Digital Design from edX

Digital systems have revolutionized our world. From television to cell phones to GPS to warfare to automobiles to medicine to distance education, computers and digital processing have reshaped the way we live and work. The semiconductor industry has grown from $21B in 1985 to $412B in 2019, making it one of the largest sectors of the economy. Computers are also a vital part of daily practice in every field of science and engineering.

Previous generations of engineers learned the “nuts and bolts” of the profession by doing hand-on projects such as disassembling and rebuilding engines. As technology has advanced, cars have become too complicated for the average person to work on. Ironically, the same advances have made computers much easier to build. While most fields of engineering require extensive mathematics and complicated analysis of even rather simple components, digital systems merely require counting from 0 to 1. Their challenge, instead, is in combining many simple building blocks into a complex whole. In this class, you will experiment with digital systems, building simple circuits from logic gates on a breadboard and designing more complex systems with a logic simulator. You will learn how to systematically create digital systems with a desired function. By the end of this course, you will have the knowledge and experience to design digital systems and be prepared for more advanced coursework.

Beyond the practical reasons to take this class, I hope you find it enormously fun and exciting like I do. There's a great satisfaction about being able to build things. Digital systems are ideal because the components are far cheaper and easier to use than in other engineering fields. It's also amazing to demystify how digital systems work under the hood. I fell in love with digital design when I first studied it in college, and I hope you do too!

This is the first half of a 2-part sequence. This half covers digital design. The second half, ENGR85B, covers computer architecture, where you will learn to program, use, and build microprocessors. By the end of the second half, you will have designed your own microprocessor and understand it all the way from the transistor level to the software. You'll also have built smart gadgets and games with lights and sensors.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Build digital systems at levels of abstraction from transistors through circuits and logic.
Manage complexity using the digital abstraction, static and dynamic disciplines, and hierarchical design.
Design and implement combinational and sequential digital circuits using schematics and hardware description languages.
Analyze and trade off performance, cost, and power consumption of digital circuits.

Begin the practice of implementing and debugging digital systems with appropriate lab techniques including breadboarding and interpreting datasheets.
Simulate digital circuits with a free version of modelsim, a professional simulation tool.
By the end of this course, you should be able to:

Build digital systems at levels of abstraction from transistors through circuits and logic.
Manage complexity using the digital abstraction, static and dynamic disciplines, and hierarchical design.
Design and implement combinational and sequential digital circuits using schematics and hardware description languages.
Analyze and trade off performance, cost, and power consumption of digital circuits.
Begin the practice of implementing and debugging digital systems with appropriate lab techniques including breadboarding and interpreting datasheets.
Simulate digital circuits with a free version of modelsim, a professional simulation tool.
By the end of this course, you should be able to:

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores digital systems, which is standard in industry across various fields

Taught by Joshua Brake and David Harris, who are recognized for their work in digital engineering

Develops foundational knowledge and skills in digital systems, which are core for careers in science and engineering

Offers hands-on labs and interactive materials for experiential learning

Requires extensive background knowledge, which may be a barrier for beginners

Covers a wide range of topics in digital systems, providing a comprehensive foundation

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Digital Design with these activities:

Review Digital Design and Computer Architecture

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Provides a deeper understanding of the theoretical foundations of digital design and computer architecture, which will be central to your success in this course.

View RISC-V Microprocessor System-On-Chip Design on Amazon

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Read Chapter 1: Introduction to Logic Gates
Work through the practice problems at the end of the chapter
Build the circuits described in the chapter using a breadboard and logic gates

Breadboard and Logic Gate Tutorials

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Provides hands-on experience with breadboarding and logic gates, which will be essential for the lab component of this course.

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Watch the tutorials on breadboarding and logic gates
Build the circuits shown in the tutorials
Experiment with different logic gate configurations

Logic Gate Practice Problems

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Strengthens your understanding of the behavior of logic gates and how to combine them to create more complex circuits.

Browse courses on Logic Gates

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Solve the practice problems provided in the course materials
Create your own logic gate problems and solve them

Five other activities

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Study Group for Digital Design

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Provides a collaborative learning environment where you can discuss course concepts, work through problems together, and reinforce your understanding of digital design.

Browse courses on Digital Design

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Join or create a study group with other students in this course
Meet regularly to discuss the course material
Work together to solve homework problems and prepare for exams

Design a Digital Clock

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Applies the concepts learned in the course to design and build a functional digital clock, reinforcing your understanding of digital design principles.

Browse courses on Digital Logic

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Create a schematic for the digital clock
Build the digital clock on a breadboard
Test and debug the digital clock

Presentation on a Digital Design Topic

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Enhances your communication and presentation skills while deepening your understanding of a specific topic in digital design or computer architecture.

Browse courses on Digital Design

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Choose a topic related to digital design or computer architecture
Research the topic and prepare a presentation
Deliver the presentation to the class

Microprocessor Design Workshop

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Provides an opportunity to learn about and work with microprocessors, which will be covered in the second half of this course sequence.

Browse courses on Microprocessors

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Attend the Microprocessor Design Workshop
Build a simple microprocessor circuit
Program the microprocessor to perform a simple task

Digital Design Competition

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Provides a challenging and motivating opportunity to apply your digital design skills and compete against other students.

