Fast Electronics

Recommended Prerequisites

Electronics (analogue and digital); computer programming; digital systems.

Teaching Methods

The different subjects are theoretically presented and discussed in classes and, whenever possible, followed by the practical implementation of the learned techniques and concepts. The learning will be complemented by a review work on a topic of the student's preference. The students will also undertake a project of a digital system to be implemented on FPGA.

Learning Outcomes

Understanding analog constraints of digital systems operating at very high frequencies (over 1 GHz) – PCB implementation techniques.
Using VHDL for development of complex digital systems. Designing for synthesis. Circuit simulation. Gigabit/s interfacing techniques.
Ability to design in an integrated manner digital multicomponent complex systems, and to specify their integration on PCB.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Analog requisites of fast digital circuits.
Networks of distributed parameters. Frequency response and rise time.
High-speed properties of logic gates. Power, speed, packaging.
Transmission lines. Termination techniques.
PCB traces. Layer stacking. Vias.
Differential signals. Gigabit/s serial signaling.
Clock distribution methods.

2. Modelling digital systems.
VHDL language. Types and operators. IEEE std_logic_1164 and numeric_standard packaging.
Concurrent signal assignment statements. Sequential statements.
Synthesis of VHDL code.
State machines.
Hierarchical design.
FPGAs and VHDL. Fast serial interfaces.

Head Lecturer(s)

Custódio Francisco Melo Loureiro

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Synthesis work: 40.0%
Project: 60.0%

Bibliography

High-Speed Digital Design, Howard W. Johnson and Martin Graham, Prentice Hall, 1993; ISBN 0-13-395724-1

High-Speed Signal Propagation, Howard W. Johnson and Martin Graham, Prentice Hall, 2003; ISBN 0-13-084408-X

The Designer’s Guide to VHDL, 3rd edition, Peter J. Ashenden, Morgan Kaufmann Publishers, Inc (2008), ISBN 978-0-12-088785-9

RTL Hardware Design using VHDL, Pong P. Chu, Wiley-Interscience, 2006; ISBN-13: 978-0-471-72092-8