Office: Roger 301 C
Phone: 710-4129
Email: Michael_W_Thompson@baylor.edu
Office Hours: Please see Canvas
Required Textbook:
ELC 2337: Digital Logic Design (zyBook ISBN: 979-8-203-02090-1**)**
Authors:
Frank Vahid
Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California, Riverside
Roman Lysecky
Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Arizona
Contributors:
Alex Edgcomb / Senior Software Developer, zyBooks
Arián Jiménez / Software Developer, zyBooks
Susan Lysecky / Senior Content Developer, zyBooks
Yamuna Rajasekhar / Senior Content Developer, zyBooks
**Catalog Description: Boolean algebra, number systems and representations, analysis and design of combinational and sequential logic circuits, minimization, small and medium-scale integrated devices, programmable logic, and simulation of digital circuits.
Assignments (see note below) 20%
Midterm exams: 3 exams (55% total)
Final Exam: 25%
Each of these three categories will be converted to a percentage scale and then the grading scheme below will be applied to determine your course grade.
Grading Scheme:
Grade Range
A
A- [90,93)
B+ [87,90)
B [83,87)
B- [80,83)
C+ [77,80)
C [73,77)
C- [70,73)
D+ [67,70)
D [63,67)
D- [60,63)
F [0-60)
Assignments: Assignments will consist of Zybooks exercises, GitHub Classroom projects, Canvas assignments, and quizzes. All items will be assigned point values, and the "Assignments" category will account for 20% of your total grade. By the end of the semester, you will have the opportunity to earn a total of n points. Your earned points, m, will represent the total points you have achieved. Please note that late submissions are not accepted unless there are extraordinary circumstances. Consistent, on-time submission is essential for maintaining a systematic learning process, which supports long-term retention. However, I realize that over the length of a semester sometimes things just come up. To offer some flexibility and grace, I will reduce the denominator in the assignment grade calculation by 5%. This means your assignment grade will be calculated as
Lab Policy: You should be co-enrolled in ELC 2337 unless you are a CS major.
Canvas: Assignments will be managed through multiple platforms, including Zybooks, GitHub Classroom, and Canvas itself. I realize that having assignments in multiple places may cause some confusion. To help clarify what is due and when, I will use Canvas and the "Announcements" section of each lecture to provide clear guidance. Grades calculated automatically in Canvas are almost certainly wrong (unless I tell you otherwise). We will discuss how to track your grades in class.
Use of AI Tools:
Use of AI for Assignments. Generative AI tools can be effective virtual tutors, offering detailed explanations and code templates. I encourage you to use them strategically to enhance your understanding, but be cautious: relying on them as a crutch will hinder your learning. Furthermore, LLMs often struggle with the precise logic required for digital design and can generate incorrect results. Since I cannot effectively police AI use on homework, I leave it to your judgment to use these tools responsibly. Ultimately, the best way to master the material—and Verilog specifically—is to do the work yourself. Exams and quizzes are closed book and closed notes.
I
Course Objectives: Digital Logic
1. Understand Fundamental Concepts of Digital Logic:
- Understand the basic principles governing digital systems.
- Distinguish between analog and digital signals.
- Comprehend binary systems, including number representation and arithmetic.
2. Understand Logic Gates and Boolean Algebra:
- Identify various logic gates (AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR, etc.) and their symbolic representations.
- Apply Boolean algebra rules to simplify logic expressions.
- Design and analyze combinational circuits using logic gates.
3. Understand Sequential Logic:
- Understand the concepts of flip-flops, latches, and memory elements.
- Analyze and design basic sequential circuits like counters and shift registers.
- Establish the difference between synchronous and asynchronous systems.
4. Transistor-Level Logic and Circuit Analysis:
- Understand how transistors function as the basic building blocks for digital logic.
- Design and analyze transistor circuits for basic logic functions.
- Investigate the electrical characteristics of CMOS transistors in digital circuits.
- Explore the concepts of static and dynamic power, power dissipation, and strategies for power optimization.
- Understand the need for synchronization circuitry, including clock domains, clock skew, and techniques to handle metastability.
