Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The following are questions that I get asked too frequently and wanted an
alternate place to jot down my responses. These are my opinions and they
are just helpful guidelines to help you in this course. Many of these
questions are actual questions students have asked me. Unfortunately, I
cannot remember the exact person who stated them, so I, unfortunately, cannot
quote the author of the question - sorry.
Why do you teach Karnaugh Maps when you also teach how to use a computer to simplify Boolean expressions. Isn't this a waste?
Great question. K-maps are the backbone of most programs that simplify logic. Even the most advanced programs, like espresso, use the principles within Karnaugh or K-maps to simplify POS and SOP expressions. Therefore, I highly urge you to learn the K-map techniques I discuss in class. In fact, I take off points when you don't show your work simplifying the logic. And, 9 times out of 10, most people cannot simplify Boolean expressions correctly without using a K-map. More importantly, K-maps are actually asked quite often in job interviews, so its in your best interest to learn them!
Why are we learning the MIPS architecture when it seems like I don't know operands well or its covered in another course.
The main point of using the MIPS processor is that it teaches the ideas of digital system design. You are always asked to design a digital part that accomplishes a certain task. Therefore, you should always think in terms of this. That is, what logic would I need to accomplish "this" function. You are actually designing a digital part that will be inserted into this digital system to give it more functionality. I am not asking you to understand all the features of the MIPS processor. I just want you to know that it processes commands or instructions that tell the digital logic to process the computation.
What Xilinx Software should I install?
You should always install the ISE software with Modelsim XE. You can get the software from http://www.xilinx.com. I believe you have to click download on the upper top right of this web page.
Why are Finite State Machines (FSMs) different than Combinational Logic?
The reason FSMs are different, both in functionality and their methodology of design, is that they require a clock to differentiate what is "now", what is in the "past" and what is in the "future". Combinational Logic does not have this requirement. Its always easiest to use the actual definitions of sequential logic versus combinational logic discussed in class and found in your text book.
Did you actually wear a Santa Claus outfit during class last year?
Yes!
Where are the scanned lecture notes and do I have take notes in class?
I scan my notes that lecture with during class. Its sort of like using the blackboard, but I scan the sheets I show the class during lecture. I will, most often, get these scanned lectures up within a day or two. But, I find that students learn more when they take their own notes and use the scanned lectures to help supplement their own notes. However, the choice whether you want to take notes or not is your choice. All of the scanned lecture notes are available on the class website by using the navigation links on the left-hand side of this web page. Just click "Lecture Slides".
Are quizzes and homeworks in the class important when the book has answers to the odd-numbered questions?
This is one of the most important questions you can ask. Every year, I get get students who don't take the quizzes seriously or forget to complete a couple of homeworks and complain when they get a B for the course even though they have a 89. I will not bump students up to the next grade, therefore, the grade is yours to earn. I strongly urge you to complete all homeworks and attend every Tuesday lecture to take the quizzes. You can also drop the two lowest quiz grades, which gives room to some of you who miss a lecture or two during the semester. But, be warned! The grades are final at the end of the semester unless I make a mistake (which is rare).
Why do you love this class so much?
I think this is one of the most fundamental courses in Electrical and Computer Engineering. I absolutely love this topic and my enthusiasm sometimes gets the best of me. Also, 99% of consumer electronics in the market is now composed of digital parts (including cell-phones). So, not only can you learn a cool topic, but you can actually make real-time systems that everyone uses.
