48581 Digital Electronics
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Subject handbook information prior to 2018 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): 48530 Circuit Analysis AND 48570 Data Acquisition and Distribution
Recommended studies: basic electronics and circuit theory knowledge and experience with digital systems is required for this subject
Description
The objective of this subject is for students to design, build and test hardware for an embedded application that utilises a modern digital integrated circuit, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller or a digital signal processor (DSP). It draws together many elements of engineering – system specification, design, implementation, testing, documentation and management – all in the context of a modern digital electronic system. This subject presents the theoertical and practical basis for the structure, operation and design of embedded systems with an in-depth treatment of modern hardware components. The integrated circuits introduced are field programmable gate arrays, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, embedded PCs; memory subsystems; I/O subsystems; serial I/O subsystems; and some analog subsystems. Modern computer-aided hardware design software is used extensively. Topics such as PCB manufacturing, surface-mount technology and EMC compliance are also treated in depth.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Design and build a simple printed circuit assembly (PCA) that utilises modern digital integrated circuits. |
|---|---|
| 2. | Differentiate types and uses of passive components in modern digital hardware designs, as well as the packaging of digital integrated circuits (ICs), so as to determine appropriate components for a design. |
| 3. | Draw simple circuit schematics and printed circuit board (PCB) layouts using modern computer-aided design (CAD) software packages. |
| 4. | Incorporate basic electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements into a design as a step towards meeting the legislative framework that governs EMC compliance. |
| 5. | Test hardware and software performance in an embedded system by selecting and using appropriate laboratory equipment. |
| 6. | Manage a small project using appropriate project management methodologies, including the maintenance of a project logbook. |
| 7. | Take responsibility for seeking out and evaluating knowledge from many sources. |
| 8. | Make an oral presentation of technical content and be able to defend and justify design decisions to peers. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following faculty Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs) and Engineers Australia (EA) Stage 1 competencies:
- Identify, interpret and analyse stakeholder needs, which is linked to EA Stage 1 Competencies: 1.2, 2.3, 2.4 (A.1)
- Establish priorities and goals, which is linked to EA Stage 1 Competencies: 2.3, 3.5 (A.2)
- Identify constraints, uncertainties and risks of the system (social, cultural, legislative, environmental, business etc.), which is linked to EA Stage 1 Competencies: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 (A.3)
- Apply principles of sustainability to create viable systems, which is linked to EA Stage 1 Competencies: 1.5, 1.6, 2.3, 2.4 (A.4)
- Apply systems thinking to understand complex system behaviour including interactions between components and with other systems (social, cultural, legislative, environmental, business etc.), which is linked to EA Stage 1 Competency: 1.5 (A.5)
- Identify and apply relevant problem solving methodologies, which is linked to EA Stage 1 Competencies: 1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 (B.1)
- Design components, systems and/or processes to meet required specifications, which is linked to EA Stage 1 Competencies: 1.3, 1.6, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 (B.2)
- Synthesise alternative/innovative solutions, concepts and procedures, which is linked to EA Stage 1 Competencies: 1.1, 3.3 (B.3)
- Apply decision making methodologies to evaluate solutions for efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability, which is linked to EA Stage 1 Competencies: 1.2, 2.1 (B.4)
- Implement and test solutions, which is linked to EA Stage 1 Competencies: 2.2, 2.3 (B.5)
- Demonstrate research skills, which is linked to EA Stage 1 Competencies: 1.4, 2.1 (B.6)
- Apply abstraction, mathematics and/or discipline fundamentals to analysis, design and operation, which is linked to EA Stage 1 Competencies: 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2 (C.1)
- Develop models using appropriate tools such as computer software, laboratory equipment and other devices, which is linked to EA Stage 1 Competencies: 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 (C.2)
- Evaluate model applicability, accuracy and limitations, which is linked to EA Stage 1 Competencies: 2.1, 2.2 (C.3)
- Manage own time and processes effectively by prioritising competing demands to achieve personal goals, which is linked to EA Stage 1 Competencies: 3.5, 3.6 (D.1)
- Reflect on personal and professional experience to engage independent development beyond formal education for lifelong learning, which is linked to EA Stage 1 Competencies: 3.3, 3.5 (D.2)
