Students deepen their knowledge of design methods of digital systems and are introduced to Hardware Description Languages and automatic synthesis. Implementation styles (e.g. ASIC, FPGA) are introduced. The principle functional units of a modern computer system are designed. The principles of computer arithmetic and the IEEE 754 standard are introduced.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
To design and synthesize simple digital systems using VHDL.
To analyse modern computer architecture and to identify performance issues.
Design appropriate test patterns and pattern generators for simple digital systems.
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment: 1,000 word coursework report (25%) 1.5 hours closed book exam (75%)