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ECE 733 Digital Electronics |
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In-depth study of digital circuits at the transistor level. Topics include fundamentals; high speed circuit design; low-power design; RAM; digital transceivers; clock distribution; clock and data recovery; circuits based on emergining devices. Project. 3 credit hours. |
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Prerequisite |
Grade of C or better in ECE 302 or equivalent. Functionally, students should be familiar with the basics of MOSFET operation and MOSFET circuit design, e.g. linear and saturation modes, and the design and operation of CMOS static logic gates. You also have access to, and know how to use, a suitable circuit simulator, such as Hspice. Knowledge of how to use a schematic capture tool would be highly useful too. This knowledge can be gained by having taken the co-requisite, ECE 546 VLSI Systems.
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| Course Objectives | Learn how to design specific classes of digital circuits at the transistor. The class particularly focuses on high speed flip-flops and other circuit blocks used to design high-speed chip input output, especially “SerDes” (Serial-Deserializer) style of multi-Gbps interfaces. Thse other circuit blocks include equalizers, drivers, receivers and clock and data recovery circuits. A lesser focus of the class includes transistor level design of high-speed and low-power combinational circuits, and memories.
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| Course Requirements | You will be evaluated as follows:
Collaboration is encouraged on the homeworks and projects but you are expected to turn in individual solutions and reports. The exams will be open-book, open-notes, multiple-choice exams. |
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| Textbook and Notes |
References include the following:
Course notes, papers, project assignments, etc.: The wolfware course locker will be used to distribute course notes, papers, and assignments.
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| Software Requirements | You will need access at least to a Spice simulator for this course, and preferably also a schematic capture tool. This is best achieved by using on-campus tools through a quality high-speed Internet service, such as cable, DSL or T1. Off campus students will be given access to these tools but can also use their companies or third party tools (e.g. http://www.duncanamps.com/spicesim.html lists a number of free Spice tools). If you use your companies internet connection, the firewall should NOT block remove access of graphical CAD tools. You will also need an Xwindows interface, such as Linux or Win32.
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| Computer and Internet Requirements | NCSU has recommended minimum specifications for computers used for classes. Depending on your computer needs, we recommend your computer meet or exceed the following minimum specifications below. PCs must have an Intel-compatible 1 GHz processor, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB hard drive with 1 GB free space available, 256 Color Display, CD-ROM drive, 1024x768 (min.) video adapter, sound card, and speakers. The operating system should be Windows XP Pro. Real One Player Basic (available free online) and high speed Internet connection such as cable, DSL, T1 or LAN will be required for EOL courses. If you use your companies internet connection, the firewall should NOT block remove access of graphical CAD tools. You will also need an Xwindows interface, such as Linux or Win32. MAC users must have a G4 processor with firewire and USB factory built-in, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB with 1GB free space available, 256 Color Display, CD-ROM drive, 1024x768 (min) video adapter, sound card, and speakers. The operating system must be MacOS 10.4 (minimum) along with the above RealOne and Internet specifications above. For more detailed information on computer specifications and recommendations, please refer to our website at: http://engineeringonline.ncsu.edu/currentstudents/computeraccess.htm
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| Instructor | Dr. Paul D. Franzon, Professor
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