The digital systems laboratory at UCSB: an evolutionary progression

A history of the digital design laboratory at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) is presented. The laboratory has undergone a continual evolutionary development since its inception almost 20 years ago. A key feature throughout this progression has been the use of computers as an element in digital systems, with resulting emphasis on the interfacing of devices to computers. The curriculum in the laboratory has stressed design, with great freedom allowed the student as to what to put in hardware and what in software. The laboratory has been the beneficiary of considerable support from industry, as well as from UCSB. The results have included raves from graduates, employers, and ABET regarding the design skills of the students