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Digital Design Course Taxonomy

Dependency Graph of Digital Design Concepts

This graph represents the prerequisite relationships between concepts in the digital design course.

1. Foundations of Digital Design

Digital design forms the basis of modern computing, allowing for the creation of efficient hardware systems. This section introduces fundamental concepts necessary for digital circuit design.

Topics Covered:

  • Number Systems and Representations: Binary, octal, hexadecimal, and decimal systems.
  • Boolean Algebra and Logic Gates: Fundamental logic operations and De Morgan’s Theorems.
  • Truth Tables and Logic Expressions: Representation and simplification techniques.
  • Karnaugh Maps and Simplification Techniques: Methods for optimizing logic expressions.

2. Combinational and Sequential Logic

Combinational circuits determine output based only on current inputs, while sequential circuits introduce memory elements that consider past inputs.

Topics Covered:

  • Combinational Circuits: Adders, multiplexers, decoders, encoders, and ALUs.
  • Sequential Circuits: Flip-flops (D, T, JK, SR), shift registers, and counters.

3. Finite State Machines and Digital Memory

State-based circuits and memory elements play a crucial role in digital design, allowing devices to maintain and transition between states.

Topics Covered:

  • Finite State Machines (FSMs): Moore vs. Mealy models, state diagrams.
  • Memory Elements and Storage: SRAM vs. DRAM, memory hierarchy.

4. Verilog and Digital Circuit Design

Verilog is the primary hardware description language (HDL) used in digital design. This section covers Verilog basics and digital circuit design techniques.

Topics Covered:

  • Verilog Syntax and Semantics: Data types, operators, and module definitions.
  • Register Transfer Level (RTL) Design: Structural and behavioral modeling.
  • Clocking and Timing Analysis: Flip-flop behavior, edge-triggering, and timing constraints.

5. FPGA and Embedded Systems

Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) provide a flexible platform for hardware acceleration and embedded systems.

Topics Covered:

  • FPGA Architecture: Configurable logic blocks, interconnects, and bitstream generation.
  • FPGA vs. ASIC Design: Differences, advantages, and trade-offs.
  • Embedded Systems and Hardware Acceleration: Interfacing with peripherals, FPGA programming.

6. Digital Verification and Optimization

Verification ensures that digital circuits function correctly under all conditions, while optimization techniques enhance performance and efficiency.

Topics Covered:

  • Simulation and Debugging: Verilog testbenches and waveform analysis.
  • Power Optimization in Digital Circuits: Low-power design strategies.
  • Design for Testability (DFT) and Built-in Self-Test (BIST): Techniques to ensure manufacturability.
  • Formal Verification and Assertion-Based Verification: Methods for verifying correctness.