ELX304 – Electronic Systems

ELX304 – Electronic Systems 
Individual Coursework Assignment 
Digital Design 
 
SUBMISSION ONLINE on 13/10/2024 via CANVAS 
 
Introduction 
 
This coursework exercise will provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate the skills you 
have developed throughout the first half of the module. Specifically, the following learning 
outcomes will be assessed: 
1. Have a critical knowledge of the design of complex multivariable combinational and 
sequential logic circuits 
2. Have the ability to apply digital design principles to practical problems. 
This coursework contributes 50% to the overall module mark. 
 
Design Problem: 
Task 1 : Synchronous Design Problem 
The following is a model of a control system for the robot shown. The circuit inputs are the 
proximity sensor outputs (S1S2) which are a logic high when an obstacle is detected. The outputs 
(Z1Z2) are the forward drive signals to the robot’s motors where a logic high represents ‘drive’ 
and a logic low ‘brake’. 
 
Robot (viewed from above)  
 
a. Determine any operational limitations that are present in the above solution. 
 [ 5%] 
b. Design a minimal Synchronous solution to the above problem using D-type flip-flops.
 [40%] 
c. Produce a simulation of the system using suitable software. [15%] 
 
Task 2 : Asynchronous Design Problem 
A proposed new robot has only a single proximity sensor (Z) and avoids an obstacle by continuing 
to rotate in the same direction until the sensor signal is lost (Z=0). If the control strategy is to 
alternate rotation in the sequence left-right-left-etc., develop a minimal race-free asynchronous 
solution. [40%] 
 
Student Submission. 
The maximum marks obtainable for each section of the assessment are shown above, in order 
to achieve good marks, it is necessary to demonstrate an in depth understanding of the 
problem and the design procedures involved. 
You may choose your preferred method of submission, either: 
a) A full design document that shows all of the details of how your solution was developed 
and answers the questions posed. This document should be no more than 10 pages long 
and does not need long introductions or narratives. 
 
b) A video presentation where you talk through your design and answer the questions. 
This should be edited using the reView and Panopto software within Canvas. The video 
should not last longer than 10 minutes. 
 
ALL STUDENTS WILL NEED TO SUBMIT THE PROJECT SIMULATION FILE WITH THE 
CORRECT FORMAT. 
 
FURTHER INFORMATION 
Extension requests 
Requests for extensions should be directed to the module leader in the first instance. If your 
module leader is unavailable, you can contact your programme leader in their absence to request 
an extension. For further information on the regulations governing extensions of assessment 
deadlines, see here. Note that if you submit your work late without an agreed extension, this will 
be recorded as a non-submission. 
Extenuating circumstances 
In situations where a short extension may not suffice, the University of Sunderland has a 
procedure to deal with events which affect your work, but which are not predictable and are 
beyond your control, for example, illness, enabling you to defer a piece of work (and submit it at 
a later assessment point). 
Important note: You should note that the policy (like that of many universities) takes the view 
that by sitting an examination or handing in an assessment, students have deemed themselves 
fit, and no subsequent claim for extenuating circumstances will be considered. The Faculty will 
publish deadline for the submission of such claims prior to the assessment and it is important 
that you are aware that such claims must be made by the deadline, as after it has passed, a claim 
will not be considered unless there are exceptional circumstances. 
For further information on the regulations governing consideration of extenuating 
circumstances, guidance on extenuating circumstances and details of how to apply, see here 
Academic misconduct 
All work submitted is expected to be your own work. Common forms of academic misconduct 
include plagiarism and collusion, but are not limited to these. The penalties for academic 
misconduct can be very serious. If you are unsure what academic misconduct is, you should 
contact the module leader or your personal tutor to discuss it. Please familiarise yourself with 
the University’s Guide to Academic Integrity and Misconduct and the University’s Academic 
Misconduct Regulations, available here.