PRINCIPLES OF ELECTRONICS - MOD. 2

The course is mandatory for the BSc-level programme in Engineering Physics and will be offered in the second period of the third year. It is focused on the basics of digital electronics, considering and studying different aspects of digital circuits design. The most important aspects of digital systems are addressed, starting from the basic considerations of elementary circuits to the analysis of complex processing systems.

1. Knowledge and understanding
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of various types of combinational digital circuits and efficient synthesis techniques, along with the ability to analyze and design these circuits.
Understand the principles and synthesis techniques for simple sequential digital circuits, and exhibit the ability to analyze, design, and select appropriate components for these circuits.
Gain knowledge of the main construction technologies for complex digital circuits, with particular emphasis on programmable circuits.
Understand the different types of memories, their architecture, and their applications in processing systems.

2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
Apply knowledge of digital circuits to design efficient combinational and sequential circuits that address real-world challenges.
Design and implement digital circuits, determining their main figures of merit and component choices.

3. Autonomy of judgment
Critically assess the performance and efficiency of both combinational and sequential digital circuit designs, recognizing potential errors through critical analysis of the applied methods.
Evaluate the selection of components in digital circuit design, considering their impact on circuit functionality and performance.

4. Communication skills
Communicate technical information effectively, using appropriate terminology in both written and oral formats, to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Engage respectfully and constructively with instructors and peers, particularly during collaborative projects related to digital circuit design.

5. Learning skills
Develop strong independent learning skills related to digital circuit design and synthesis.
Take comprehensive notes, selecting and organizing information based on relevance and priority in the context of combinational and sequential circuits.
Demonstrate autonomy in gathering and synthesizing data relevant to digital circuit design, preparing for lifelong learning and problem-solving in advanced technological settings.

The course requires the knowledge of circuit theory, semiconductor devices and Boolean algebra.

- Logic gates in CMOS technology: Inverter CMOS, parameters of circuiti digitali, power dissipation, fan-in, fan-out, logic gates.
- Sequential logic: latch with inverter, flip-flop S/R in CMOS technology, flip-flop D e D edge triggered.
- Semiconductor memories: structure of a memory, ROM e PROM a MOS, memoria SRAM e DRAM, decoder, EPROM e EEPROM.

- A. S. Sedra and C. K. Smith “Microelectronic Circuits”, 8th Edition, Oxford Univ. Press, 2019.
- Richard C. Jaeger e Travis N. Blalock "Microelettronica", McGraw-Hill Education, 2018.

The achievement of the teaching objectives is assessed through course assignments (maximum +3/30) and a final written exam. The final written exam consists of 2-3 problems similar to those covered in class and group work, with a maximum score of 30/30. Both the assignments and the written exam, if passed, are valid for one academic year. The use of notes, books, and other teaching materials is not permitted during the exam. An optional oral exam is available at the student's request, involving a few theoretical questions on course topics and solving an exercise similar to those in the written exam. The oral exam can adjust the written exam mark by up to ±4/30. A single final mark for both modules will be calculated as the average of the individual marks from each module.

The course will take place through classroom lectures. The lectures will combine theory and exercises to facilitate the learning of the fundamental concepts and the understanding of the main parameters for the design and performance evaluation of digital circuits.
Through the university's "Moodle" platform, the following will be made available: 1) The teaching materials written and presented during the lectures, 2) supplementary materials for in-depth study of specific topics covered in class.

Italian

written and oral

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Climate change and energy" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development