EEVblog #981 - Introduction To Digital Logic - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 09:33:27 pm
content: NEW screencast type tutorial!Let me know what you think.NOTE: The plan is at least several of these tutorial videos per week consistently. So on my main channel that frequency could swamp the other content, hence considering a new channel.An introduction to digital logic, digital vs analog, logic gates, logical operators, truth tables, timing diagrams, and the dreaded boolean algebra.

author: bktemp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 09:43:17 pm
content: I would put it on the main channel but use a different name like EEVwhiteboard to make it clear it is a video without any actual camera footage. So people shouldn't expect to see Dave on this type of video.It looks quite similar to previous whitheboard videos, so I think the overall style is ok.

author: NivagSwerdna
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 09:50:03 pm
content: Interesting. Twitter/Youtube seems to have recognised the video as DanishEnjoyed the video. It's obviously basic stuff but I'm sure there is demand and you have to start somewhere. Looking forward to you putting on your flip flops.IMHO It fits nicely on the channel. I was only watching "EEVblog #262 - World's Simplest Soft Latching Power Switch Circuit" earlier as I wanted to know a little bit about latches. Nice to have stuff like this in the back catalog.

author: Stupid Beard
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 10:00:45 pm
content: I've not watched the whole video yet but I think it's a good ideaIt worked well for the Khan Academy videos and others. It would be nice to have it mixed with bench stuff where appropriate, but as the video pointed out there's no reason that would be mutually exclusive.I don't have any preference as to whether it goes on main channel or a second channel so I said main channel for the poll since there was no option for like it but don't care which channel.

author: allanfort486
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 10:15:53 pm
content: I would watch these tutorials whichever channel they were on but I do like the idea of a dedicated cannel where one could study the subject matter without being distracted by other contentSent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 10:16:42 pm
content: Youtube poll is currently 75% keep on the main channelPerhaps I'm in a unique position to know that my audiencewillcomplain and scream blue murder if they suddenly see 2-3 of these videos popping up every week and swamping the other content. Even if the frequency and variety of the other content actually remains the same.I might start the new channel anyway and upload to both for now perhaps.Some have suggested playlists, and of course I'll do that, but most people actually don't use playlists, and Youtube's handing of them is kinda poor.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 10:17:53 pm
content: Quote from: allanfort486 on March 22, 2017, 10:15:53 pmThat's the idea. You only get tutorial content on the other channel. Same thing every time.

author: allanfort486
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 10:28:56 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 22, 2017, 10:17:53 pmIt will be interesting to see how this develops. I look forward to a repository that I can go back to as and when my understanding catches up with your teachings.Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

author: RGB255_0_0
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 10:35:35 pm
content: EEVFundamentals/EEVSchool. I think people would be more likely to complain if there were several uploaded per week, in which case a new channel would fit.

author: Avacee
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 10:37:39 pm
content: Probably going against the flow here but I prefer you with a whiteboard as there's far more interaction and personality than a bland soulless pad.On the whiteboard you can be more expressive and it's also easier to track your hand as the eye will naturally track to it within the conversational flow whereas on this pad/screencast one has to focus on tracking the cursor. This would be the case even if the cursor was made more prominent than in the video above. Not to say the pad is all bad as I'm sure there are items easier to show on the pad but, imho, many things are better on the whiteboard.As for the tutorialsand more please .. Not bothered which channel but ideally nicely indexed with playlists.Your style of presentation with practical demonstration of both what works and what doesn't (traps for young players) is far better than any other style.Please don't become another bland soulless theory only maths-fest channel - there are several already.

author: alien_douglas
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 10:51:08 pm
content: Nicely explained Dave.I did something similar for a group of work mates who call themselves IT geeks, but did not know anything about digital logic.. Go figure!! Where do we get these people.A few of them found it hard to grasp how such simple gates could form a complex device like a CPU.I used the analogy of Lego bricks. With only 4 different kinds of Lego bricks you can make virtually anything you like, as long as you have enough of them!!Maybe have a picture in picture included in these sorts of videos. It would be nice to see your smiling face in a corner of the screen instead of just drawings 'magically' appearing. Everyone's a critic! Sorry.Alien

author: woox2k
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 10:56:11 pm
content: I support the new idea. Watching Dave at a whiteboard or behind a DaveCAD drawing is bit more interesting to watch but if the new way fits Dave more I'm still okay and if the topic is interesting to me i will watch it. I did find this video interesting and watched it from the start to end even though there was nothing new to me... it was still interesting to watch like most Dave videos are.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 11:10:53 pm
content: Quote from: Avacee on March 22, 2017, 10:37:39 pmUnfortunately you can't have both.Whiteboard tutorials take more messing around, more setup time, more execution time, and they are less flexible.This means:a) Less enthusiam to do themandb) Less time to do them.QuoteThat's why I suggested a new channel.