5. Introduction to Verilog HDL:
- Introduce the syntax and semantics of the Verilog Hardware Description Language.
- Model combinational and sequential logic circuits using Verilog.
- Simulate, test, and debug digital designs written in Verilog using appropriate software tools.
6. Hierarchical Design with Verilog:
- Implement modular design using Verilog.
- Understand and apply data abstraction and encapsulation in digital design.
- Employ best practices in code structuring and documentation.
7. Practical Exposure through Verilog Assignments:
- Design, simulate, and test basic digital circuits using simulation software.
- Implement simple Verilog code on FPGA boards (for the lab portion of the course)
- Analyze real-world problems and create digital logic solutions.
8. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving:
- Foster an analytical mindset for troubleshooting and optimizing digital designs.
- Employ systematic methodologies for digital system design, from requirements gathering to implementation.
- Encourage innovative thinking in approaching challenges and designing solutions.
9. Ethics and Professionalism in Digital Design:
- Understand the social, ethical, and professional responsibilities as a digital designer.
- Recognize the importance of continued learning and staying updated with advancements in digital logic and Verilog.
10. Preparation for Advanced Studies:
- Equip students with the foundational knowledge required for advanced courses in digital design, computer architecture, and related disciplines.
- Encourage the pursuit of research opportunities, internships, and real-world projects in the field of digital logic.
Conclusion:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have a fundamental understanding of digital logic at both the theoretical and transistor levels, paired with a foundational proficiency in Verilog. This will empower them to tackle more advanced studies or professional opportunities in digital system design and interconnected domains.
ABET Outcomes:
ABET Outcomes:
Engineering programs are accredited by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) to ensure they meet quality standards and prepare graduates for the workforce. This course contributes to the following ABET student outcomes:
ABET Outcomes 1-7
1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
- Mapped Objectives:
- Understand Fundamental Concepts of Digital Logic
- Master Logic Gates and Boolean Algebra.
- Understand Sequential Logic.
- Transistor-Level Logic and Circuit Analysis.
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving.
2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
- Mapped Objectives:
- Design and analyze combinational circuits using logic gates.
- Design and analyze transistor circuits for basic logic functions.
- Practical Exposure through Lab Assignments.
3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
- Mapped Objectives:
- Hierarchical Design with Verilog (particularly with respect to code documentation).
- Ethics and Professionalism in Digital Design (with the focus on professional communication).
4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
- Mapped Objectives:
- Ethics and Professionalism in Digital Design.
5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
- Mapped Objectives:
- Practical Exposure through Lab Assignments (assuming some of these assignments are team-based).
6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
- Mapped Objectives:
- Transistor-Level Logic and Circuit Analysis.
- Practical Exposure through Lab Assignments.
- Introduction to Verilog HDL (with focus on simulation, testing, and debugging).
7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
- Mapped Objectives:
- Preparation for advanced studies in digital electronics.
Mapping course objectives to ABET outcomes helps ensure that the course meets the necessary accreditation requirements and provides students with a well-rounded education in their engineering discipline.
Class Attendance
I expect you to attend class. Should you need to miss a class, please let me know by sending an e-mail. If you unexpectedly miss class, please let me know by sending me an e-mail. If you miss more than 25% of class meeting times, I reserve the right to lower your grade to as low as an F, depending on the circumstances.
Excerpt from Class Attendance policy, pages 31-32 of the 21-22 Undergraduate Catalog:
"Specific policies for attendance are established by the academic units within the university. Faculty members may establish more stringent requirements regarding attendance, punctuality, and participation. Any attendance requirements and penalties for excessive absences will be set forth in the syllabus for each course. The student bears the responsibility for the effect that absences may have upon class participation, announced and unannounced examinations, written assignments, reports, papers, and other means of evaluating performance in a course."]
Office Hours
One of the best ways to take full advantage of learning in my course is by coming to my office hours. I look forward to guiding you in your academic pursuits. Take advantage of the hours listed above or email me for an appointment.
