DGS255 - Digital Systems

Outline information
Semester
Schools offering this subject
Last revision date 2023-10-02 00:43:42.121
Last review date 2023-12-04 00:15:09.005

Subject Title
Digital Systems

Subject Description
This course familiarises the student with the basic principles of digital logic and digital integrated circuits, including Programmable Logic devices (PLDs). Upon completion of the course the student will be able to describe and analyse logic circuit operation and use a programmable logic development system to program a PLD to implement simple digital systems. The course examines the basis of digital logic in the binary number system and Boolean algebra, the operation of combinational and sequential logic and the general interfacing requirements of digital logic circuits. A number of applications, implemented with a PLD, will be examined including basic gate circuits, flip-flops, decoders and sequential circuits such as counters.

The student will be expected to use the World-Wide-Web (WWW) for reference material and documentation relevant to the course and to have email.

Credit Status
One subject credit in the Computer Engineering Technology program and the Electronic Engineering Technology program.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:


  1. Understand and identify differences between analogue and digital electronics.
  2. Simplify logic circuits using the rules of Boolean algebra on circuit's derived expressions and/or truth table and vice-versa
  3. Apply appropriate digital circuit principles to convert a number to and from decimal, binary, hexadecimal number systems.
  4. Use digital circuit principles to determine and assess the main features of a digital waveform such as frequency, period and duty cycle.
  5. Interpret and derive truth table, Boolean expression and the logic circuit associated with DeMorgan expression and vice-versa circuit diagrams.
  6. Apply knowledge of basic functions of digital gates to design logic circuits.
  7. Modify Boolean expressions to their simplest forms using Karnaugh mapping techniques
  8. Design and implement priority Encoder, Multiplexer, De-multiplexer using logic gates and VHDL.
  9. Create simple combinational logic circuits in VHDL to verify the operation of combinational circuits.
  10. Prepare and design logic circuits from a word description of the requirement
  11. Troubleshoot, diagnose and resolve errors in VHDL code using appropriate procedures.
  12. Apply digital circuit principles to derive timing diagrams describing the pulsed operation of logic circuits.
  13. Document and summarize results and procedures.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Execute mathematical operations accurately.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.