Digital Electronics
Albert Osei Owusu
Digital Electronics
Objective: to provide a basic
understanding of the basics of logic
circuits and their applications in
digital systems
pre-requisite: None
Credit Hours: 3
Digital Electronics
Assessment:
Lab: 10%
Test/Quiz: 25%
Tutorial/Assignments: 5%
Final Examination: 60%
Course Outline
Introduction to Digital Systems
Digital Number Systems and Codes
Logic Gates
Algebraic Methods for the Analysis and Synthesis
of Logic Circuits
Simplification of Switching Functions
Sequential Logics
Memory Elements
Registers and Counters
Literature
Ronald J. Tocci, “Digital Systems –
Principles and Applications“, (6th Ed.),
Prentice-Hall, 1995
John P. Hayes, “Introduction to Digital
Logic Design“ Addison Wesley, 1993
J. Uffenbeck,“Digital Electronics: A
modern Approach“, Prentice-Hall, 1994
Introduction to Digital Systems
importance of course:
wide range of applications of electronics
in science and technology
Examples:
data processing systems (e.g. computers)
communications equipment (e.g. mobile
phones)
industrial control systems
radio
television
medicine and defence equipment
consumer electronics, etc.
Introduction to Digital Systems
Definitions
Electronics :
the branch of physics and technology
concerned with the behaviour and
movement of electrons
Introduction to Digital Systems
Definition:
A Digital System:
is a combination of devices designed to
manipulate logical information or physical
quantities that are represented in digital form; i.e.,
the quantities can take on only discrete values
Digital Electronics:
is the branch of electronics that deals with the
processing of logical information or physical
quantities that are represented in digital form, i.e.
the quantities can take on only discrete values
Numerical Representations
Two forms of numerical
representations:
Analog Representation
Digital Representation
Numerical Representations
Analog Representations
a quantity is represented by a voltage,
current, or meter movement that is
proportional to the value of that quantity.
Eg. an automobile speedometer, room
thermostat, microphone, etc
Characteristics:
they can vary over a continuous range of
values
Numerical Representations
Digital Representations
the quantities are represented not by proportional quantities
but by symbols called digits
Eg. Digital watch
characteristics: value changes in discrete steps
Major Difference
analog = continuous
digital = discrete (step by step)
Exercise
Which of the following involve analog quantities
and which involve digital quantities?
I. Current flowing out of an electrical outlet
II. Temperature of a room
[Link] grains on the beach
[Link] speedometer
V. Ten-position switch
Digital & Analog Systems
A digital system is a combination of
devices designed to manipulate logical
information or physical quantities that are
represented in digital form
These devices are most often electronic,
but they can also be mechanical or
magnetic
Digital systems include digital computers
and calculators, digital audio and video
equipment, and the telephone system-the
world's largest digital system
Digital & Analog Systems
An analog system contains devices
that manipulate physical quantities
that are represented in analog form
Theses quantities can vary over a
continuous range of values
Example of analog systems are
audio amplifiers, magnetic tape
recording and playback equipment
Advantages of Digital Techniques
Digital systems are generally easier to
design
Information storage is easy
Accuracy and precision are greater
Operation can be programmed
Digital circuits are less affected by noise.
More digital circuitry can be fabricated on
IC chips
Limitations of Digital Techniques
There is really only one major drawback
when using digital techniques:
The real world is mainly analog
When dealing with analog inputs and
outputs, three steps must be followed:
Convert the real-world analog inputs to digital form
Process (operate on) the digital information
Convert the digital outputs back to real-world
analog form
Limitations of Digital Techniques
The need for conversion between
analog and digital forms of
information can be considered a
drawback because of the added
complexity and expense
Extra time required to perform these
conversions
END OF CHAPTER
THANK YOU
