Digital Circuits

Course Description

CET1113C – Digital Circuits is an introductory combined lecture and laboratory course in the Computer Engineering Technology discipline. The course introduces students to the fundamental concepts, devices, and techniques used in modern digital electronics. Students learn to analyze and apply digital logic circuits, including number systems, Boolean algebra, logic gates, combinational and sequential logic, flip-flops, counters, and registers, with extensive hands-on laboratory practice using discrete logic devices and integrated circuits. The course provides the foundation for further study in microprocessors, digital systems, and computer engineering technology.

The "C" suffix in the course number indicates a combined lecture and laboratory format that meets in the same place at the same time, in accordance with the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS).

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

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

• Convert numbers among binary, octal, decimal, and hexadecimal number systems and apply binary codes (BCD, Gray, ASCII).
• Apply Boolean algebra laws and theorems to simplify logic expressions.
• Use Karnaugh maps (K-maps) to minimize combinational logic functions.
• Identify, describe, and analyze the operation of basic logic gates (AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR, XNOR).
• Design, build, and troubleshoot combinational logic circuits, including adders, encoders, decoders, multiplexers, and demultiplexers.
• Analyze the operation of flip-flops (SR, D, JK, T) and latches.
• Design and analyze sequential circuits such as counters and shift registers.
• Use standard test equipment (oscilloscope, logic probe, multimeter, function generator) to verify digital circuit operation.
• Read and interpret logic diagrams, datasheets, and timing diagrams.
• Demonstrate safe laboratory practices and accurate technical documentation.

Optional Outcomes

• Introduce VHDL or Verilog hardware description language for logic design.
• Implement designs using programmable logic devices (PLDs, CPLDs, or FPGAs).
• Compare logic families (TTL, CMOS, ECL) and analyze interfacing considerations.
• Perform circuit simulation using tools such as Multisim, Logisim, or Quartus.
• Introduce memory technologies (RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash).
• Introduce analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion concepts.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Number Systems and Codes – binary, octal, decimal, hexadecimal; BCD, Gray code, ASCII; signed numbers and 2's complement arithmetic.
• Logic Gates – AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR, XNOR; truth tables and symbols.
• Boolean Algebra – laws, theorems, DeMorgan's theorems, sum-of-products and product-of-sums forms.
• Logic Simplification – algebraic methods and Karnaugh maps (2-, 3-, 4-variable).
• Combinational Logic Circuits – design, analysis, and implementation.
• Functional Combinational Devices – adders/subtractors, comparators, encoders, decoders, multiplexers, demultiplexers, parity generators/checkers.
• Latches and Flip-Flops – SR, D, JK, T; edge- vs. level-triggering; timing parameters.
• Counters – asynchronous (ripple) and synchronous; up/down, modulus design.
• Shift Registers – SISO, SIPO, PISO, PIPO; applications.
• Laboratory Practice – breadboarding, IC pin-outs, troubleshooting, lab reports.

Optional Topics

• Introduction to VHDL/Verilog and HDL-based design.
• Programmable logic – PLDs, CPLDs, and FPGAs.
• Logic family characteristics – TTL, CMOS, propagation delay, fan-out, noise margins.
• Memory devices – RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash.
• A/D and D/A conversion fundamentals.
• Introduction to state machines (Mealy/Moore models).

Resources & Tools

Typical resources used in Florida college sections of this course include:

• Textbooks: Digital Systems: Principles and Applications by Tocci, Widmer, & Moss; Digital Fundamentals by Thomas L. Floyd.
• Lab Equipment: digital trainer/breadboards, 7400/4000-series logic ICs, DC power supplies, function generators, oscilloscopes, logic probes, digital multimeters.
• Software: Multisim, Logisim, Quartus Prime, or LTspice for circuit simulation; HDL tools (optional).
• Documentation: manufacturer datasheets, schematic drawing tools.

Career Pathways

Digital Circuits provides core preparation for the A.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology and serves as a foundation course for further study in microprocessors, embedded systems, and computer architecture. Typical career pathways include:

• Electronics Technician / Engineering Technician
• Electronic Tester or Quality Assurance Technician
• Digital Systems Technician
• Manufacturing/Production Technician in electronics
• Field Service Technician
• Pathway to a Bachelor's degree in Electrical & Computer Engineering Technology

Special Information

This is a combined lecture/laboratory course; students should expect significant hands-on bench work in addition to classroom instruction. Skills developed in this course align with industry-recognized credentials such as the ETA International Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETa) exam and the NCEER/NOCTI Electronics assessments. Successful completion prepares students for follow-on courses such as Digital Systems II, Fundamentals of Microprocessors, and Microcontroller Devices.