Digital Circuits and Systems
GENERAL QUALITY CRITERIA FOR SOLVING (and self-assessing) EXERCISES
1. Plan
a. The exercise is planned correctly and explains the procedure to solve it.
b. If different approaches exist, the one which is chosen to develop the problem has to be justified.
c. It is compulsory to use block diagrams, electronic schematics, figures, or any other graphic resource to
represent what has to be designed.
d. In case of teamwork, plan two alternative methods to search the same solution (self-verification)
2. Development
a. Problems' plan is consistently developed step by step.
b. Development is concise and follows the method stated beforehand when planning.
c. Firstly, an algebraic development has been made prior to any kind of numerical result.
d. Secondly, a revision of units or dimensions has been carried out in order to check mistakes in physical quantities
e. Thirdly, the final expression has been reached by alternative developments so that its correctness can be easily
self-verified.
3. Results
a. Results and their units are clearly expressed.
b. Graphics, electronic circuits, timing diagrams, etc. are used to show results and the way the applications
work.
c. Results show consistency and are not conflicting.
d. Al quantities show their units and values supposed not to be out of range, impossible or unbelievable.
e. Results are correct.
f. Verification procedures or test vectors were included to ease self-correction
g. Result are justified and explained.
4. Simulation
a. Simulation has been carried out. All the exercise or at least an exercise section were simulated
b. Simulation clearly shows that problem’s result is correct. There are sufficient test vectors to demonstrate that the
circuits being designed are working.
c. Different circuits which produced the same results were also simulated to enhance solution’s discussion and
validity. .
d. Every sheet which contains graphics or other simulation results is explained (a sheet without comments cannot
be delivered).
5. Implementation and laboratory measurements
a. Implementation using a training board has been carried out. All the exercise or at least one of its sections
was implemented downloading the configuration files into the programmable device.
b. Board demonstrations clearly show that problem’s result is correct and according to specifications. There are
sufficient test vectors to demonstrate that the circuits being designed are working properly.
c. Every sheet which contains graphics or data from the laboratory instruments is explained (a sheet without
comments cannot be delivered).
d. (optional) A circuit prototype or a printed circuit board is included in the solution to demonstrate that the circuit is
working.
6. Presentation
a. Document is neat and written using the supplied template. The use of the red ink is intended for corrections and
feedback)
b. Document does not contain spelling or grammatical errors. You are expected to write technical professional
documents with the proper grammar, punctuation, spelling and style. Teamwork can be used strategically to
proof read: ask a team member to review your text and offer suggestions and rewrite it if necessary.
c. The document can be easily read (good handwriting). A report is easier to read when it is written in simple,
straightforward language, with correct grammar and words easily recognised.
d. Figures, graphics and tables have captions which explain why the items were inserted and why they help to
clarify text meaning.
e. Document contains references and authoring information for materials from books or the Internet.
f. A section of the exercise, up to you to decide which one, has to be written in English.
Exercises, problems and individual exams can be always done using class notes, books, portable computers, calculators, or
anything. All course activities will be corrected and assessed using this criteria, thus, follow them to get the highest marks.
ADDITIONAL NOTE: Students are required to exhibit honesty in both verbal and written form: cheating, plagiarism, copying off
from other cooperative groups without acknowledgment, or using Internet or other sources without proper reference, is not
acceptable. Dishonest behaviour may result in academic consequences such as failing the whole subject.
