- UCAS course code
- HH36
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
High Speed Digital and Mixed Signal Design
Unit code | EEEN30171 |
---|---|
Credit rating | 10 |
Unit level | Level 3 |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
PCB Design fundamentals
PCB construction and layout
CAD tool design flow
Crosstalk
Inductance effects
Power and ground distribution
Layer stacks
High speed digital design
What is meant by ‘high speed’?
Signal propagation in distributed lines
PCB transmission lines and termination
Signal integrity
Mixed-signal design
What is meant by ‘mixed signal’?
Crosstalk management by design partitioning
Selection and use of data converters
Data converter support circuits
Clocking and jitter requirements for data converters
Introduction to electronic product design at the system level
Architectures, grounding in distributed systems, EMC
Aims
Introduce students to modern PCB design, including more advanced layout practices.
Enable students to recognise and apply appropriate techniques for the design of high speed digital circuits and systems
Enable students to recognise and apply appropriate techniques for the design of mixed signal circuits and systems, including selection and use of data converters and associated components
Learning outcomes
ILO 1 Recognise common PCB features, structures, and parts, including trace types (transmission lines), layer stacks and routing techniques. [Developed and Assessed]
ILO 2 Describe the properties of analogue and digital signals, and both qualitatively and using calculations, how these properties can impact the design of high speed and mixed signal devices. [Developed and Assessed]
ILO 3 Explain the rationale behind key design concepts, including partitioning, use of PCB transmission-line techniques, layer stack usage, and clock generation and distribution quality. [Developed and Assessed]
ILO 4 Select and justify appropriate data converters for given requirement using common data converter parameters and specifications. [Developed and Assessed]
ILO 5 Design simple high speed digital and mixed signal PCBs using best practice methods, both at the conceptual level and using the CAD tools for schematic capture and PCB layout. [Developed and Assessed]
ILO 6 Use learning resources and methods appropriate to continuing professional development (articles from the professional press, technical textbooks, vendor training materials). [Developed]
Teaching and learning methods
20 hours of lectures: Largely PowerPoint based but including the use of pre-recorded videos of practical demonstrations and live demonstrations using an industry-standard CAD tool.
2 hours of small group teaching: Students discuss design problems in preparation for related coursework assignments, supported by instructor/demonstrator questioning.
3 × 3 hour laboratory classes: Practical CAD exercises, requiring deeper engagement with concepts introduced in the lectures – coursework assignments are associated with sessions 2 and 3.
Up to 30 hours (depending on previous experience of PCB CAD tools) of directed private study: Familiarisation with the design environment and basic workflows (file creation and management, schematic and layout editing). Study of book chapters and articles from the professional press describing good practice in PCB design.
Assessment methods
Method | Weight |
---|---|
Other | 20% |
Written exam | 80% |
Duration of Lab assignment 4 hours (2x5%)
Duration of Tutorial assignment 4 hours (2x5%)
The coursework forms 20% of the total unit assessment.
Feedback methods
.
Recommended reading
Students are directed to a variety of targeted resources, including book chapters, articles from the professional press, online articles and webinars.
Relevant textbooks include:
The Circuit Designer's Companion (Butterworth Heinemann), Tim Williams
High Speed Digital Design: A Handbook of Black Magic (Prentice Hall Modern Semiconductor Design), Howard W. Johnson; Martin Graham
High-speed digital system design: art, science and experience. Belous A.I., Springer, 2020
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
---|---|
Lectures | 24 |
Practical classes & workshops | 9 |
Tutorials | 4 |
Independent study hours | |
---|---|
Independent study | 63 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
---|---|
Paul Wright | Unit coordinator |
Michael O'Toole | Unit coordinator |