ECE 171: Introduction to Digital Circuits

Fall 1999

Rev: 10.7.99

Syllabus

Contact Information

Instructor: Dr. McNames
Office: FAB 55-13
Office hours: Tuesdays 3:00-4:30
Email: mcnames@ee.pdx.edu

TA: Fahmida Rahman
Office hours: Thursdays 2:30-4:30, FAB 60-19 (UNIX Lab)
Email: rahmanf@ee.pdx.edu

Online Information

• Email majordomo@ee.pdx.edu with no subject. In the message body write:
  subscribe ee171list
• Class Web Page: www.ee.pdx.edu/~mcnames/ECE171

Textbook

Digital Circuits and Systems
Douglas V. Hall
McGraw Hill 1989

Introduction

ECE171 is a basic course in digital design. It includes topics such as number systems, basic logic gates, TTL device parameters, Boolean Algebra, logic circuit simplification techniques, circuit timing, applications of MSI combinational logic devices, programmable logic devices, flip-flops, synchronous state machines and counters. A major goal of this class is to introduce you to a systematic design methodology. To aid this development the course will use computer based tools such as text editors, schematic capture programs, simulators, and programmable logic development programs. This class should make it through the first 9 chapters of the book.

Assessment

• Homework: 10%
• Design Projects (3): 25%
• Comprehensive Final Exam: 35%
• Two Midterm Exams: 15% + 15%

If your second midterm score is higher than the first, it will count for 30% of your grade and the first midterm score will not be counted (0% + 30%). Thus, the first midterm can only help your grade.

Grading

A = 94-100, A- = 90-93
B+ = 87-89, B = 84-86, B- = 80-83
C+ = 77-79, C = 74-76, C- = 70-73
D+ = 67-69, D = 64-66, D- = 60-63

Notes

• If a curve is used to determine the final grades, the cutoff for each letter grade will not be higher than those listed above.
• Copying or cheating in any way will result in a zero for the test or assignment, may receive an F for the course, and may be reported to the administration.
• Make up exams will only be given if arranged in advance.
• Homework will be graded based on effort, not correctness. You are responsible for checking your answers against the solutions online to make sure you understand the material.
• Late homework will not be accepted.
• Late design projects will receive half credit and will not be accepted once the answers are posted.
• All three design projects must be completed to receive a passing grade for the class.
• Test questions will closely parallel homework problems and design projects.
• Please put cell phones and pagers on vibrate and turn off completely during exams. You may receive a call during lecture, but please step out of the room to minimize the disturbance.