Key facts
UNE unit code: PHYS511
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information

Equip yourself with the technical skills required to analyse and design digital electronic systems.
Studying this unit, you will explore topics such as logic gates, flip-flops, counters, de/multiplexers, de/encoders, buses and microprocessors.
You will learn to design digital combination logic circuits, apply sequential logic circuits, and explore the essential characteristics of serial and parallel data transmission.
In addition to learning the theories, you will gain practical experience using an online simulation tool.
PHYS511 covers the material in greater depth and includes an additional topic on programmable gate arrays.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
The unit will have a practical component. To carry out the practical work you will need access to a computer and install software.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- using specialised cognitive and technical skills, design digital combination logic circuits up to 4 inputs;
- from advanced understanding of logic circuits, design and apply sequential logic circuits - counters registers, shift-registers;
- using a broad understanding of logic circuits, apply binary number addition and subtraction theory to the corresponding circuit implementation;
- by applying knowledge and expert skills, describe the essential characteristics of serial and parallel data transmission;
- with expert technical skills, program microprocessor hardware using a PC-based programming design environment; and
- analyse, interpret and describe logically and coherently a digital system comprising a range of signal types, component types and processes.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Three (3) assignments requiring short answers and/or calculations. |
| Assessment 2 - Online quizzes | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Three (3) online quizzes. |
| Assessment 3 - Simulation | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Hurdle Task. Five (5) practical assignments. |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Hurdle Task. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Digital Systems, Global Edition, eBook
ISBN: 9781292162010
Tocci, R., Widmer, N. and Moss, G., Pearson 12th ed. 2016
Text refers to: All offerings
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