National University of Science and Technology
Faculty of Applied Science
Department of Computer Science
Course Outline
Course Name: Fundamentals of Digital Electronics
Course Code: SCS 1112
Produced: 2022
Revised: 2025
Contact: 263 772853209
Author: Mr. S, Ngwenya
E-mail:
[email protected] (Online)
Weighting Full Course
Hours/week 48 learning hours
Pre-requisite Introduction to Computer Science and Programming.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
This course is design oriented. We will cover in detail the fundamental concepts of logic
theory and switching circuits and emphasise developing logic design skills. The goals are:
• To understand the fundamental building blocks of computer units
• To understand the theoretical underlying principles of logic circuits
• To develop logic design techniques to solve electronic logic problems.
COURSE SYNOPSIS
Introduction to digital design, number systems and codes, digital circuits, combinational logic
design principles and practices, combinational circuit design examples, sequential logic design
principles and practices, and sequential circuit design examples. Memory (ROM, RAM, static and
dynamic RAMs), CPLDs and FPGAs, and computer-aided design tools.
The course should take 48 learning hours
Course Content
# Topic
1
NUMERATION SYSTEMS: - Numbers and symbols, Systems of numeration, Decimal
versus binary numeration, Octal and hexadecimal numeration, Octal and hexadecimal to
decimal conversion, Conversion from decimal numeration
2
BINARY ARITHMETIC: - Numbers versus numeration, Binary addition, Negative
binary numbers, Subtraction, Overflow, Bit groupings
3
LOGIC GATES: - Digital signals and gates, The NOT gate, The” buffer” gate, Multiple
input gates, TTL NAND and AND gates, TTL NOR and OR gates, CMOS gate circuitry,
Special-output gates, Gate universality, Logic signal voltage levels, DIP gate packaging
4
BOOLEAN ALGEBRA: - Boolean arithmetic, Boolean algebraic identities, Boolean
algebraic properties, Boolean rules for simplification, Circuit simplification examples,
The Exclusive-OR function, DeMorgan’s Theorems, Converting truth tables into
Boolean expressions
KARNAUGH MAPPING: - Venn diagrams and sets, Boolean Relationships on Venn
Diagrams, Karnaugh maps, truth tables, and Boolean expressions, Logic simplification with
Karnaugh maps, Larger 4-variable Karnaugh maps, Σ (sum) and Π (product) notation
6
COMBINATIONAL LOGIC FUNCTIONS: - A Half-Adder, A Full-Adder, Decoder,
Encoder, Demultiplexers, Multiplexers, Using multiple combinational circuits
7
MULTIVIBRATORS: - Digital logic with feedback, The S-R latch, The gated S-R latch,
The D latch, The J-K flip-flop, Asynchronous flip-flop inputs
8
COUNTERS: - Binary count sequence, Asynchronous counters, Synchronous counters,
Counter modulus
9
SHIFT REGISTERS: - Serial-in/serial-out shift register, Parallel-in, serial-out shift register,
Serial-in, parallel-out shift register, Parallel-in, parallel-out, universal shift register, Ring
counters
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10
DIGITAL STORAGE (MEMORY): - Digital memory terms and concepts, Modern
nonmechanical memory, Historical, non-mechanical memory technologies, Read-only
memory, Memory with moving parts:” Drives”
11 DESIGN
Assessment
Problem-solving, logic design techniques, and skills can only be acquired through practice and the study
of increasingly difficult problems. The assignments all involve problem-solving and the application of
Logic Design Theory and Techniques. It is very important that you understand how you solved the
problem, and not just be happy with handing in a correct solution.
Assignments will be graded on a combination of sound use of theory, functionality, quality of design,
and quality of documentation. Detailed specifications will be given for each assignment, later in the
course.
All assignments are to be completed individually. Logic Design and Switching Circuits assignments
can be very time-consuming. Start early and budget sufficient time for completion.
Students will typically have around two or three weeks to complete each assignment, depending on its
complexity. Submission deadlines will be enforced strictly. An early/late submission policy will be
applied.
Continuous assessment will take the form of at least 2 in-class tests, and 2 assignments.
Recommended sources
1. Lessons In Electric Circuits, Volume IV – Digital, Tony R. Kuphaldt
2. Introduction to Electronic Circuits, Samuel P. Harbison, Guy L. Steele, 5th edition, 2002,
Prentice Hall, ISBN 0-13-089592X.
3. Any other reference book on Logic Design and Switching Circuits that students may get hold
of and the Internet is recommended for obtaining additional material to aid students’ study for
the course.
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