welcome and promoted by suggesting ideas and possible case studies.

Assessment methods

The final examination consists in a written exam (Students can freely consult any didactic material in order to provide a solution to the proposed design problems) and possibly in an oral integrative discussion.

Teaching tools

A copy of the slides presented and discussed during the lectures, a guide to the laboratory activities, a compendium of exercises and projects are published on the course's WEB site (http://lia.deis.unibo.it/courses/).

Office hours

See the website of Eugenio Faldella