Browse courses on Digital Design

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Register for the Digital Design Competition
Design and build a digital circuit to meet the competition requirements
Submit your circuit for evaluation

Career center

Learners who complete Digital Design will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Logic Designer

Logic Designers design and develop the logic circuits that are used in computer systems. This course provides a strong foundation in digital design, covering topics such as logic gates, combinational circuits, and sequential circuits. By taking this course, you will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to design and develop logic circuits, which will prepare you for a career as a Logic Designer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Logic Designer

Digital Logic Designer

Digital Logic Designers design and implement digital logic circuits, which are used in a wide range of electronic devices, from computers to smartphones to medical equipment. This course provides a strong foundation in digital design, covering topics such as logic gates, combinational circuits, and sequential circuits. By taking this course, you will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to design and implement digital logic circuits, which will prepare you for a career as a Digital Logic Designer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Logic Designer

Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Engineer

FPGA Engineers design, develop, and test FPGA devices, which are programmable logic devices that can be used to implement digital circuits. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in digital design, which is essential for understanding the inner workings of FPGAs. The course covers topics such as logic gates, combinational circuits, and sequential circuits, which are all fundamental concepts in digital design. By taking this course, you will gain a better understanding of how FPGAs work and how to design and implement digital circuits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Engineer

Integrated Circuit (IC) Designer

IC Designers design and develop integrated circuits, which are the chips that make up computer systems. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in digital design, which is essential for understanding the inner workings of ICs. The course covers topics such as logic gates, combinational circuits, and sequential circuits, which are all fundamental concepts in digital design. By taking this course, you will gain a better understanding of how ICs work and how to design and implement digital circuits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Integrated Circuit (IC) Designer

Semiconductor Engineer

Semiconductor Engineers design, develop, and test semiconductors, which are the materials that make up computer chips. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in digital design, which is essential for understanding the inner workings of semiconductors. The course covers topics such as logic gates, combinational circuits, and sequential circuits, which are all fundamental concepts in digital design. By taking this course, you will gain a better understanding of how semiconductors work and how to design and implement digital circuits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Semiconductor Engineer

Microprocessor Designer

Microprocessor Designers design and develop microprocessors, which are the brains of computers. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in digital design, which is essential for understanding the inner workings of microprocessors. The course covers topics such as logic gates, combinational circuits, and sequential circuits, which are all fundamental concepts in digital design. By taking this course, you will gain a better understanding of how microprocessors work and how to design and implement digital circuits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Microprocessor Designer

Hardware Designer

Hardware Designers design and develop the physical components of computer systems, including the circuit boards, chips, and other components. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in digital design, which is essential for understanding the inner workings of computer hardware. The course covers topics such as logic gates, combinational circuits, and sequential circuits, which are all fundamental concepts in digital design. By taking this course, you will gain a better understanding of how computer hardware works and how to design and implement digital systems.

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Computer Hardware Engineer

Computer Hardware Engineers design, develop, and test computer hardware systems. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in digital design, which is essential for understanding the inner workings of computer hardware. The course covers topics such as logic gates, combinational circuits, and sequential circuits, which are all fundamental concepts in digital design. By taking this course, you will gain a better understanding of how computer hardware works and how to design and implement digital systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Hardware Engineer

Embedded Systems Engineer

Embedded Systems Engineers design, develop, and test embedded systems, which are computer systems that are designed to be part of a larger system. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in digital design, which is used in many embedded systems. The course covers topics such as logic gates, combinational circuits, and sequential circuits, which are all fundamental concepts in digital design. By taking this course, you will gain a better understanding of how embedded systems work and how to design and implement digital circuits.

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Nanotechnology Engineer

Nanotechnology Engineers design and develop nanomaterials and nanodevices. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in digital design, which is used in many nanotechnologies. The course covers topics such as logic gates, combinational circuits, and sequential circuits, which are all fundamental concepts in digital design. By taking this course, you will gain a better understanding of how nanotechnologies work and how to design and implement digital circuits.

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Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineers design, develop, and test robots. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in digital design, which is used in many robots. The course covers topics such as logic gates, combinational circuits, and sequential circuits, which are all fundamental concepts in digital design. By taking this course, you will gain a better understanding of how robots work and how to design and implement digital circuits.

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Test Engineer

Test Engineers design, develop, and test products to ensure that they meet quality standards. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in digital design, which is used in many testing processes. The course covers topics such as logic gates, combinational circuits, and sequential circuits, which are all fundamental concepts in digital design. By taking this course, you will gain a better understanding of how testing works and how to design and implement digital circuits.

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Electronics Engineer

Electronics Engineers design, develop, and test electronic devices and systems. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in digital design, which is used in many electronic devices. The course covers topics such as logic gates, combinational circuits, and sequential circuits, which are all fundamental concepts in digital design. By taking this course, you will gain a better understanding of how electronic devices work and how to design and implement digital circuits.

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Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers design, develop, and test systems, which are collections of components that work together to achieve a specific goal. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in digital design, which is used in many systems. The course covers topics such as logic gates, combinational circuits, and sequential circuits, which are all fundamental concepts in digital design. By taking this course, you will gain a better understanding of how systems work and how to design and implement digital circuits.

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Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design, develop, and test electrical systems and components. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in digital design, which is used in many electrical systems. The course covers topics such as logic gates, combinational circuits, and sequential circuits, which are all fundamental concepts in digital design. By taking this course, you will gain a better understanding of how electrical systems work and how to design and implement digital circuits.

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