Ateneo - UPO

The purpose of this course is to present in some depth digital electronics topics, from the physical implementation with transistors of fundamental logic gates, to combinatorial and sequantial logic circuits, to semincoductor memories and Solid State Disks, to serial data transmission and analog/digital conversion.

P. Horowitz and W. Hill, The art of electronics (second edition), Cambridge University Press (1989)
- ISBN: 9780521370950
Ralph J. Smith, Electronics: circuits and devices (third edition), John Wiley and Sons (1987)
- ISBN: 0471844462
Nigel P. Cook, Digital Electronics with PLD Integration, Prentice Hall (2001) - ISBN: 0130869074
Materials provided by the instructor

Students will gain a fair knowledge of the physical working principles of fundamental logic gates starting from diodes, transistors and passive components. Knowledge of integrated circuits at small and medium integration scale, both combinatorial and sequentiale. Basic knowledge on analog/digital conversion (both ways) and serial data transmission. Ability to apply this knowledge e.g. to the choice of components to be used in a given digital electronics application.

Courses of Physics, Computer architecture module 1.

Lectures. During the lectures, simulations with LTspice and practical demonstrations of discrete electronic components and integrated circuits using the open hardware platform Arduino are proposed. In addition students have the possibility (no obligation) to develop a project of simulation or experimentation with digital components and integrated circuits.

Monitoring the learning process: this will be achieved by posing questions to students during lectures and possibly through quizzes on the D.I.R. platform.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti,
consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities
Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Oral exam. Usually at least two questions on two different topics developed during lectures are made, in order to verify the acquired knowledge. The exam is passed when a sufficient level of understanding is demonstrated on each of the two (or more) topics. The optional project (see the section on Teaching methods) substitutes the study of the part on analog/digital conversion and serial data transmission and contributes 1/3 of the final grade.

Electrical quantities, analog and digital data and devices. Circuits with passive componets and diodes. Circuits with BJT and MOS transistors. Fundamental logic gates (OR, AND, NOT, NOR, XOR, NAND) and their physical implementation.
Standard (wired) logic, programmable logic and ASICs. Some digital ICs at various degrees of integration (SSI, MSI, LSI,VLSI).
Encoders, decoders, multiplexers, demultiplexers. Flip-flops, registers and counters.
Semiconductor memories: ROM, EPROM, RAM. Flash memories and Solid State Disks.
Serial data transmission: RS-232 and USB. Digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversion.

Knowledge and understanding: Knowing the physical features of logic gates and digital circuits, understanding the working principles of transistors and other components used.
Applying knowledge and understanding: Being able to read and interpret datasheets of discrete components and integrated circuits.
Making judgements: Being able to decide when to use wired logic, programmable logic or a microprocessor for a given application.