Digital Systems (ELEN20006)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
FeesLook up fees

AIMS

This subject develops a fundamental understanding of concepts used in the analysis, design and building of digital systems. Such systems form the information and communication technologies (ICT) that underpin modern society. This subject provides a foundation for subsequent subjects, including ELEN30013 Electronic System Implementation, ELEN90066 Embedded System Design and ELEN90061 Communication Networks.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

Topics include:

Digital systems - quantifying and encoding information, digital data processing, design process abstractions;

Combinational logic – timing contracts, acyclic networks, switching algebra, logic synthesis;

Sequential logic – cyclic networks and finite-state machines, metastability, microcode;

These topics will be complemented by exposure to the hardware description language such as Verilog and the use of engineering design automation tools and configurable logic devices (e.g. FPGAs) in the laboratory.

Please view this video for further information: Digital Systems

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • 1. Interpret and relate fundamental tools in the analysis of combinational and sequential logic systems, and understand the role and limitations of important digital abstractions
  • 2. Recognise fundamental concepts, including hardwired and programmed approaches, to implement digital systems that achieve specified functionality
  • 3. Use a hardware description language for the documentation, simulation and synthesis of digital systems
  • 4. Use digital hardware development platforms in the laboratory.

Generic skills

  • Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals;
  • Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution;
  • Ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance;
  • Ability to communicate effectively, with the engineering team and with the community at large;
  • Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning;
  • Expectation of the need to undertake lifelong learning, capacity to do so.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Students must meet one of the following prerequisite options:

Option 1

Selection of the Electrical specialisation (formal) in the MC-ENG Master of Engineering

OR

Selection of the Electrical with Business specialisation (formal) in the MC-ENG Master of Engineering

OR

Admission into the MC-ELECENG Master of Electrical Engineering

Option 2

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
PHYC10002 Physics 2: Advanced
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
PHYC10004 Physics 2: Physical Science & Technology
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

AND

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MAST10006 Calculus 2
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
MAST10009 Accelerated Mathematics 2
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
MAST10021 Calculus 2: Advanced
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

MAST10019: Calculus Extension Studies

AND

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MAST10007 Linear Algebra
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
MAST10008 Accelerated Mathematics 1
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
MAST10022 Linear Algebra: Advanced
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

MAST10018: Linear Algebra Extension Studies

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
No longer available

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Mid-Semester Test. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 -4 are addressed in this assessment.

  • 1 hours
From Week 5 to Week 615%

Oral assessment of laboratory skills and knowledge – 10 minutes per student (approximately 15-20 hours of work per student);. ILOs 1-4 are addressed in this assessment.

  • 10 minutes (each)
From Week 6 to Week 815%

One written examination. ILOs 1-3 are addressed in this assessment.

  • 2 hours
Hurdle requirement: Students must score above a hurdle requirement on the total of project oral assessment and final exam. The hurdle requirement will be set by the Board of Examiners and be no higher than 50%.		During the examination period35%

Written report completed during labs and oral assessment of project – 20 minutes per student (approximately 30-35 hours of work per student). ILOs 1-4 are addressed in this assessment.

  • 20 minutes (each)
Hurdle requirement: Students must score above a hurdle requirement on the total of project oral assessment and final exam. The hurdle requirement will be set by the Board of Examiners and be no higher than 50%.		From Week 11 to Week 1235%

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorJonathan Manton
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours36 hours of lectures (3 x one-hour lectures per week) and 36 hours of workshops
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

    Jonathan Manton

    jmanton@unimelb.edu.au

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.

  • Subject notes

    Learning and Teaching Methods


    The subject is delivered through a combination of lectures and workshop classes for hands-on laboratory activities.

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    MajorElectrical Engineering Systems
  • Available through the Community Access Program

    About the Community Access Program (CAP)

    This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.

    Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants

    Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.

  • Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students

    This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.

Last updated: 4 March 2025