- Communicate effectively in ways appropriate to the discipline, audience and purpose, which is linked to EA Stage 1 Competency: 3.2 (E.1)
- Identify and apply relevant project management methodologies, which is linked to EA Stage 1 Competencies: 1.6, 2.2, 2.4 (E.3)
- Be able to conduct critical self-review and performance evaluation against appropriate criteria as a primary means of tracking personal development needs and achievements, which is linked to EA Stage 1 Competency: 3.5 (F.1)
- Appreciate ethical implications of professional practice, which is linked to EA Stage 1 Competency: 3.1 (F.2)
- Be aware of global perspectives (needs, rules/regulations, and specifications), which is linked to EA Stage 1 Competencies: 1.5, 1.6, 2.1, 2.2 , 2.3, 3.6 (F.4)
Teaching and learning strategies
Class time is used for lectures, self-directed study sessions and laboratories. Lectures will introduce new material in a modular fashion that can then be applied to the design of a real embedded system. The laboratory work will be project-based and can be complemented with computer simulations and design exercises. Towards the end of semester, students will undertake an individual project in which the class time will serve as valuable resource/design/discussion sessions.
There are three components to completing your study of Digital Electronics.
They are:
- reading the lecture notes and associated “readings”
- attempting the laboratory assessment tasks
- completing the project satisfactorily
To guide you through these tasks see the Program.
Content (topics)
The objective of this subject is for students to design, build and test hardware for an embedded application that utilises a modern digital integrated circuit, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller or a digital signal processor (DSP). It draws together many elements of engineering – system specification, design, implementation, testing, documentation and management – all in the context of a modern digital electronic system.
The technical content of the subject aims to develop the basic structure, operation and design of digital systems with an in-depth treatment of modern hardware components and design methodologies. The integrated circuits introduced will be field programmable gate arrays, microcontrollers, digital signal processors; memory subsystems; I/O subsystems; serial I/O subsystems; and power subsystems. Modern computer-aided hardware design software will be used extensively. Topics such as PCB manufacturing, surface-mount technology and EMC compliance will also be treated in depth.
The technical content is contextualised in a project in which individual students analyse the requirements of an embedded system and design the hardware to meet those requirements. A PCB will be designed, built and tested. Skills in debugging hardware will also be developed through the practice-based nature of the subject.
Three engineering themes permeate the subject. The first theme is the need for a systems perspective in engineering – students will need to analyse and dissect (through a requirements specification) and eventually synthesise in a hierarchical manner (through hardware and software design). The second theme is that students will be expected to draw knowledge from a wide variety of sources – previous subjects, industrial experience, industry publications and the Internet. The third theme is that of the need for engineers to take responsibility for their own professional development. You will produce professional documentation in the form of a project logbook that details requirements specifications, mathematical modelling, electronic and software design and testing as well as project management. A practical demonstration and oral presentation at the end of the project also gives students experience in communicating technical ideas.
The content covered is divided into the following sections:
- Passive Components
- Switched-Mode Power Supplies
- Digital Logic Families and IC Packaging
- Crystal Oscillators
- Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
- Printed Circuit Boards
- Thermal Design
- Digital Measurement Techniques
- Design Project
Below is a brief summary of the content that is later covered in detail in the lecture notes.
Section 1 – Passive Components
The characteristics of passive components are given in detail, together with selection guides and application areas.
Section 2 – Switched-Mode Power Supplies
Types of switched-mode power supplies are examined for digital logic circuits, as well as some of their design considerations.
Section 3 – Digital Logic Families and IC Packaging
On overview of logic families and their history is given. Logic levels are discussed. Modern CMOS families are reviewed. SMT IC packaging is reviewed.
Section 4 – Crystal Oscillators
Feedback oscillator topologies are examined and the electrical characteristics of crystals are modelled. A brief overview of oscillator design considerations is given.
Section 5 – Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
Principles of EMC are given, including types of sources, coupling and combating EMI. Regulatory standards are also introduced.
