Overview

ECE 172 introduces students to sequential logic circuitry including counter circuits and finite state machines. Students are also introduced to programmable logic devices, memory chips and fundamentals of memory system design. Testing digital circuits (scan testing and boundary scan) are also covered. Transmission line effects in high speed digital circuits are presented.

Course structure:

• Lectures, 4 hours per week

• Weekly graded homework

• Labs, one 3-hour lab per week, run by TA, graded lab reports

• Two one hour tests and a final exam

• Grading criteria is strict percentage (no curves)

More information can be found in the course description:

https://www.pdx.edu/electrical-computer-engineering/ece-172-digital-systems

Required TA Skills

You need a solid background in the material covered in the course:

1. Module-n counter design

2. Finite state machine design (both Mealy and Moore); use of implication tables for state reduction

3. Memory devices; be able to extract timing information from datasheets

4. Programmable logic device architecture (PALs, GALs, FPGAs)

5. Linear feedback shift register design

6. Lab TAs must be comfortable talking to and working with a diverse group of students on both an individual and group basis.

TA Responsibilities

The TA position is either a 0.30 FTE or 0.49 FTE assignment. TAs with a 0.30 FTE assignment will only have lab responsibilities. TAs with a 0.49 FTE assignment will have both lecture and lab responsibilities.

Lab TAs are required to:

1. Work through lab experiments before the lab.

2. Attend the lab sections each week. Be present and help students the entire lab period.

3. Lab TAs need to be familiar with building circuits on breadboards and with the bench equipment in the circuits lab (specifically function generators, multimeters and the mixed-signal oscilloscopes). Must be able to help students troubleshoot their circuits and equipment problems.

4. Give an introduction to the lab, clarifying instructions and highlighting any important information students need to know.

5. Help students during each lab session, answering questions and checking each group's progress.

6. Grade student lab reports in a timely manner.

7. Be responsive to student's email questions.

8. Be in contact with the instructor and keep them informed of any problems in the lab.

Lecture TAs are required to:

1. Grade homework and exams in a timely manner.

2. Hold one office hour per week; be responsive to student email questions.

3. There may be additional responsibilities as needed by the instructor such as proctoring exams.

4. Be in contact with the instructor and keeping him informed of any problems observed in homework or office hours.