Digital Fundamentals

Course Description

CET1114C – Digital Fundamentals is a 4-credit combined lecture and laboratory course in Computer Engineering Technology. The course covers number systems, codes, logic gates, Boolean algebra, logic simplification and combinational logic, along with additional related areas of digital electronics. Students apply theoretical concepts in a hands-on lab environment using digital trainers, integrated circuits, and simulation software to design, build, and troubleshoot digital circuits that form the foundation of modern computing and embedded systems.

This course typically serves as a core requirement in Associate of Science (A.S.) programs in Computer Engineering Technology, Electronics Engineering Technology, and related Engineering Technology pathways at Florida colleges, and it is commonly a prerequisite for follow-on coursework such as Microprocessor Fundamentals (CET 2123C).

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

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

• Convert numeric values between binary, octal, decimal, and hexadecimal number systems.
• Apply binary codes (BCD, Gray code, ASCII) and perform binary arithmetic, including signed/2's-complement operations.
• Identify and analyze the operation of standard logic gates (AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR, XNOR) using truth tables.
• Apply Boolean algebra laws and theorems (including DeMorgan's theorems) to simplify logic expressions.
• Use Karnaugh maps (K-maps) and other simplification methods to minimize combinational logic.
• Design and analyze combinational logic circuits, including adders, comparators, decoders, encoders, multiplexers, and demultiplexers.
• Analyze the operation of latches and flip-flops (SR, D, JK, T) and use them in sequential circuits.
• Design and analyze sequential logic circuits including counters and shift registers.
• Construct, test, and troubleshoot digital circuits in a laboratory setting using TTL/CMOS integrated circuits, breadboards, logic probes, and oscilloscopes.
• Read and interpret IC datasheets and digital logic schematics.

Optional Outcomes

• Use digital simulation tools (e.g., Multisim, Logisim, or Quartus) to design and verify circuits.
• Introduce Hardware Description Languages (VHDL or Verilog) and program simple designs onto a CPLD/FPGA development board.
• Analyze the architecture and operation of memory devices (RAM, ROM, EPROM, flash).
• Examine introductory analog-to-digital (ADC) and digital-to-analog (DAC) conversion concepts.
• Explore introductory microprocessor/microcontroller architecture as a bridge to follow-on courses.
• Investigate digital logic families, propagation delay, fan-out, and noise margins.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Number Systems and Codes – binary, octal, decimal, hexadecimal; conversions; BCD; Gray code; ASCII; signed numbers and 2's complement
• Logic Gates – operation, symbols, truth tables, and timing of basic and universal gates
• Boolean Algebra and Logic Simplification – laws, theorems, DeMorgan's theorems, sum-of-products (SOP), product-of-sums (POS), and Karnaugh maps
• Combinational Logic – design, analysis, and implementation
• Functions of Combinational Logic – half/full adders, subtractors, comparators, decoders, encoders, multiplexers, demultiplexers, parity generators/checkers
• Latches, Flip-Flops, and Timers – SR, gated, D, JK, T flip-flops; the 555 timer; one-shots
• Counters – asynchronous (ripple) and synchronous; up/down; modulus and cascaded counters
• Shift Registers – SISO, SIPO, PISO, PIPO; ring and Johnson counters
• Laboratory Practice – breadboarding, IC pinouts, troubleshooting, use of test equipment

Optional Topics

• Logic families: TTL vs. CMOS characteristics, propagation delay, fan-out
• Memory and storage: RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash
• Programmable logic devices: PLDs, CPLDs, and FPGAs
• Introduction to VHDL or Verilog HDL
• Introduction to data conversion: ADC and DAC
• Introduction to microprocessor/microcontroller buses and interfacing

Resources & Tools

• Typical Textbook: Digital Fundamentals by Thomas L. Floyd (Pearson) – widely adopted across Florida colleges
• Lab Equipment: Digital trainer/breadboard, DC power supply, function generator, digital multimeter (DMM), oscilloscope, logic probe
• Components: 7400-series TTL and 4000-series CMOS integrated circuits, LEDs, switches, resistors
• Simulation Software: NI Multisim, Logisim Evolution, or similar circuit simulators
• Optional Programmable Hardware: Intel Quartus / Xilinx Vivado with CPLD or FPGA development boards

Career Pathways

Digital Fundamentals is a foundational course supporting careers and further study in:

• Electronics Engineering Technician
• Computer Engineering Technician
• Embedded Systems / IoT Technician
• Field Service Technician (industrial controls, telecommunications, avionics)
• Test and Manufacturing Technician for electronics and semiconductor industries
• Bridge to A.S./B.S. programs in Computer Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, and Engineering

Special Information

This course provides the digital logic foundation required for follow-on coursework such as Microprocessor Fundamentals (CET 2123C), microcontroller programming, computer architecture, and embedded system design. Skills acquired align with industry credentials such as the ETA International Associate Electronics Technician (CETa) and Digital Electronics Technician certifications, and with portions of the NCEES FE Electrical and Computer exam digital systems content.

Because CET1114C carries a "C" lab indicator, instruction combines lecture with a required laboratory component, typically meeting for approximately 3 lecture hours and 2–3 laboratory hours per week over a standard 15-week semester.