Course overview
This course provides an introduction to the control of engineering systems using microprocessors, sensors and actuators. Within this context it introduces the fundamentals of combinational logic, Boolean algebra, digital arithmetic, sequential logic, and microprocessor instruction set architecture and I/O. Learning opportunities include: online presentations with integrated practice exercises; tutorials in which small teams work together to explore, discuss, analyse and explain digital electronic circuits; and practicals in which theory is put to useful application. The course is designed to be one of the first undertaken by new students in electrical and electronic engineering such that its successful completion will provide the necessary foundation for more specialist learning in digital microelectronics and computer engineering.
Course learning outcomes
- Perform basic arithmetic calculations in binary, decimal and hexadecimal
- Analyse and synthesise combinational logic circuits
- Develop Moore finite state machines
- Analyse the operation of short assembly language programs
- Program a microcontroller to control a simple physical system and to perform simple digital transformations to an analog signal
- Select, justify and use appropriate input and output devices and controllers for simple digital systems
- Demonstrate practical skills in the programming and testing of digital systems on FPGA and microcontroller development boards