author: allanfort486
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 11:12:29 pm
content: I like the idea of a picture in picture format but that might be problematic for dave to produce.Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 11:12:43 pm
content: Quote from: alien_douglas on March 22, 2017, 10:51:08 pmI've had complaints before that this is distracting. Now it seems many people are saying they prefer this?

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 11:14:39 pm
content: Quote from: allanfort486 on March 22, 2017, 11:12:29 pmIt's a bit messy with framing and eye angle, and you can't physically see if your face is covering any of the image.I might give it go and see which one people prefer.

author: lem_ix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 11:23:14 pm
content: I liked it,very condensed. Not sure if newbies that look for these tutorials the most get put off by the other videos? Probably fine if the playlists are organized.Maybe add your head for people that like the personal touch? I don't really care but can imagine the white background can test some people's concentration.Would be nice if there was at least a short clip of the logic ICs in action but I think people would pass on that if it would reduce the frequency of these videos.

author: xrunner
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 11:30:57 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 22, 2017, 10:16:42 pmI like it just fine. Yea you would put it in the playlist but people will still find it in other ways easily so they will be found by people needing the tutorial.

author: Avacee
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 12:31:43 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 22, 2017, 11:10:53 pmScreencast then.. could you try some different cursors please?. Thin black cross on thick black text was sometimes tricky to see. Understand it might be the best for you when working though.Please keep the practical demonstration and Traps for Youngs Players.It's your Unique Selling Point (urgh, hate marketing wankery) and what will differentiate you from the KhanAcademy style tutorials.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 01:48:10 am
content: Quote from: Avacee on March 23, 2017, 12:31:43 amThat is fixed in the Smoothdraw program I believe.QuoteBut sometimes (often) you just need to present the theory.

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 03:10:21 am
content: Now that you have the presentation sorted, how about a couple of lectures from the UNSW EE curriculum?Edit:Or University of Sydney. Take your pick:https://cusp.sydney.edu.au/students/view-degree-page/degree_id/449

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 03:48:43 am
content: Quote from: apelly on March 23, 2017, 03:10:21 amI always get a chuckle when I see "Fundamentals of Electrical and Electronic Engineering" in the2nd yearof the course.And I just did a 2nd year video

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 04:23:43 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 23, 2017, 03:48:43 amI thought that was pretty grim too. There's got to besomebone they can throw to the n00bs in year 1.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 04:59:48 am
content: I'm going to try a new idea for this, I'll do a demo on the 2nd channel and see how it works

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 06:54:24 am
content: DaveCAD!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCmEvuzokRY&feature=youtu.beAnd with talking head:

author: bktemp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 07:05:19 am
content: You should expand the poll to include the other variants.I don't like the DaveCAD variant, but I like the talking head. So I would vote for virtual whiteboard + talking head. It doesn't add any significant information to the video, but it makes it more pleasant to watch if you see who is talking to you.DaveCAD is good for some small schematics near a practical demonstration, but I don't like it for more detailed fundamental videos.

author: German_EE
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 07:20:42 am
content: Two thumbs up for the new format Dave, I like it a lot better than the old whiteboard lectures because it's easier to see. I couldn't personally make use of the information in this one as I have been working with logic for decades but I know that this stuff will be of use to the beginners.Oh, and keep it on this channel please.

author: oldnewb
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 07:37:37 am
content: Even though it consumes screen space, it's still nice to see the person that's talking. I think it's easier to lose the viewer's attention when there's nothing but writing and a disembodied voice.And DaveCAD is a fun gimmick, but I don't think it adds anything in exchange for the screen space it uses.

author: nugglix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 07:46:42 am
content: I voted for "keep it at the main channel" for a very simple reason:It's new and as it looks like now even Dave can't say if this format will stay.So why bother and waste time on it now?As Dave explained above, this format is a more complex to produce.So I think it would be a good idea to see if this holds true for the followingepisodes or if routine and familarization can reduce this kind of cost.In general I like the idea of more basic topics -- but that's because I'm a beginner.Length and the typical Dave style made this a nice watch and I'd really like to see moreepisodes done this way -- especially on more analog things (but thats me again).

