VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

402-0248-00L 4 Credits BSC , DR , MSC D-PHYS
You're viewing possible stale or outdated data. Please check the latest semester for more up-to-date information.

Electronics for Physicists II (Digital)

Lecturers & Examiners: PD Dr. Yves Marc Acremann
Number of participants limited to 30.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:41:53

Abstract

The course will start with logic and finite state machines. These concepts will be applied in practical exercises using FPGAs. Based on this knowledge we will cover the working principles of microprocessors. We will cover combined systems where a micro processor is used for the complex parts and specialized logic on the FPGA is in charge of processing time-critical signals.

Objective

The goal of this lecture is to give an overview over digital electronic design needed for timing and data acquisition systems used in physics. After this lecture you will have the knowledge to design digital systems based on FPGAs and microcontrollers.

Content

The goal of this lecture is to give an overview over digital electronic design needed for timing and data acquisition systems used in physics. After this lecture you will have the knowledge to design digital systems based on FPGAs and micro controllers. Contents: Combinational logic Flip-Flops Binary representations of numbers, binary arithmetic Counters, shift registers Hardware description languages (mostly VHDL) Field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) From algorithm to architecture Finite state machines Buses (parallel, serial) The SPI bus Digital signal processing The sampling theorem Z-transform, Digital filters Frequency conversion The microprocessor (illustrated on an open-source implementation of the RISC-V microprocessor) SPI bus with a micro controller Combined systems: FPGA for the time critical part, processor for the user interface System-on-chip (FPGA based)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
ungraded semester performance
A project must be completed and presented.

Registration & Places

Max Places
30

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Electronics for Physicists II (Digital)
  • Fri 12:45-16:30 (HPT C 103)
4 h weekly

Offered In