Basic computer structure, including arithmetic, memory, control, and input/output units; the trade-offs between hardware, instruction sets, speed, and cost. Laboratory experiments involving machine language programming and I/O interfacing using microcomputers. Prereq: CS 410 or CS 415; ECE 543. Lab.

Design methodologies for implementing digital systems in programmable logic. Covers topics related to the design, implementation, and testing of programmable logic devices. Students are introduced to the Very-High-Speed Hardware Description Language (VHDL) entry language and simulation procedures, along with common logic synthesis tools. Programmable logic families, device architectures, and testing procedures are covered in detail. Laboratory exercises lead the student through the complete programmable logic design cycle. Each student is required to prototype a digital system starting with VHDL entry, functional and timing simulations, logic synthesis, device programming, logic probing, and systems verification. Prereq: ECE 562. Lab.

Maxwell's equations in integral and differential form with applications to static and dynamic fields. Uniform plane waves in free space and material media. Boundary conditions; simple transmission line theory; parallel plate and rectangular waveguides; simple radiating systems. Prereq: PHYS 408; ECE 602.

Principles of VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) systems at the physical level. CMOS circuit and logic design, CAD tools, CMOS system case studies. Students exercise the whole development cycle of a VLSI chip: design and layout with the up-to-date commercial EDA tools. An IA (continuous grading) grade is given at the end of semester I.