6.111
Introductory Digital Systems Laboratory

Lectures and labs on digital logic, flipflops, PALs, counters, timing, synchronization, and finite-state machines prepare students for the design and implementation of a final project of their choice, e.g., games, music, digital filters, wireless communications, graphics, etc. Extensive use of Verilog for describing and implementating digital logic designs. Students engage in extensive written and oral communication exercises.

This course provides an introduction to the design and implementation of complex digital systems. We'll be talking about:

• fundamentals of logic design: combinational and sequential blocks
• system integration with multiple components (memories, discrete components, FPGAs, etc.)
• use of a hardware description language (Verilog) for digital design
• different design methodologies and mapping strategies
• interfacing issues with analog components (ADC, DAC, sensors, etc.)
• understanding different design metrics: component/gate count and implementation area, switching speed, energy dissipation and power
• design for test
• building your own large-scale digital or mixed-signal system

Course Objectives

On completion of 6.111 students will have the confidence to conceive and implement a complex digital system.

More broadly, they will be ready to handle substantial and challenging design problems. In particular, students will be able to:

• Explain the elements of digital system abstractions such as digital logic, Boolean algebra, flip-flops and finite state machine (FSMs).
• Design simple digital systems based on these digital abstractions, using the "digital paradigm" including discrete sampled information.
• Use basic digital tools and devices such as logic analyzers, digital oscilloscopes, PALs, PROMs, FPGAs and Verilog.
• Work in a design team that can propose, design, successfully implement and report on a digital systems project.
• Communicate the purpose and results of a design project in written and oral presentations.