Digital Systems

Basic knowledge is not required.

Pedagogical Methods:

• Theoretical classes: the expository method is used in conjunction with the presentation of practical cases.
• Theory-practice classes: theoretical-practical exercises are solved in groups. Students are invited to participate in class.
• In practical classes, students develop small-group projects. These projects are evaluated and contribute to the practical component of the evaluation.

The aim is for students to acquire skills that enable them to understand the elements that make up a computer at the scale of digital electronic circuits, master the basic concepts of combinational and sequential circuits, and learn techniques for analyzing and synthesizing these circuits.

With regard to skills, students should develop the following generic skills: mastering fundamental concepts, namely Boolean algebra, Karnaugh maps, the binary number system, and binary codes; knowing the essential physical components, such as logic gates, dedicated combinational circuits, and flip-flops; designing low-complexity combinational and sequential circuits using formal analysis and synthesis techniques; implementing low-complexity combinational and sequential circuits; producing documentation for the practical work carried out and presenting it in a clear and objective manner; and carrying out practical work autonomously.

• Basic concepts: Boolean algebra, truth tables, Karnaugh maps, logic gates and families, and an introduction to the binary number system and binary codes;
• Combinational circuits: introduction to combinational circuits, multiplexers, decoders/demultiplexers, comparators, arithmetic circuits, and analysis and synthesis of combinational circuits;
• Sequential circuits: introduction to sequential circuits, elementary memory cells, synchronous and asynchronous circuits, the general model of sequential circuits, and analysis and synthesis of sequential circuits.

The final grade depends on two components:

• The written component (exam) accounts for 70% of the final grade, and a minimum score of 35% is required.
• The practical component includes three assignments and makes up 30% of the final grade.

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 cancelled;
• A weighting of 6 points out of 20 in the final grade (each practical assignment is weighted 2 out of 20 points);
• 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, by the date of the first practical assignment (with assessment);
• During the first two practical assignments (with assessment), 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/
• Only students who are present will be evaluated.;
• Students must only attend the practical class in which they are enrolled;
• There are no supplementary classes to make up for work missed due to lateness or absences, except in duly justified situations;
• 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 out of 20;
  • 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 instructor responsible for the course that they intend to opt for this system by the date of the first practical assignment (with assessment).

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