Digital Electronics I (Digital Systems)

Course Description

CET2114C – Digital Electronics I (commonly titled Digital Systems at Florida colleges such as Valencia College) is a foundational combined lecture/laboratory course in the Computer Engineering Technology and Electronics Engineering Technology pathways. The course introduces the principles of digital logic, number systems, Boolean algebra, combinational and sequential logic circuits, and the analysis, design, construction, and troubleshooting of digital electronic circuits using discrete logic gates and integrated circuits. Laboratory exercises reinforce theory through hands-on circuit construction, simulation, and testing. The “C” suffix in the course number indicates a combined lecture and laboratory course meeting in the same place at the same time.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

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

• Convert numbers between binary, octal, decimal, and hexadecimal number systems and perform binary arithmetic.
• Apply Boolean algebra and DeMorgan's theorems to simplify logic expressions.
• Analyze and design combinational logic circuits using AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR, and XNOR gates.
• Use Karnaugh maps (K-maps) to minimize Boolean expressions and implement simplified circuits.
• Analyze and design sequential logic circuits including latches, flip-flops, counters, and shift registers.
• Interpret manufacturer datasheets for TTL and CMOS integrated circuits and identify logic family characteristics.
• Construct, test, and troubleshoot digital circuits on a breadboard using logic probes, oscilloscopes, multimeters, and logic analyzers.
• Design and analyze common MSI functions such as encoders, decoders, multiplexers, demultiplexers, comparators, and adders.
• Demonstrate safe laboratory practices and proper documentation of circuit designs and test results.

Optional Outcomes

• Introduce hardware description languages (HDL) such as VHDL or Verilog for digital circuit description.
• Implement basic logic designs in programmable logic devices (PLDs, CPLDs, or FPGAs).
• Use circuit simulation software (e.g., Multisim, LogicWorks, or Quartus) to verify designs.
• Introduce memory devices (RAM, ROM, EPROM) and basic semiconductor memory organization.
• Explore analog-to-digital (ADC) and digital-to-analog (DAC) converter fundamentals.
• Introduce introductory microprocessor/microcontroller concepts as a bridge to follow-on courses.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Digital Concepts — analog vs. digital signals, digital waveforms, pulse characteristics, timing diagrams
• Number Systems and Codes — binary, octal, hexadecimal, BCD, Gray code, ASCII, signed numbers, 1's and 2's complement
• Logic Gates — AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR, XNOR; truth tables and timing diagrams
• Boolean Algebra and Logic Simplification — laws, theorems, DeMorgan's theorems, SOP/POS expressions, Karnaugh maps (2-, 3-, 4-variable)
• Combinational Logic Analysis and Design — implementing functions with NAND/NOR universal gates
• Functions of Combinational Logic — half/full adders, parallel adders, comparators, encoders, decoders, multiplexers, demultiplexers, parity generators/checkers
• Latches and Flip-Flops — SR, D, JK, T flip-flops; edge-triggering; one-shots and oscillators (555 timer)
• Counters — asynchronous (ripple) and synchronous counters, up/down, modulus design, decade counters
• Shift Registers — SISO, SIPO, PISO, PIPO; ring and Johnson counters
• Logic Families and Interfacing — TTL, CMOS, voltage levels, noise margin, fan-out, propagation delay, power dissipation
• Digital Test Equipment and Troubleshooting — logic probes, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, common fault isolation

Optional Topics

• Introduction to VHDL/Verilog and HDL-based design entry
• Programmable Logic — PALs, GALs, CPLDs, and introduction to FPGAs
• Memory Devices — ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, SRAM, DRAM organization
• Data Conversion — basic ADC and DAC concepts
• Introduction to microprocessor architecture and bus systems
• Arithmetic Logic Units (ALUs) and finite state machine (FSM) design

Resources & Tools

• Typical Textbook: Floyd, Digital Fundamentals (Pearson) — widely adopted across Florida colleges; Tocci & Widmer, Digital Systems: Principles and Applications is also commonly used.
• Lab Hardware: digital trainer/breadboard stations, 7400-series TTL and 4000-series CMOS ICs, DC power supplies, function generators, dual-trace oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, logic probes, and logic analyzers.
• Simulation Software: NI Multisim, LogicWorks, Logisim-Evolution, or Intel Quartus Prime (for optional FPGA/HDL work).
• Optional Programmable Hardware: Digilent Basys/BASYS-3 boards, Altera/Intel DE-series boards, or similar CPLD/FPGA development kits.

Career Pathways

CET2114C serves as a core foundation course for the A.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology and related certificates. It articulates into Valencia College's B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology and similar bachelor's pathways at other Florida institutions. Skills developed support entry-level roles such as:

• Electronics Engineering Technician
• Digital Systems / Test Technician
• Electronics Manufacturing or Quality Technician
• Field Service Technician (industrial controls, telecommunications)
• Computer Hardware Technician

The course also provides essential prerequisites for follow-on courses such as Fundamentals of Microprocessors (CET 2123C), FPGA Design using VHDL, and Logic Devices Programming (CET 3464C).

Special Information

Certification Preparation: Course content aligns with industry-recognized credentials including:

• ETA International – Associate CET (Certified Electronics Technician) — digital concepts module
• ISCET Journeyman Electronics Technician — digital section
• NCEER / NICET entry-level electronics assessments

Course Format: The “C” designation indicates a combined lecture and laboratory course; students should expect significant hands-on bench work in addition to classroom instruction. Safety glasses and adherence to ESD-handling practices are typically required in the lab.

Articulation: Under the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System, courses with the same prefix and last three digits are guaranteed to transfer between participating Florida public institutions, subject to faculty credential equivalence and lab-course evaluation rules.