Description:
This course constitutes the cornerstone of the Computer Engineering area of the Electrical Engineering department. Designed around the entral theme of a computer, it provides the necessary theoretical foundation for designing a simple processor. Starting with data representation in digital form, it goes on to provide students with the ability to design a circuit for a given algorithmic information processing task. For this purpose, Boolean algebra and combinational design and optimization are covered, followed by sequential logic design through Finite State Machines. Finally, the two parts are fused through the introduction of basic processor design principles.
Course Objective
The course aims at developing engineering skills in the design and analysis of digital logic components and circuits, making students thoroughly familiar with the basics of gate-level circuit design starting from single gates and building up to complex systems, and providing hands-on experience and exposure to circuit design using state-of-the-art computer aided design tools and programmable logic devices.
Targeted Audience
Freshmen and Sophomores that are considering Electrical Engineering and Computer Science as a major, as well as others with a serious interest in technology.
Prerequisites
None.
Handouts
Handouts will be distributed during the course of the semester to explain the covered material. All handouts will be distributed in class and will be made available through the course web-page.
Examinations
There will be two non-cumulative examinations for this course. The first will cover approximately two thirds of the course material while the second will cover the remaining one third. Both exams will be administered during regular class meeting times.
Homework
Several homework problem sets will be assigned during the course of the semester. Homework will not be graded, but you are strongly advised to work on it thoroughly. Solutions will be typically made available a week after homework is assigned.
Laboratory
There will several lab assignments during the course of the semester. In the labs, you will be designing, simulating, and implementing your own Processor on an FPGA board using Xilinx ISE, a Microsoft Windows based software package. The first lab will familiarize you with the tools.
Project
After familiarizing with the FPGA design tools and implementing the Processor, you will be asked to propose a project within which you will design and implement a circuit of your choice. Project topics need to be approved by the instructor and, depending on the size, projects can be implemented by teams of up to 2 students.