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2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

ELEC1620 Digital Electronics and Microcontrollers

20 creditsClass Size: 160

Module manager: Dr Craig Evans
Email: C.A.Evans@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

This laboratory-based module introduces students to the fundamentals of digital electronics and embedded systems. An active learning approach is taken throughout the module.

In the first half of the course, the underlying theories of digital electronics are taught and reinforced using a series of practical design exercises using simulation software. The students design and simulate a range of real-life circuits including an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and central processing unit (CPU).

A similar approach is taken in the second half of the course. Students become proficient in the C/C++ programming language through a series of practical design exercises based on a 32-bit microcontroller development board.

Each practical laboratory session is supported by a range of screen-casts (approximately 1 hour per laboratory) and quizzes. This blended learning approach enables student learning to continue outside of contact time.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:

- convert numbers from one radix to another
- recognise and use digital logic gates
- build a NAND gate from CMOS transistors
- solve problems using Boolean arithmetic
- simplify digital circuits using Boolean Algebra
- design combinational logic circuits (multiplexers, full-adders, bit-wise logic, arithmetic logic unit)
- verify circuits using automated test vectors
- design sequential logic circuits using flip-flops (registers, counters)
- understand the basic operating principles of a CPU
- create binary instructions from assembly language and simulate the operation of a CPU
- understand the basics of microcontroller architecture

- be familiar with the development cycle of microcontroller software
- write embedded software using the C/C++ programming language and interface with various input/output peripherals
- debug software using a range of techniques.


Syllabus

- history and scope of digital electronics
- digital representation of numbers (binary, hexadecimal)
- logic gates (AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR, XNOR)

- Boolean algebra, De Morgan’s theorem, truth tables
- combinational logic circuit design (multiplexers, full adders, arithmetic logic unit)
- functional completeness of NAND function and CMOS implementation
- properties of J-K and D-type flip-flops
- sequential logic circuit design (shift registers, counters)
- CPU/microcontroller architecture
- embedded software development using the C/C++ programming language
- interfacing with inputs/sensors/displays

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Laboratory202.0040.00
Class tests, exams and assessment42.008.00
Lecture21.002.00
Private study hours150.00
Total Contact hours50.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)200.00

Private study

- watching screen-casts
- example sheets and online quizzes

- reading laboratory notes, recommended text books and data sheets
- logic circuit design and simulation
- writing and debugging software
- revision for tests

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored during the laboratory sessions by attendance and progress made with the taught material. In-semester tests in each semester will give summative feedback.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
In-course AssessmentMid-semester test25.00
In-course AssessmentJanuary In-semester Test25.00
In-course AssessmentMid-semester test25.00
ProjectSoftware Project25.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

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Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 26/04/2017

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