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Introduction

Course Description

Digital Design with Programmable Logic explores the principles of modern digital circuit design using hardware description languages (HDLs) and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). This course integrates generative AI as a dynamic teaching assistant, providing students with personalized learning experiences, real-time feedback, and interactive simulations. By leveraging Bloom’s Taxonomy, the course systematically develops students' cognitive skills, from fundamental knowledge acquisition to innovative circuit design and troubleshooting.

Learning Objectives

  • Remember – Identify and recall fundamental digital logic concepts, FPGA architectures, and Verilog syntax.
    • AI-powered flashcards reinforce key definitions and concepts.
    • Generative AI crafts analogies, such as comparing a multiplexer to a train track switch to illustrate signal selection.
  • Understand – Explain the operation of combinational and sequential circuits using truth tables, timing diagrams, and HDL code.
    • AI-generated historical narratives introduce milestone moments in circuit design, featuring pioneers like Claude Shannon and Alan Turing.
    • Interactive AI chatbots answer student queries with explanations tailored to their learning style.
  • Apply – Implement digital circuits in Verilog and simulate them in FPGA development environments.
    • AI-generated quizzes adapt in real-time to reinforce weak areas in circuit analysis.
    • AI-assisted walkthroughs guide students step-by-step through circuit implementation, debugging, and waveform analysis.
  • Analyze – Differentiate between various logic families, optimization techniques, and FPGA-based design methodologies.
    • AI-powered simulations allow students to manipulate parameters and visualize circuit behavior.
    • AI-driven comparative analyses showcase trade-offs in power, speed, and area for different design choices.
  • Evaluate – Assess the efficiency and correctness of digital designs, identifying design bottlenecks and proposing optimizations.
    • AI provides instant feedback on circuit performance metrics.
    • AI-driven discussion prompts encourage students to debate architectural decisions, such as synchronous vs. asynchronous design.
  • Create – Design and implement complex digital systems, incorporating real-world constraints and industry best practices.
    • AI suggests scaffolded design projects based on student proficiency, guiding them from basic circuits to full-scale FPGA implementations.
    • AI-generated code review tools analyze Verilog code for best practices and efficiency.

How Generative AI Enhances Learning

  • Metaphors and Analogies: Generative AI creates intuitive explanations, such as comparing a finite state machine to a vending machine that dispenses different items based on a sequence of inputs.
  • Stories and Lessons: AI-generated historical insights introduce students to the evolution of digital design, embedding technical content in engaging narratives featuring engineers and inventors.
  • Content Generation: AI dynamically crafts quizzes, debugging exercises, and guided Verilog coding challenges to reinforce individual learning paths.
  • Simulations and Animations: AI-powered visualizations depict real-time circuit behavior, such as voltage propagation in logic gates and flip-flop state changes.
  • Learning Activities and Projects: AI recommends customized projects, from designing ALUs to creating digital communication systems, with real-time feedback on implementation.
  • Assessment and Feedback: AI-driven grading tools provide in-depth feedback, offering explanations rather than just scores, and prompting students to iteratively improve their designs.

Conclusion

This course redefines digital design education by integrating generative AI as a mentor, content creator, and feedback provider. Through interactive simulations, dynamic assessments, and AI-assisted learning, students will gain a deep, practical understanding of digital systems, preparing them for careers in embedded systems, FPGA development, and beyond.