ABSTRACT
This chapter explores combinational and sequential Boolean logic design as well as technologies for implementing efficient, high-speed digital circuits. Some of the most common devices used in computers and general logic circuits are described. Sections 16.2 through 16.4 introduce the fundamental concepts of logic circuits and in particular the rules and theorems upon which combinational logic, logic with no internal memory, is based. Section 16.5 describes in detail some frequently used combinational logic components, and shows how they can be combined to build the Arithmetic and Logical Unit (ALU) for a simple calculator. Section 16.6 introduces the subject of sequential logic, logic in which feedback and thus internal memory exist. Two of the most important elements of sequential logic design, the data flip-flop and the register, are introduced. Memory elements are combined with the ALU to complete the design of a simple calculator. The final section of the chapter examines field-programmable gate arrays that now provide fast, economical solutions for implementing large logic designs for solving diverse problems.
