Accessibility statement

Digital Circuits - ELE00025C

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  • Department: Electronic Engineering
  • Credit value: 15 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module summary

Computers, phones, and almost every electronic device on the planet make use of digital circuits. This module introduces the operation of digital logic circuits in a variety of applications, and tools and techniques for their design and analysis, drawing examples from a personal computer. The labs reinforce theoretical concepts through design, simulation, building and measurement of digital circuit blocks using discrete integrated circuits and a programmable logic device.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23 to Summer Term 2022-23

Module aims

Subject content aims:

  • To introduce basic combinational and sequential logic design
  • To introduce digital circuit analysis and design skills
  • To introduce programmable logic, memory devices, MSI modules and the design of synchronous and asynchronous systems

Graduate skills aims:

  • To develop skills in basic numeric and algebraic techniques
  • To instil professional laboratory working practices

Module learning outcomes

Subject content learning outcomes

After successful completion of this module, students will:

  • Understand the operation of fundamental digital logic circuits in a variety of applications
  • Be able to design simple combinational and sequential logic circuits using formal methods
  • Describe when to use standard logic or programmable logic, ROM or RAM Be able to implement designs on programmable logic
  • Be able to design medium scale digital systems using components from standard families and evaluate the comparative benefits of two or more design solutions
  • Be able to employ timing diagrams in the evaluation and testing of digital systems

Graduate skills learning outcomes

After successful completion of this module, students will:

  • Be able to state basic technical concepts concisely and accurately
  • Be able to apply a range of commonly­encountered mathematical techniques to given problems
  • Be able to plan and manage their time in a laboratory setting

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 70
Coursework - extensions not feasible/practicable 30

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 70
Coursework - extensions not feasible/practicable 30

Module feedback

'Feedback’ at a university level can be understood as any part of the learning process which is designed to guide your progress through your degree programme.  We aim to help you reflect on your own learning and help you feel more clear about your progress through clarifying what is expected of you in both formative and summative assessments.

A comprehensive guide to feedback and to forms of feedback is available in the Guide to Assessment Standards, Marking and Feedback.  This can be found at https://www.york.ac.uk/students/studying/assessment-and-examination/guide-to-assessment/

The Department of Electronic Engineering aims to provide some form of feedback on all formative and summative assessments that are carried out during the degree programme.  In general, feedback on any written work/assignments undertaken will be sufficient so as to indicate the nature of the changes needed in order to improve the work.  Students are provided with their examination results within 20 working days of the end of any given examination period.  The Department will also endeavour to return all coursework feedback within 20 working days of the submission deadline.  The Department would normally expect to adhere to the times given, however, it is possible that exceptional circumstances may delay feedback.  The Department will endeavour to keep such delays to a minimum.  Please note that any marks released are subject to ratification by the Board of Examiners and Senate.  Meetings at the start/end of each term provide you with an opportunity to discuss and reflect with your supervisor on your overall performance to date. 

Indicative reading

Notes and readings will be provided in class.



The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.