Digital and Analogue System Design · SHS3 Robotics

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 3.2.1.LI.2 - Analyse a given real-world scenario and build a circuit that uses a number of inputs to control a given number of outputs.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Analyse a given real-world scenario and identify the functional requirements, inputs, and outputs needed for a combinational circuit.
Construct a truth table that maps all possible input combinations to the required outputs for the scenario.
Simplify a Boolean expression derived from the truth table using an appropriate simplification approach (Boolean algebra or Karnaugh map).
Build and test a working combinational circuit on a breadboard that satisfies the scenario’s requirements.
Evaluate their design against the original problem, troubleshoot faults, and document improvements made during the process.

This lesson builds directly on Week 12 where learners reverse-engineered black-box circuits. It extends that work by having them analyse a problem statement and design a circuit from scratch, stopping at the point where the next slot will cover more complex multi-output systems.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Robot Design Methodologies (Strand 2)
Sub-strand: Digital and Analogue System Design (2.1)
Content standard: 3.2.1.CS.1 - 3.2.1.CS.1 Demonstrate practical skills in the design and implementation of combinational digital systems that solve actual problems. 3.2.1.LO.1 Reverse engineer an existing combinational circuit and implement similar circuits or improved versions.
Indicator: 3.2.1.LI.2 - Analyse a given real-world scenario and build a circuit that uses a number of inputs to control a given number of outputs.
Suggested placement: Semester 2, Week 13 (Week 33 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 162

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Project-Based Learning: Work in groups to design combinational circuits for given use cases. The following steps may be adopted:
- Gather and document the functional requirements of the circuit and determine the inputs as well as the outputs.
- Discuss how the inputs route to or drive the outputs and present your discussion in a Truth table. For complex circuits, try breaking the design into modules or sub-circuits.
- Use a simplification approach of your choice to optimise the circuit(s).
- Evaluate designs and make changes where necessary.
- Build and test the final design and troubleshoot where necessary.

Assessment (3.2.1.AS.2). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 3 Strategic reasoning.

Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Oscilloscope, virtual laboratory with required software installed
- Flow charts
- Design narratives
- Online resources
- Pictures
- Circuit and breadboards
- Access to the lab with requisite tools (multimeters, soldering iron, glue guns, screwdrivers, etc.)