CDA 3200 Digital Systems & Architecture - 3 credit(s)

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Florida Gulf Coast University
U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering
Department of Computing & Software Engineering

Course Catalog Description:

This course covers design and application of data paths, controllers, memory systems, and registers involved in digital systems. It discusses aspects of traditional and modern computer architecture. Design topics include finite state machines, logic gates, and Boolean algebra.

Prerequisites:

COP 2006 for level Undergraduate with minimum grade of C and (PHY 2048C for level Undergraduate with minimum grade of C or (PHY 2048 for level Undergraduate with minimum grade of C and PHY 2048L for level Undergraduate with minimum grade of C))

Required Material:

Textbook:

Digital Logic and Microprocessor Design with Interfacing, 2nd Ed., by Enoch O. Hwang, 2017, ISBN: 978-1305859456.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will have demonstrated knowledge in the following:
  • Understand the basic digital gates: AND, OR, NOT, etc.
  • Given a simple problem, be able to draw truth table and translate it to circuit.
  • Be familiar with circuit simplification methods, such as Boolean algebra and Karnaugh map.
  • Understand basic registers.
  • Given a simple problem, be able to design a sequential circuit.
  • Be able to write basic VHDL programs.

Instructional Methods:

This is a face-to-face course with lectures and in-class labs.

Attendance:

Attendance is mandatory for all classes. Attendance will be taken and will count towards participation credit. Students should notify me at least 48 hours in advance of intent to miss a class to arrange alternate schedules for in-class assignments.

Communication:

All course related communication should be via Canvas message. Each student is responsible for checking his/her FGCU email at least once a day. The instructor will respond to your emails within 24 hours except weekends and holidays.

Topics / Tentative Schedule:

  • Introduction to digital circuits, number systems, signed numbers, arithmetic operations
  • Logic gates and Boolean algebra (DeMorgan’s theorem, truth tables)
  • Combinational logic circuits, SOP & POS forms, Karnaugh maps
  • Exam 1
  • Arithmetic circuits (adders, subtractors, multipliers)
  • MSI logic circuits (encoders, decoders, 7-segment LED, multiplexers, comparators)
  • Sequential logic circuits, Latches, flip-flop, Counters, shift registers, digital filters
  • Exam 2
  • Memory and storage
  • Finite State Machines
  • Programmable logic devices (PLD, FPGA) and Hardware description language (HDL)
  • Exam 3

Assessment:

There is no grace period for late submission of assignments. All assignments with due dates and times will be posted on Canvas. Alternate schedules can be arranged ahead of time with instructor approval.

Working Independently:

Students are to work independently on all non-group assignments. It is cheating to see other classmate's work or let other classmates see yours. This does not mean you cannot assist or discuss assignments with your classmates.

*** IMPORTANT ***

Student submissions that contain work from another student or source will receive a zero for that assignment. A second occurrence will result in failing the class, and the academic sanction will be reported to the Dean of Students.

Generative AI Use Policy:

Use of Generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, etc.) is permitted in this course, but only within strict boundaries that support learning without compromising academic integrity or the intent of the assignments.

Permitted Use:

  • Generative AI may be used to assist with understanding a specific concept, algorithm, or section of provided code.
  • Prompts must be narrowly focused (for example, explaining how an algorithm works or clarifying what a provided code segment does).
  • You may include code from the textbook, lecture materials, or other sources in a prompt only for the purpose of understanding it.
  • AI may be used to clarify or reinforce understanding, but not to generate code or complete any portion of an assignment.

Prohibited Use:

  • Do not prompt with entire assignments, assignment questions, or large portions of an assignment.
  • Do not use AI to generate code that is submitted as part of your work.
  • Do not use AI to debug, improve, or modify code that you are submitting.

Disclosure Requirement:

  • You must submit a copy of all AI prompts and corresponding responses along with your assignment, including coding assignments.
  • Submissions without accompanying AI usage documentation will be treated as not using AI.

Violations:

  • First violation: zero on the assignment.
  • Second violation or use of AI beyond what was disclosed may result in a formal academic integrity referral.

This policy is intended to support learning while ensuring that submitted work reflects your own understanding and effort.

Assignments (55%):

Individual problems worked outside of class.

Exams (35%):

Written exams taken in class.

Participation (10%):

In class quizzes and labs, attendance, and overall participation.

Grading

GRADE GPA Range
 A  4.00 93 - 100
 A-  3.75 90 - 92
 B+ 3.25 87 -  89
 B  3.00 83 -  86
 B- 2.75 80 -  82
 C+ 2.25 77 -  79
 C  2.00 70 -  76
 D  1.00 60 -  69
 F  0.00  0 -  59

University Resources and Syllabus Policies