Section 6 – Printed Circuit Boards
An overview is given on PCB manufacture.
Section 7 – Thermal Design
The principles of thermal design, such as heat transfer theory, conduction, convection, heat sinks, radiation and modelling, are introduced.
Section 8 – Digital Measurement Techniques
An overview is given on using a DSO to measure digital signals, as well as some of the pitfalls of designing and probing PCBs.
Section 9 – Design Project
The project allows you to gain experience in putting a variety of ideas into practice, and requires the design of an embedded system. You will be required to interpret specifications and come up with sound engineering designs using a variety of methods. A PCB will be produced, populated and tested. Programming of software into the digital chips will be performed. The designs will be implemented and experimentally verified.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Log Book - Section 1
| Intent: | To analyse a set of specifications, design, and simulate a simple embedded system. Skill in maintaining a record of an engineering design, reflecting on laboratory experiences, recording test results, costing hardware designs. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes (CILOs): A.1, A.2, A.3, A.4, A.5, B.1, B.2, B.3, B.4, B.6, C.1, C.2, C.3, D.1, D.2, E.3, F.1, F.2 and F.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Type: | Journal | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 25% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 2: Log Book - Section 2
| Intent: | To analyse a set of specifications, design, and simulate a simple embedded system. Skill in maintaining a record of an engineering design, reflecting on laboratory experiences, recording test results, costing hardware designs. | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes (CILOs): B.1, B.5, D.1 and F.1 | ||||||||||||
| Type: | Journal | ||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||||||
| Weight: | 25% | ||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 3: Laboratory Testing
| Intent: | Skill in PCB building and testing, hardware debugging, performance measurement. | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 8 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes (CILOs): E.1 | ||||||||||||
| Type: | Laboratory/practical | ||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||||||
| Weight: | 25% | ||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 4: Oral Presentation
| Intent: | Skill in presenting and defending the design of a modern electronic system. | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes (CILOs): B.1, B.5, D.1 and F.1 | ||||||||||||
| Type: | Presentation | ||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||||||
| Weight: | 25% | ||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Recommended texts
There is no prescribed Textbook for this subject.
The lecture notes should be read before each session so that lectures can concentrate on particular topics of interest rather than trying to cover all the material.
The Lecture Notes are an on-going development through a process of continual feedback from students attempting to learn the topics as well as a continual updating of the content as technology changes. Difficult or hard-to-grasp topics are expanded; or are presented in a different manner to the readings; or highlight the real-world application of the topic. Prerequisite material is often recapped. The focus of the Lecture Notes is towards the final project, so those topics that are important to this goal are treated fairly thoroughly. The Lecture Notes are therefore a complement to the readings, as well as a summary of the important topics.
If you are already familiar with the material in any section or if you want to get an overall feel for what it contains, you may like to skim through it first, looking at the headings and margin notes.
References
The following is a list of reference textbooks that delve deeper into the topics of this subject. They may be used for alternative explanations or you may consider purchasing them if they relate to your chosen field:
Barrett, S. F. & Pack, D. J., Embedded Systems - Design and Applications with the 68HC12 and HCS12, Prentice Hall, 2005.
Mano, M. M. & Kime, C. R., Logic and Computer Design Fundamentals, Prentice Hall, 2004.
Peatman, J. B., Embedded Design with the PIC18F452 Microcontroller, Prentice Hall, 2003.
Predko, M., Programming and Customizing the PIC Microcontroller, 3rd Ed. McGraw-Hill, 2007. ISBN 978-0-07-147287-6
Vahid, F. & Givargis, T., Embedded System Design, Wiley & Sons, 2002.
Other resources
The subject has a web site which contains the subject documentation and links to important learning aids.The URL is:
http://services.eng.uts.edu.au/pmcl
Laboratories
The laboratories are unstructured sessions that give you access to specialized equipment. The laboratory work will be project-based and can be complemented with computer simulations and design exercises.
Twenty-four hour access to the Embedded Systems Laboratory will be given to students during the semester. If you are unsure of your PIN and access arrangements, visit: pinaccess.uts.edu.au
