CAE and case studies applied to teaching digital systems design

A two-semester, senior-level course sequence has been developed which gives students theoretical and hands-on experience in the design of custom digital hardware and custom embedded microprocessor systems using current computer-aided design tools and techniques. A year-long class project guides students through the design of a complete digital system. Current topics related to digital systems design and implementation are presented in lectures using major parts of the project as case studies illustrating key concepts. A dedicated laboratory centered on four UNIX workstations gives students practical experience. Laboratory assignments involve using an integrated computer-aided engineering (CAE) environment for creating, simulating, and documenting designs related to the class project. Further reinforcement occurs as students implement parts of their design and gain skills in troubleshooting