Mechatronics 1: Digital Logic

Welcome to Digital Logic & Interfacing

This module introduces the foundational principles of digital logic, the language of computers and microcontrollers. Unlike continuous analog signals, digital logic uses discrete binary values (0s and 1s) to process information. Understanding this is essential for designing control systems and interfacing with sensors and actuators. In this interactive guide, you will explore the building blocks of digital circuits, from simple logic gates to complex sequential circuits and communication protocols.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify and describe the functionality of common logic gates.
  • Apply Boolean algebra to simplify logic expressions.
  • Differentiate between combinational and sequential logic circuits.
  • Understand how microcontrollers use digital I/O and communication protocols.

Logic Gate Sandbox

A:
0
B:
0

Live Truth Table

Output (Y) = A · B

0

Circuit Explorer

Boolean Algebra Simplifier

Boolean algebra helps reduce complex circuits. Let's simplify the expression from the homework:

F = (A · B) + (A · B')

Sequential Logic: D Flip-Flop

A D Flip-Flop stores the value of input 'D' when the 'Clock' transitions. It "remembers" the state.

Input D

0

Output Q

0

Microcontroller Interfacing

Digital Input/Output Example

This simulates reading a button press (digital input) and turning on an LED (digital output) with a microcontroller.

Control

Button:
3.3V --[ R ]--+-- MCU Pin (Input) HIGH
           |
          [Switch]-- GND

MCU Pin (Output) --|>|--[ R ]-- GND
LED:

Knowledge Check