•  Digital Electronics

     Course Description: Digital electronics is the study of electronic circuits that are used to process and control digital signals. In contrast to analog electronics, where information is represented by a continuously varying voltage, two discrete voltages or logic levels represent digital signals. This distinction allows for greater signal speed and storage capabilities and has revolutionized the world of electronics.

    While many students may have been exposed to basic circuits and electricity in a science course, Digital Electronics is typically a unique experience for students because of its focus on understanding and implementing circuit design skills. The course is planned for a rigorous pace, and it is likely to contain more material than a skilled teacher new to the course will be able to complete in the first iteration. Building enthusiasm for rigorous exploration of electronics and circuit design for students is a primary goal of the course.

    Course Units: (Subject to change due to COVID-19)

    Unit 1 Foundations in Electronics:

    • Introduction to Electronics
    • Introduction to Circuit Design

    Unit 2 Combinational Logic:

    • AOI Combinational Logic Circuit Design
    • Alternative Design: Universal Gates and K-Mapping
    • Specific Combinational Logic Designs
    • Introduction to Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs)

    Unit 3 Sequential Logic:

    • Sequential Logic Circuit Design
    • Asynchronous Counters
    • Synchronous Counters

    Unit 4 Controlling Real World Systems:

    • Introduction to State Machines
    • Introduction to Microcontrollers

    Materials Needed for DE:

    • ½ - 1 Inch 3 ring binder

    Assessment Standards / Grading Practices: Grades will be calculated on a point basis.  Depending on the assignment or project will determine the point value assigned.  Daily work and participation grades will be based on completion of the engineering notebook, portfolio, or homework.  Quizzes, cumulative unit exams and a National PLTW DE Assessment will be given during the 40-week course. All assignments are due on the date that is given. Any assignment turned in after that point will be penalized for being late. Work that is being submitted late will not be accepted after one week of the due date.  Work submitted on time may be resubmitted to earn credit until the end of that marking period the assignment is due in.

    College Credit Opportunity: (Subject to change due to COVID-19) RIT offers PLTW students the opportunity to receive 3 undergraduate credits for five PLTW courses:  Introduction to Engineering Design (Design & Drawing for Production), Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Principles of Engineering, Digital Electronics, and Civil Engineering & Architecture.

    To qualify, students must earn a stanine score of 6 or higher on the end-of-year exam (6 equals a C; 7 equals a B; 8 and 9 equal an A), and have a class average of 85% or higher. The cost for each course is $225 and each course is worth three semester credits.

    *All students will already be taking the National PLTW IED Assessment at the end of the course which is one requirement for RIT college credits. More Details will follow towards the end of the year and will be sent home with students in the course.

    General Student Expectations: Please keep in mind that all classroom rules, and expectations must be followed whether in a physical classroom or in an online environment.

    • All students are expected to follow rules in student handbook.
    • All classroom rules, and expectations must be followed whether in a physical classroom or in an online environment.
    • Come prepared. (Pencil, engineering notebook, etc.)
    • Be on time to class.
    • Participate and be kind and respectful in classroom/online discussions.
    • Follow and use the lab and classroom rules.
    • NO FOOD OR DRINK IS ALLOWED AT ANY TIME! (Water is okay)
    • Students are not permitted to access the storage areas without instructor permission.
    • Attending class is absolutely crucial since the CAD lab is only of open for a certain amount time after school and it will be very easy to fall behind if class is missed consistently.  Checking for missed assignments is your responsibility.
    • Yes, we all know that electronics are allowed in school, but their use in the classroom is by the teacher’s discretion.  There is no reason why your phone should be out during instructional time.  There will be times where you will need to use your phone to take pictures to document your projects.
    • Students are expected to stay in the classroom during class time and are especially expected to remain seated.  If you should need to use the restroom, the instructor must give a hall pass. Do not abuse bathroom privileges. One Student out of the classroom at a time.

    Disciplinary Action:Any act(s) of plagiarism will result in a grade of ZERO for all parties involved in that project and a phone call home to parents.  Any student who is disruptive in class, late, or insubordinate will receive a teacher detention (1 day after school 10th period).  If the student continues to disrupt class, arrive late, or insubordinate will be written up and a phone call home to parents.  If the student continues any of the above, the matter will be brought to the attention of the guidance counselors and administration and a parent/teacher conference will be requested.  In addition, all school guidelines found in the student handbook regarding discipline will be enforced. 

     

    If you have any questions concerning this course, please do not hesitate to contact me via email. Thank you for your cooperation.  I look forward to working with your son or daughter.

    Respectfully,

    Mr. Taber