Publication in the Diário da República: Despacho n.º 7795/2021 - 09/08/2021
6 ECTS; 1º Ano, 1º Semestre, 42,0 PL + 28,0 TP , Cód. 91122.
Lecturer
- Manuel Fernando Martins de Barros (1)(2)
(1) Lead Professor
(2) Teaching Professor
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Objectives
Develop fundamental skills in the area of ??digital systems, promoting the understanding, analysis, and evaluation of digital electronic systems, combinational and sequential circuits, programmable logic devices, and hardware description languages, using computer-aided design methodologies and simulation tools.
Learning Outcomes (LO).
After passing the course, the student should be able to:
LO1 - Analyze different digital information representation systems, comparing numbering systems, encoding methods, and binary arithmetic operations in the context of digital systems.
LO2 - Evaluate the efficiency of logic functions and their implementations through the application of Boolean algebra and simplification techniques.
LO3 - Analyze digital system architectures and technologies, comparing logic families and identifying their respective advantages, limitations, and application domains.
LO4 - Analyze the behavior of combinational and sequential circuits, interpreting functional relationships, states, and transitions.
RA5 - Evaluate design solutions for digital circuits and finite state machines, justifying implementation options based on specified requirements.
RA6 - Analyze results obtained through CAD and simulation tools, identifying errors, inconsistencies, and opportunities for improvement.
RA7 - Evaluate implementations in VHDL and programmable logic devices regarding their functional correctness, organization, and suitability to project requirements.
Program
1. Introduction.
- Organization of the discipline;
- introductory concepts;
- Digital and analog quantities: bits, logic levels and digital signals;
- Operations and basic logic functions;
- Integrated digital circuits.
2) Logic Functions
- Boolean algebraic functions and expressions;
- Laws, theorems and postulates of Boolean Algebra;
- Normalized forms of boolean expressions and truth tables;
- Representation and minimization of boolean functions;
- Karnaugh maps, logical adjacency and groupings.
- Simplifications of logical expressions
- Simplification of logical expressions using the Boolean Algebra Postulates;
- Simplification of logical expressions using Karnaugh Maps.
3) Digital representation of information
- Numbering bases and conversion between bases;
- Numbering systems;
- Arithmetic operations in the different bases;
- Codes for the representation of signed numbers (complement to 1 and 2);
- Binary codes to represent decimal numbers;
- BCD, Excess-3, Gray Code and ASCII Code.
4) Digital circuits and logic families
- TTL logical families; CMOS Family;
- Delay of propagation of logic gates and merit factor;
- Fault detection in digital circuit making
- Totem-Pole outputs and three states outputs.
5) Combinatorial circuits of medium Complexity
- Realization of combinatorial logic with logic circuits;
- Multiplexers and demultiplexers;
- logical comparators;
- Arithmetic circuits (adders, subtractors and multipliers);
- Encoders and decoders;
6) Programmable Logic Devices and Introduction to Hardware Description Language, VHDL
- Introduction to CAD Design Tools
- Hardware Description Languages
- Basic VHDL - Component Structure, Data Types, Operators
- Entities, Architecture, Instantiation
- Concurrent vs. Sequential Instructions
- Signal Assignment
- Clock and Testbench in VHDL
- VHDL Programming Examples
7) Basic sequential circuits
- Sequential behavior of circuits;
- Synchronous and Asynchronous Sequential Circuits;
- Basic elements: Latch NOR, NAND and D;
- Flip-flops: JK, D and T;
- Moore and Mealey State machines;
8) Analysis and design of sequential circuits and Finite State Machines
- Analysis and synthesis of sequential circuits;
- Self-correcting circuits;
- Design of low-complexity sequential circuits;
- Introduction to Finite State Machines;
- VHDL programming of sequential circuits and Finite State Machines
9) Counters, Registers and Memories
- Use of shift records;
- Synchronous / asynchronous counters Increment and Decrement;
- Ripple Counters;
- Counters ICs;
- Structure of semiconductor memories;
- Read only memories, ROMs; Random Access Memories RAMs;
- Implementation with ROMs.
10) Programmable Logic Devices
- Introduction to the study of programmable logic;
- EPROM programmable devices, FPLAs, PLAs, PALs;
- Implementation of programmable combinatorial / sequential circuits;
- PAL Programming. Application examples;
- Introdução às CPLDs e FPGAs
Evaluation Methodology
Assessment is continuous and focuses on demonstrating the learning outcomes defined for the curricular unit. Complementary instruments are used to evaluate knowledge, analytical skills, problem-solving, laboratory experimentation, and project development.
Assessment items.
a) Written exam (E)
b) Labs (L)
c) Final Project (P)
The final grade is given by: F = 0,6*E + 0,3*L + 0,1*P
Minimum requirements:
Minimum of 8,5 out 20 for part a)
Minimum of 10 out of 20 for part b) + c)
For final approval, the classification must be equal to or greater than 10 points.
Evaluation Criteria:
- Technical correctness and scientific rigor of the solutions;
- Ability to analyze and justify the decisions made;
- Appropriate application of digital systems concepts;
- Quality of implementation, simulation, and validation of circuits;
- Organization, clarity, and quality of technical communication;
- Ability to identify errors, limitations, and opportunities for improvement;
- Participation and performance in laboratory and project activities.
The use of Artificial Intelligence tools is permitted as support for learning, and must be declared and subject to critical validation by the student, who retains full responsibility for the technical correctness of the submitted work.
Bibliography
- Arroz, G. e Monteiro, J. e Oliveira, A. (2009). Arquitectura de Computadores: dos Sistemas Digitais aos Microprocessadores. (Vol. 1). http://www.wook.pt/ficha/arquitectura-de-computadores/a/id/190902: IST - Instituto Superior Técnico
- Barros, M. (2024). INTRODUÇÃO AOS SISTEMAS DIGITAIS E À LÓGICA PROGRAMÁVEL FUNDAMENTOS BÁSICOS. (Vol. 1). IPT: Instituto Politécnico de Tomar
- Dias, M. (2013). Sistemas Digitais - Princípio e prática. (Vol. 1). Portugal: https://www.fca.pt/cgi-bin/fca_main.cgi/?op=2&isbn=978-972-722-700-6: FCA Editora de Informática, Lda
- Harris, D. e Harris, S. e , . (2013). Digital Design and Computer Architecture, 2nd Edition. https://www.elsevier.com/books/digital-design-and-computer-architecture/harris/978-0-12-394424-5: Elsevier
- Tocci, R. (2009). Digital Systems - Priciples and Applications. http://www.pearsonhighered.com/educator/product/Digital-Systems-Principles-and-Applications-11E/9780135103821.page: Perason - Prentice Hall
Teaching Method
Theoretical and practical classes with presentation of concepts, problem-solving, laboratory activities, simulation and project development, promoting critical analysis, collaborative work and the responsible use of AI.
Software used in class
Free Tools:
Logisim (http://www.cburch.com/logisim)
Eagle (http://www.cadsoftusa.com)
LTSpice (http://www.linear.com/designtools/software/)
Comercial:
MultiSim (http://www.ni.com/multisim/pt/)
Proteus (http://www.labcenter.com/)


















