Digital Systems

This unit introduces the fundamentals of digital logic design, beginning with the analysis of simple logic gates and their applications. Students will learn to describe circuit operations using truth tables, derive and simplify Boolean expressions, and apply Karnaugh Map reduction techniques. Circuit implementation using basic and universal gate sets is explored alongside simple asynchronous (ripple) counters. The unit also introduces memory elements and arithmetic circuits. Students will design, simulate, and verify digital systems using logic simulation software and implement their designs on Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs).

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Apply Boolean algebra to design and implement digital logic circuits using basic and universal gates;
2. Simplify logic expressions using Karnaugh Map and other reduction techniques to optimise circuit performance;
3. Analyse and design sequential circuits incorporating flip-flops, counters, and memory elements;
4. Construct and simulate combinational and sequential logic systems using professional software tools; and
5. Evaluate and explain both independently and collaboratively the operation and behaviour of digital systems through testing and practical implementation.