Plagiarism or any form of cheating involves a breach of student-teacher trust. This means that any work submitted under your name is expected to be your own, neither composed by anyone else as a whole or in part, nor handed over to another person for complete or partial revision. Be sure to document all ideas that are not your own. In addition, you must not provide course materials to other students, whether individually or generally (such as online) that would enable them to gain an unfair academic advantage. Instances of plagiarism or any other act of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Honor Council and may result in failure of the course. Not understanding plagiarism is not an excuse. I expect you, as a Baylor student, to be intimately familiar with the Honor Code at: [http://www.baylor.edu/honorcode/]{.underline}
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The use of artificial intelligence (for example, ChatGPT, Grammarly, Midjourney, or some other resource) is generally acceptable in this course. However, you will ordinarily need to provide information about the tool(s) and the specific nature of your use of the tools so as to inform those who are
the work about content contributed by the tools, as well as to make clear the nature and extent of your own contribution to assignments. I will be clarifying the requirements for this documentation for each of your assignments, and, as is the case for more traditional documentation such as footnoting, failure to observe these requirements could constitute a violation of the Honor Code at Baylor University.
[Baylor University Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX]{.underline}
Civil Rights Policy and Sexual and Interpersonal Misconduct Policy
Baylor University does not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, race, color, disability, national origin, ancestry, age (over 40), citizenship, genetic information or the refusal to submit to a genetic test, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, Texas, or local law (collectively referred to as Protected Characteristics).
If you or someone you know would like help related to an experience involving:
Sexual or gender-based harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, stalking, intimate partner violence, or retaliation for reporting one of these types of prohibited conduct, please visit https://titleix.web.baylor.edu or contact us at (254) 710-8454, or TitleIX_Coordinator@baylor.edu.
Harassment (excluding those issues listed in #1) or adverse action based on Protected Characteristics, please visit www.baylor.edu/civilrights, or contact us at (254) 710-7100 or Civil_Rights@baylor.edu.
The Office of Equity and Title IX understands the sensitive nature of these situations and can provide information about available on- and off-campus resources, such as counseling and psychological services, medical treatment, academic support, university housing, and other forms of assistance that may be available. Staff members at the office can also explain your rights and procedural options. You will not be required to share your experience. If you or someone you know feels unsafe or may be in imminent danger, please call the Baylor Police Department (254-710-2222) or Waco Police Department (9-1-1) immediately.
Except for Confidential Resources, all University Employees are designated Responsible Employees and thereby mandatory reporters of potential sexual and interpersonal misconduct violations. Confidential Resources who do not have to report include those working in the Counseling Center, Health Center and the University Chaplain, Dr. Burt Burleson.
Any student who needs academic accommodations related to a documented disability should inform me immediately at the beginning of the semester. You are required to obtain appropriate documentation and information regarding your accommodations from the Office of Access and Learning Accommodation (OALA). Stop by the first floor of Sid Richardson, East Wing in the Paul L. Foster Success Center or call (254) 710-3605 or email OALA@baylor.edu.
Academic Success
I believe every student who has been admitted to Baylor can be successful, and I want to partner with you to help you thrive academically. Be sure to take advantage of the many resources available for academic success, including coming to see me during my office hours. Students who regularly utilize the great resources in the Paul L. Foster Success Center such as tutoring, Learning Lab, and Academic Mentoring are among my most successful students. If your academic performance in this class is substandard, I will submit an Academic Progress Report to the Success Center so that the team of coordinated care professionals can ensure that you get the help you need.
University Writing Center
I encourage you to visit the University Writing Center (UWC) this semester and get feedback on your writing for this course. Located in Moody Library 2nd floor West, the UWC offers free assistance to you at any stage of the writing process (brainstorming, researching, outlining, drafting, revising, editing). In their feedback, the consultants focus on higher order concerns, such as content, thesis, evidence, and organization, before grammar or style. The UWC tutors will not proofread, edit, or write your paper for you, but they will equip you with a toolbox of strategies to improve your writing, research, and editing skills. Please take the assignment prompt, your paper/text, and other materials you might need with you to your appointment. Please include my name as the professor, and a report will automatically be sent to me after your session. Go to the website (uwc.artsandsciences.baylor.edu) to schedule an appointment, call the UWC at (254) 710-4849, or stop by in person.
