Combinational Logic (SQA HN Unit DG3C 34)

This Unit has been designed to allow you to develop knowledge, understanding and skills associated with combinational logic, which is the basis of digital electronics and underpins more advanced work in this area of study.
The early part of the Unit deals with the basic elements of digital electronics and should provide you with a good grounding in this subject area. For those who have studied digital in an earlier course this Unit will provide an opportunity for revision.

The Unit will enable you to interpret manufacturers data sheets for a range of TTL and CMOS devices and hence provide you with the knowledge to select the most appropriate device for a particular application. On completion of the Unit you should be able to read and draw circuit diagrams containing standard digital devices.
The Unit will also enable you to analyse a problem and write the appropriate logic expression which meets the design requirement. You will also learn to use truth tables, Karnaugh maps and DeMorgan’s theorems to produce the most economic design to meet the application requirements.

You will also be able to use computer software to simulate and test your design solution for functional accuracy.
By the end of the Unit you will be expected to design and construct circuits which meet stated design requirements using the minimum number of devices. You should be able to check, using logic measuring equipment, that the circuit meets the design brief.

The final assessment will take the form of a short answer written test paper, lasting two hours, taken under supervised, controlled closed book conditions. You will not be allowed to take notes, textbooks etc into the assessment. You will however have access to device data sheets. In order to allow you to show evidence of practical expertise, there will be a design and construct exercise where you will be expected to design and build a circuit to perform a specified function. This latter exercise is likely to be conducted in a laboratory at a different time from the written assessment and will last no more than three hours.

Credit points and level: 1 HN credit at SCQF level 7: (8 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 7).

This is a self study course which means you can study at home, workplace or wherever you choose at times that are convenient for you. You do not have any classes to attend.

The materials for this course are provided as web-pages for you to work through online. As you progress through the course materials you will find written explanations of each feature, followed by practical exercises.

You will be supported throughout the course by a specialist Distance Learning Tutor. Your tutor will contact you (via your College email account) within 7-10 working days of receiving your welcome letter and materials. As you progress they will continue to make regular contact to offer support and guidance, usually by e-mail but sometimes by phone, to ensure you are making good progress and to support your learning throughout. Please note that you must be able to study independently through the course materials.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

It is recommended that the assessment for all four Outcomes in this Unit are combined into one assessment paper and a practical exercise. The paper should be taken by candidates at one single assessment event, which should last two hours. The practical design exercise should be no more than three hours but at the discretion of the centre. The assessment paper could be composed of a suitable balance of short answer, restricted response and structured questions. Assessment should be conducted under controlled, supervised conditions. It should be noted that candidates must achieve all the minimum evidence specified for each Outcome in order to pass the Unit.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Candidates should have a basic knowledge of digital electronic engineering. This may be evidenced by the possession of Higher Electronics, Intermediate 2 Electronic and Electrical Fundamentals or the following National Qualification Units: E9S3 04 Combinational Logic; and E9SB 12 Logic Families and Digital System Analysis.