Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2023-2024 (archived)

Module ENGI3491: Digital Electronics and Digital Signal Processing

Department: Engineering

ENGI3491: Digital Electronics and Digital Signal Processing

Type Tied Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2023/24 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to H103
Tied to H100

Prerequisites

  • ENGI2181

Corequisites

  • As specified in programme regulations.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • As specified in programme regulations.

Aims

  • This module is designed solely for students studying Department of Engineering degree programmes.
  • To introduce and/or develop the principles of digital electronics and provide understanding of the use programmable logic design.
  • To provide understanding of the relationship between hardware and software when computers are used as components in engineering systems, and the design, implementation and verification of hardware and software in these situations.
  • To introduce the use of digital signal processing techniques in modern applications.
  • To introduce and familiarise students with analytical methods and simulation tools for system design and analysis.

Content

  • High-level digital systems design.
  • Fast arithmetic techniques.
  • Operations on digital signals.
  • Frequency analysis of digital signals and systems.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Knowledge of the key concepts which affect performance and limitations of modern digital system.
  • Knowledge on how to approach signals in the digital domain, and why their use is necessary in modern systems.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Techniques for designing synchronous and asynchronous digital systems.
  • Analysis of digital systems operation.
  • An awareness of current technology, analysis methods and industrial practises along with the ability to apply those methods in novel situations.
  • An in-depth knowledge and understanding of specialised and advanced technical and professional skills, an ability to perform critical assessment and review and an ability to communicate the results of their own work effectively.
Key Skills:
  • Capacity for self-learning in familiar and unfamiliar situations.
  • General problem solving skills.
  • Design skills appropriate to digital and real-time systems engineers.
  • Proficient use of information technology relevant to the engineering profession.
  • Specialised numerical skills appropriate to an engineer.
  • Mathematics relevant to the application of advanced engineering concepts.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The module content is delivered in lectures and is reinforced by problem sheets, equipping students with the required problem solving capability.
  • Students are able to make use of staff 'Tutorial Hours' to discuss any aspect of the module with teaching staff on a one-to-one basis. These are sign up sessions available for up to one hour per week per lecture course.
  • Digital Electronics is assessed by examination, which is appropriate because of the wide range of analytical, in-depth material covered in this module and allow students to demonstrate the ability to solve advanced problems independently.
  • Digital Signal Processing is assessed by summative continuous assessment, due to the practical nature of the material covered in lectures.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 30 Typically 1 per week 1 Hour 30
Tutorial Hours As required Weekly sign-up sessions Up to 1 Hour 10
Preparation and Reading 160
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Coursework Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Assignment 50%
Component: Examination Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Examination 2 hours 50% No

Formative Assessment:

N/A


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University