First Generation College Students
Baylor University defines a first-generation college student as a student whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree. The First in Line program is a support office for first-generation college students to utilize if they have any questions or concerns. Please check out First in Line, visit us in the Basement of Sid Richardson West Wing or email firstinline@baylor.edu.
Military Connected Students
Veterans, active-duty military personnel, and dependents are encouraged to connect with the VETS program, a space dedicated to supporting our military-connected students. Please communicate, in advance, if possible, any special circumstances (e.g., upcoming deployment, drill requirements, disability accommodations).
Student Health Services
Baylor University is strongly committed to addressing the physical wellbeing and mental health of students by providing access to on-campus healthcare resources. Baylor Health Services includes Primary Care, Psychiatry, Physical Therapy and Pharmacy and is staffed with fully certified and licensed physicians and nurse practitioners, as well as nurses and administrative staff. Appointments may be made by calling their main number or by logging into the health portal located on their website. Contact Information: (254) 710-1010; Health_Services@baylor.edu.
Telehealth Services for Students
All Baylor students also have access to medical and counseling services via telehealth in addition to the on-campus services. Medical services include virtual urgent care, psychiatry, and nutrition counseling. Counseling services include 24/7/365 in-the-moment support and ongoing mental health counseling. Access to care is available in the evenings, during weekends, and when the University is closed. All services are free and unlimited to Baylor students. Please visit https://baylor.academiclivecare.com/ for more information.
Mental Health Resources at Baylor University
Connect with us for an initial appointment, goal-directed individual therapy, group therapy, nutritional counseling, and case management services. You can schedule your 30-minute initial appointment online through our health portal or by calling (254) 710-2467.
[Telehealth by Academic Live Care (ALC)]{.underline}
Baylor has partnered with Academic Live Care to provide free 24/7 telehealth mental health support, counseling, and even medical care, including psychiatry, nutritional counseling, and more. To get started visit https://baylor.academiclivecare.com/ or call (833) 969-3998 for immediate support or to begin regular counseling appointments.
[Join a mental health peer community - Togetherall]{.underline}
Students can access the online peer-to-peer mental health resource, Togetherall for anonymous support and resources. Get connected now!
[Suicide Hotline (24 hrs.)]{.underline}
Call or text # 988 anytime for support.
Substance and Behavioral Addiction:
The Beauchamp Addiction Recovery Center (BARC) supports students in recovery from substance and behavioral addictions through an all-encompassing level of support approach that includes one-on-one mentorship, support groups, and social events open to all Baylor students. Located in the East Village Residential Community (bottom floor of Teal Residential College). Contact Information: (254) 710-7092; BARC@baylor.edu
Facing Struggles as a Baylor Student:
The Department of CARE Team Services is a group of dedicated and caring case managers who work with students struggling with mental health issues, financial struggles, and anything else affecting a student's ability to be successful in the classroom. You can find them on the second floor of the Student Life Center, suite 207. Contact Information: (254) 710-2100 ; CareTeam@baylor.edu.
Food Insecurity for Students:
At Baylor, we want all students to have access to food resources that will support their holistic well-being and success. If you or someone you know experiences food insecurity at any time, you can find information on campus and community food resources by visiting The Store. You can also contact Store staff at (254) 710-4931. For additional basic needs assistance, please reach out to CASE or the Care Team.
Please make a note of the following numbers for crises or emergencies:
Counseling Center Crisis Line: (254) 710-2467 (Business Hours/Non-Business Hours/Weekends)
Baylor Police Department: (254) 710-2222
MHMR Crisis Center: (254) 867-6550
MHMR 24-Hour Emergency/Crisis Number: (254) 752-3451
When home during academic breaks, when the counseling center is closed, please call your local resources and/or national hotlines:
National Hope Network Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
Spiritual Wellbeing:
The Office of Spiritual Life offers programs, persons, and resources to nurture theological depth, spiritual wholeness, and missional living.
Located on the corner of 5th and Speight Street in the BoBo Spiritual Life Center.
Contact Information: (254) 710-3517; Spiritual_Life@baylor.edu