A Virtual Laboratory for Digital Design

Authors

  • Giuliano Donzellini DIBE - University of Genoa
  • Domenico Ponta DIBE - University of Genoa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijoe.v4i2.502

Keywords:

Circuit simulation, digital circuits, e-learning, virtual laboratory

Abstract


This paper presents a virtual laboratory for digital design, specifically conceived for educational application and for supporting project work both locally and at distance: the Deeds. It covers combinational and sequential logic networks, finite state machines, microcomputer interfacing and programming at assembly level. The virtual lab is based on three simulator integrated together, combined with a large repository of application projects, available on the web. The paper contains an example of a laboratory session, structured accordingly to the Project Based Learning methodology.

Author Biographies

Giuliano Donzellini, DIBE - University of Genoa

Giuliano Donzellini received the Laurea degree in electronic engineering from the University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy, in 1980. After a few years of working as an Engineer with Marconi Italiana, Genoa, he has been an Assistant Professor with the Department of Biophysical and Electronic Engineering, University of Genoa, since 1983. He has worked on automatic measurement, image analysis and process control systems, phase-locked digital systems, and speleological topographic surveying systems. Currently, he works on the development of simulation tools for digital electronics for educational applications. He is currently teaching on digital systems design. He has contributed his experience in several EU projects.

Domenico Ponta, DIBE - University of Genoa

Domenico Ponta received the Laurea degree in electronic engineering from the University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy, in 1976. After a few years spent in the U.S. with Stanford University and Telesensory Systems, Inc., he has been an Associate Professor of electronics with the Department of Biophysical and Electronic Engineering, University of Genoa, since 1987. Since 1990, he has been teaching on digital system design. His professional competence includes measurements on semiconductors, analog and digital circuit design, electrooptical systems, and electronic aids for visually impaired people. Currently, he works on the development of tools and systems specific for open and distance learning, which are applied to the field of engineering education in electronics. He has participated in several EU projects in this field of activity and carried out an extensive experimentation of network-based project learning.

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Published

2008-03-27

How to Cite

Donzellini, G., & Ponta, D. (2008). A Virtual Laboratory for Digital Design. International Journal of Online and Biomedical Engineering (iJOE), 4(2), pp. 5–11. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijoe.v4i2.502

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 2 (2008)

Section

Special Focus Papers