Digital Systems

Basic knowledge is not required. 

Pedagogical Methods: The expository method is used in conjunction with the presentation of practical cases.

Theoretical-practical exercises are solved in groups. Students are invited to actively participate in the class.

In practical classes, students develop small group projects.

These works are evaluated and contribute to the practical component of the evaluation.

It is intended that students acquire skills that allow them to understand the elements that constitute the computer at the scale of digital electronic circuits, mastering the basic concepts related to combinational and sequential circuits, as well as analysis and synthesis techniques. Skills: Students must acquire the following generic skills: – Master basic concepts such as BooIe aIgebra, Karnaugh maps, binary numbering system and binary codes; – Know basic physical components, such as Iogical gates, dedicated combinational circuits and FIip-FIops; – Design low-complexity combinational / sequential circuits, using formal analysis/synthesis techniques; – Implement combinational / sequential circuits of low compIexity; – Elaborate documentation related to the work developed and present them in a clear and objective way; – Develop work autonomously.

Basic Concepts: BooIe’s AIgebra, Truth Tables, Karnaugh Maps, Logic Gates and Families, Introduction to Binary Numerical Codes

Combinational circuits: Introduction to combinational circuits, MuItipIexators, Decoders/DemuItipIexators, Comparators, Artithmetic circuits, Analysis/synthesis of combinational circuits

Sequential Circuits: Introduction to Sequential Circuits, Synchronous and Asynchronous Circuits, Item Memory Cells, General Sequential Circuits Model, Sequential Circuit Analysis, Synthesis of Sequential Circuits, Self-correction.

The assessment has two components:

• Practical component (continuous/periodic assessment);
• Written component (exam assessment).

Practical component (continuous/periodic assessment):

• 3 practical assignments + 1 demonstration assignment (without assessment) to be completed during practical classes;
• The assignments will be completed in groups;
• A delay of more than 15 minutes in a practical assessment class prevents the practical assignment from being completed, unless duly justified;
• The use of online calculators to simplify algebraic expressions during assessments (TPs or Exams) is expressly prohibited. If any violation is found, the exam will be automatically canceled;
• A weighting of 6 points out of 20 in the final grade (each practical assignment is weighted 2 out of 20 points);
• Minimum grade of 35% (average of the 3 assignments);
• The grade obtained in the practical component is valid for all assessment periods of the current academic year (including the special assessment period);
• Students who completed the practical component in the previous academic year may keep their grade if they so wish, being automatically exempt from attending practical classes. To do so, they must send an email to: acacio@isec.pt and fduarte@isec.pt, by the date of the second practical assignment;
• During the first two practical assignments, the use of any electronic system (computer or smartphone) is not permitted, with the exception of the assembly table and components that allow for the implementation of the practical assignment;
• Practical assignment completion dates are available on the server: https://moodle.isec.pt/moodle/

 Students with Worker/Student status who are unable to attend classes where the work will be carried out may opt for an alternative system of evaluating the practical component:

• a single assignment, "special practical assignment," to be completed in an extra class at the end of the first semester, which will be valued at 6 points;
• This assignment will cover the material corresponding to the assignments to be completed throughout the semester;
• Students who opt for the alternative grading system will have to forego any previously obtained practical grades;
• They must inform the instructors responsible for the course that they intend to opt for this system by the date of the second practical assignment.

• Only students present will be evaluated;
• Students must only attend the practical class in which they are enrolled;
• There are no supplementary classes for late work, except in duly justified situations.

Written Component (Exam Assessment):

• Final exam (regular and retake);
• During the exams, the use of any electronic devices, such as smartphones, smartwatches, and others, is prohibited. These devices must be properly secured to prevent their use during the exam, under penalty of disqualification;
• Consultation of supporting materials is not permitted (except for the reference sheet distributed with the exam statement).

NAO