Digital Design using VHDL (EE 470)

Course Syllabus
Fall 2015

Instructor: Dr. P. K. Lala

Office: 104D

Office Hours: TBA

Phone: (903)334-6653
Email: [email protected]

Prerequisite: EE321

Course Description: This course instructs the students in the use of VHDL ((Very High Speed Integrated
Circuit Hardware Description Language) for describing the behavior of digital systems. VHDL is a
standardized design language used in computer/ semiconductor industry. This course will teach students the
use of the VHDL language for representation of digital signals, use of IEEE standard logic package/library,
design description, design of arithmetic, combinational, and synchronous sequential circuits.

Text(s): ‘Fundamentals of Digital Logic with VHDL Design’, by S. Brown and Z. Vranesic, Third
edition, McGraw Hill, 2009.

Objectives:

1. Students must demonstrate the use and application of Boolean Algebra in the areas of digital circuit
reduction, expansion, and factoring.

2. Students must learn the IEEE Standard 1076 VHDL Hardware Description Language

3. Students must be able to simulate and debug digital systems described in VHDL

4. Students must be able to synthesize complex digital circuits at several level of abstractions;

5. Students must be able to implement logic on an FPGA and a CPLD

Prerequisites: Students must demonstrate a working knowledge of digital logic and design techniques and
have a working knowledge of digital design including synthesis of finite state machines. Specific course
pre-requisite is CS320/EE 321 (Digital Logic).

Course Outline: Each of the following topics will be covered in this course:
 Introduction and course overview (Week 1)
 The Design Process (Week 1)
 Design Descriptions and CAD Tools (Week 1)
 System Design Concepts (Week 1)
 Review of Transistors and PLD devices (Week 2 and 3)
 Implementation of Logic Functions (Weeks 3 and 4)
 Test I (Week 5)
 Arithmetic Circuits (Week 6 and 7)
 Building Block Approach for Combinational Circuits (Week 8 and 9)
 Test II (Week 10)
 Registers and Counters (Weeks 11 and 12)

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  Synchronous Sequential Circuits (Weeks 13 and 14)
 Synthesis using VHDL (Week 15)
 Test III (Week 16)

Evaluation:
Homework 10 %,
Test I 30 %,
Test II 30%,
Test III 30%

Grades: A (100-90), B (89-80), C (79-70), D (69-60), F (59-0)

ABET Outcome Coverage:

MAPPING among course learning-objectives and ABET student learning outcomes

Outcome-related course learning ABET ABET ABET ABET
objective 3a 3e 3i 3k
(i) demonstrate the use and application of 2
Boolean Algebra in reduction, expansion, Homework
factoring
(ii) use commercially available VHDL 2 3
software to analyze and synthesize digital Homework Test 3
circuits .

(iii) Be able to simulate and debug digital 3 3

systems described in VHDL Test 2 Homework

(iv) to synthesize complex digital circuits at 2

several level of abstractions;. Test 2

(v) to implement logic on an FPGA and a 3 3

CPLD Test 1 Test 3

(1=objective addresses outcome slightly, 2=moderately, 3=substantively

(3a) Ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering

(3e) Ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems..

(3i) Recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in lifelong learning.

(3k) Ability to use techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice

Disability Accommodation
Students with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations through the A&M-Texarkana Disability
Services Office by contacting Carl Greig, Aikin room 219A or by calling 903.223.3062.

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Academic Dishonesty
Academic honesty is expected of students enrolled in this course. Cheating on examinations, unauthorized
collaboration, falsification of research data, plagiarism, and undocumented use of materials from any
source, constitute academic dishonesty, and may be grounds for a grade of "F" in the course and/or
disciplinary actions." For additional information see the university policy manual .

Statement on email usage

Upon application to Texas A&M University‐Texarkana an individual will be assigned an A&M‐
Texarkana email account. This email account will be used to deliver official university correspondence.
Each individual is responsible for information sent and received via the university email account and is
expected to check the official A&M‐Texarkana email account on a frequent and consistent basis. Faculty
and students are required to utilize the university email account when communicating about
coursework.

Drop Policy
To drop this course after the census date (see semester calendar), a student must complete the
Drop/Withdrawal Request Form, located on the University website
http://tamut.edu/Registrar/droppingwithdrawing-from-classes.html) or obtained in the Registrar’s Office.
The student must submit the signed and completed form to the instructor of each course indicated on the
form to be dropped for his/her signature. The signature is not an “approval” to drop, but rather
confirmation that the student has discussed the drop/withdrawal with the faculty member. The form must
be submitted to the Registrar’s office for processing in person, email [email protected], mail (7101
University Ave., Texarkana, TX 75503) or fax (903-223-3140). Drop/withdraw forms missing any of the
required information will not be accepted by the Registrar’s Office for processing. It is the student’s
responsibility to ensure that the form is completed properly before submission. If a student stops
participating in class (attending and submitting assignments) but does not complete and submit the
drop/withdrawal form, a final grade based on work completed as outlined in the syllabus will be assigned.

Student Technical Assistance:

• Solutions to common problems and FAQ's for your web-enhanced and online courses are found at
this link: http://www.tamut.edu/webcourses/index.php?pageid=37
• If you cannot find your resolution there, you can send in a support request detailing your specific
problem here: http://www.tamut.edu/webcourses/gethelp2.php
• Blackboard Helpdesk contacts:
Office hours are: Monday - Friday, 8:00a to 5:00p
Julia Allen (main contact) 903-223-3154 [email protected]
Frank Miller (alternate) 903-223-3156 [email protected]
Nikki Thomson (alternate) 903-223-3083 0

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3a) an ability to apply knowledge of math, engineering & science
3b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
3c) an ability to design system, component or process to meet needs
3d) an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
3e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
3f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
3g) an ability to communicate effectively
3h) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal
context
3i) a recognition of need for, and ability to engage in life-long learning
3j) a knowledge of contemporary issues
3k) an ability to use techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.