HarveyMuddX: Digital Design

HarveyMuddX: Digital Design

by Harvey Mudd College

Digital Systems and Computer Architecture

Course Description

Welcome to the exciting world of Digital Systems and Computer Architecture! This course, offered by HarveyMuddX, is an introductory-level engineering course that will take you on a thrilling journey through the foundations of digital technology. In this first half of a two-part sequence, you'll dive deep into the realm of digital design, unraveling the mysteries behind the devices that have revolutionized our world.

What students will learn from the course

  • Construct digital systems at various levels of abstraction, from transistors to complex circuits and logic.
  • Master the art of managing complexity using digital abstraction, static and dynamic disciplines, and hierarchical design.
  • Design and implement both combinational and sequential digital circuits using schematics and hardware description languages.
  • Analyze and optimize digital circuits for performance, cost, and power consumption.
  • Gain hands-on experience in implementing and debugging digital systems using essential lab techniques like breadboarding and interpreting datasheets.
  • Simulate digital circuits using ModelSim, a professional-grade simulation tool.

Pre-requisites or skills necessary to complete the course

  • Programming experience equivalent to a 1-semester course (C programming is helpful, but Python or another language is sufficient)
  • Comfort with mathematics at a level of second-year high school algebra

What the course will cover

  • Fundamentals of digital systems and their impact on various industries
  • Transistor-level circuit design and analysis
  • Logic gates and combinational circuits
  • Sequential circuits and state machines
  • Hardware description languages
  • Digital system optimization techniques
  • Practical lab skills and simulation using ModelSim

Who this course is for

  • Engineering students looking to specialize in computer science or electrical engineering
  • Technology enthusiasts eager to understand the inner workings of digital devices
  • Professionals in tech-related fields seeking to broaden their knowledge base
  • Anyone fascinated by the digital revolution and eager to learn how to build their own digital systems

How learners can use these skills in the real world

  • Developing smart devices and IoT gadgets
  • Designing efficient digital circuits for various electronic products
  • Troubleshooting and optimizing existing digital systems
  • Contributing to cutting-edge research in computer architecture
  • Pursuing careers in the booming semiconductor industry
  • Applying digital design principles to robotics and automation projects

This course is not just about learning; it's about igniting a passion for digital design and empowering you to shape the future of technology. By the end of this course, you'll have the foundation to tackle more advanced topics in computer architecture and be well on your way to designing your own microprocessor. Don't miss this opportunity to become a part of the digital revolution!

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