- Department: Electronic Engineering
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: I
- Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
- See module specification for other years: 2023-24
This module introduces students to analogue and digital design concepts. along with the appropriate role of Hardware Description Languages (HDLs)and simulation in the modern design flow. Particular emphasis will be placed on using HDLs for the synthesis of digital circuits on one side and on the development of appropriate testing through the use of HDL test benches and simulation. The properties and behaviour of semiconductor devices, small signal design of analogue amplifier circuits, and the use of circuit simulation to verify performance. The effect of natural noise in analogue and digital circuits is also considered.
Occurrence | Teaching period |
---|---|
A | Semester 1 2024-25 |
Subject content aims:
To introduce the concept and operation of hardware description languages: the basic syntax and structures of an HDL language, the implementation of digital designs using synthesizable HDL, basic simulation tools for digital designs and the concepts of testing and debugging of digital designs
To review basic semiconductor physics
To introduce students to basic semiconductor devices (Diode and Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) and their applications in analogue electronics
To introduce the underlying circuit principles of device models and circuits applicable to the internal design of operational amplifiers and power amplifiers
To introduce frequency dependent effects and other limitations of semiconductor devices
To introduce the use of SPICE based simulators in the circuit design flow
To appreciate the sources and effects of noise in electronic circuits
Graduate skills aims:
To develop the ability to express algorithms in individual steps, and encode these steps in a programming language
To develop skills in the application of applied numeracy and analytical techniques in the analysis and design of analogue circuits.
Subject content learning outcomes
After successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Graduate skills learning outcomes
After successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Topics covered include:
Introduction to HDLs
Combinational logic
Sequential logic
Testbenches
Datapath + control (FSMs)
Advanced HDL design techniques
Physics of semiconductors
Diode models and circuits
Introduction to MOSFET
DC model and dc bias circuits
Low-frequency small-signal models
High-frequency small-signal models
Sources and effects of Thermal, shot,avalanche, and 1/f noise in circuits
Task | % of module mark |
---|---|
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 30 |
Essay/coursework | 10 |
Essay/coursework | 10 |
Essay/coursework | 10 |
Essay/coursework | 10 |
Essay/coursework | 10 |
Essay/coursework | 20 |
None
Task | % of module mark |
---|---|
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 30 |
Essay/coursework | 20 |
Essay/coursework | 30 |
Essay/coursework | 20 |
'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.
The School of PET 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. The School will endeavour to return all exam feedback within the timescale set out in the University's Policy on Assessment Feedback Turnaround Time. The School would normally expect to adhere to the times given, however, it is possible that exceptional circumstances may delay feedback. The School 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.
Fundamentals of microelectronics, Behzad Razavi, Wiley, ISBN: 9780471478461