Basic Digital Systems

Course Description

CET1112C — Basic Digital Systems is an introductory course in digital electronics theory and laboratory practice within the Computer Engineering Technology discipline. As a first course in digital theory, it covers number systems — including binary, octal, hexadecimal and decimal — as well as logic gates, Boolean algebra, decoders, flip-flops, counters, and programmable logic devices. The combined lecture/laboratory format (denoted by the 'C' suffix) provides students with hands-on experience designing, building, and troubleshooting digital circuits that form the foundation of modern computer hardware.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Convert numbers between binary, octal, hexadecimal, and decimal number systems and perform binary arithmetic.
• Identify and analyze the operation of standard logic gates (AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR, XNOR).
• Apply Boolean algebra theorems and DeMorgan's laws to simplify logic expressions.
• Use Karnaugh maps and other minimization techniques to design simplified combinational logic circuits.
• Design and analyze combinational logic circuits such as adders, decoders, encoders, multiplexers, and demultiplexers.
• Analyze the operation of flip-flops (SR, D, JK, T) and latches.
• Design and troubleshoot sequential logic circuits, including counters, shift registers, and basic state machines.
• Construct, test, and troubleshoot digital circuits in a laboratory environment using standard test equipment (logic probes, oscilloscopes, multimeters).
• Conduct experiments to acquire needed data and analyze and interpret the data to solve engineering technology problems.

Optional Outcomes

• Program and apply programmable logic devices (PLDs) such as PALs, GALs, or basic CPLDs/FPGAs.
• Use a hardware description language (HDL) such as VHDL or Verilog at an introductory level.
• Interpret and design simple memory circuits (ROM, RAM organization).
• Apply digital simulation software (e.g., Multisim, Logisim) to verify circuit designs.
• Discuss interfacing between digital logic families (TTL, CMOS) and basic A/D and D/A conversion concepts.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Number Systems and Codes — binary, octal, hexadecimal, decimal conversions; BCD, ASCII, Gray code; signed-number representation.
• Logic Gates — symbols, truth tables, timing diagrams, and IC implementations.
• Boolean Algebra — postulates, theorems, DeMorgan's laws, and standard forms (SOP/POS).
• Combinational Logic Design — Karnaugh map simplification, design of adders, comparators, decoders, encoders, multiplexers, and demultiplexers.
• Flip-Flops and Latches — SR, D, JK, and T flip-flops; edge vs. level triggering; timing parameters.
• Sequential Logic — synchronous and asynchronous counters, shift registers, register applications.
• Programmable Logic Devices — introduction to PLD architecture and applications.
• Laboratory Practice — breadboarding, IC pin-out interpretation, troubleshooting, and use of digital test equipment.

Optional Topics

• Introduction to HDL design (VHDL/Verilog) and FPGA/CPLD development tools.
• Memory devices — ROM, PROM, EPROM, RAM (static/dynamic).
• Logic families and interfacing — TTL vs. CMOS, voltage levels, fan-out, propagation delay.
• Introduction to analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion.
• Basic microprocessor/microcontroller architecture as an extension of digital systems.

Resources & Tools

• Textbook (typical): Digital Fundamentals by Thomas L. Floyd, or Digital Systems: Principles and Applications by Tocci, Widmer, and Moss.
• Lab equipment: digital trainers/breadboards, 7400/4000-series logic ICs, DC power supplies, function generators, oscilloscopes, logic probes, and digital multimeters.
• Simulation software: NI Multisim, Logisim Evolution, or equivalent digital circuit simulators.
• Optional development boards: entry-level FPGA/CPLD boards (e.g., Intel/Altera DE-series, Xilinx Basys) for programmable logic exercises.

Career Pathways

This course is a foundational requirement in Florida's Computer Engineering Technology and Electronics Engineering Technology A.S. programs. These programs provide a foundation in the installation, maintenance, and repair of computer systems, computer networks, robotics, and simulation technology. Typical career pathways include:

• Electronics Technician / Digital Electronics Technician
• Computer Engineering Technician
• Electronic Test Technician
• Field Service Technician
• Manufacturing / Production Technician in high-technology industries
• Bridge to A.S./B.S. programs in Computer Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related fields

Special Information

CET1112C is frequently a prerequisite for advanced courses in the Computer and Electronic Engineering Technology pathway. For example, Gulf Coast State College lists EET1140C and CET1112C as prerequisites for advanced electronic communications coursework covering digital RF transmissions, microwave, fiber-optic, and laser communications. Mastery of digital fundamentals also prepares students for industry certifications and further coursework in:

• CompTIA A+ hardware fundamentals (digital logic context)
• ETA International Associate Electronics Technician (CETa) certification
• Microcontroller, embedded systems, and PLC programming courses
• Computer architecture and digital communications courses

The course is offered as a combined lecture and laboratory format. In the SCNS, a 'C' after the course number is a lab indicator representing a combined lecture and laboratory course that meets in the same place at the same time.