author: anishkgt
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 08:43:40 am
content: Loved the basics. Good for ppl who are starting with electronics like myself. I'd love to see more of the basics like op-amp with real life examples but not complex. I would name these series of tutorials as THE DAVE SCHOOL OF ELECTRONICS Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

author: anishkgt
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 08:45:48 am
content: And the white board idea is very good too. Helps with following the cursor as you point out stuffs while explaining. If the cursor color was black or something that pops out it be even easier to follow it.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

author: Dubbie
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 09:04:33 am
content: How are you liking the Wacom Dave? Seems like you've gotten the hang of it pretty quick.

author: Barny
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 11:27:04 am
content: Thanks for the video.I would watch the video on every channel.But I would prefer when it would stay on the main channel, because its easier to find when you search for it later.If someone don't want to get educated, he / she haven't to watch it.And as a bonus, Dave will get more money when the videos get posted at the main channel.

author: jonovid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 11:41:05 am
content: good old logic circuitsmy suggestion is to make a video on diode steering TTL or cmos logic inside the gates.as for the video presentation, this is good, but add a dark border to improve contrast or invert to a blackboard. you may have too much on screen white over time.note- that a live eevblog whiteboard video has a border and Dave's head on the side for added contrast to the board white. also in live video, a whiteboard is often seen as off-white. or 90% - 80% white level.so to fix, IMO the border need only be 5% to 10% darker. pre plan your freehand drawing spacing so you do not end up squashing / going off screen or a big blank space. save time erasing / rubbing off, if you can? just cut or edit out to save time.I also like the use of inserted schematic art images. to save time & show the more complicated diagram blocks.as its not a whiteboard you can add more color, in your inserted schematic art images , but gust a suggestion,colors do change on a background. yellow will disappear & dark blue can look almost black. but invert to a blackboard and your red needs to be pink to look red on a dark background. yellow will look faded or white.do you need a separate channel? not IMO.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 11:42:58 am
content: Quote from: jonovid on March 23, 2017, 11:41:05 amThat's why pure white is very convenient.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 11:45:36 am
content: Quote from: Barny on March 23, 2017, 11:27:04 amHow so?Surely a new channel with just tutorial videos is better to search?

author: bibz
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 11:45:56 am
content: Thought it was bloody awesome! Same channel different channel doesn't matter, hit the sub button once, get everything. Its funny how some people can't grasp the 'I don't have to watch every second of every video if I'm not interested' but then again I'm glad theres different types in the world.

author: JPortici
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 11:52:05 am
content: I think it's more a 2nd channel type of content.. you are not being seen in the video, you are doing voice overs...the davecad one made me chuckle. really liked it

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 11:55:29 am
content: Quote from: bibz on March 23, 2017, 11:45:56 amYeah, I don't get it either.The 2nd channel has benefits though:a) If anything it's a good experiment to see how many people would actually sign up to a tutorial only channel, I'm kinda curious.b) People who sign up get what they want every time. This leads to higher sub/view ratios which the Google algorithm really likes. This might help snowball the channel and also get it further up in the rankings than just having it buried in my main channel.c) The other recommended videos from the channel will always be tutorials, i.e. exactly what people signed up for.d) No inevitable complaints about flooding my main channel.

author: Barny
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 12:35:58 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 23, 2017, 11:45:36 amI'm an old scatterbrain.I've big problems to remember where I heard the information.When I've to remember which person on which channel the information is placed, I'm lost.But, I'm ok with a separate channel.I hope, the old fundamental-videos will be shown on the new channel too.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 01:06:01 pm
content: I wouldn't get too precious about presentation 'tweaks'. One of the main reasons is very simple. Time.I would not want to advance any suggestion that will take additional effort - without there being a fairly significant benefit. "Dressing things up" could end up adding production time for every episode. The result would be a time impact on everything else for Dave.I think the people who would be watching would more likely be interested in the content.Keep it simple - and keep them coming.A separate channel would seem appropriate.JMHO

author: rrinker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 01:13:20 pm
content: I say, keep it on the main channel. Too many different channels I fear would lead to dilution - those that like tutorials the most will subscribe only to that channel, those that like teardowns the most would only subscribe to that channel. I only have my one little channel that maybe 3 people subscribed to to watch my train videos, so I may have it all wrong about how YouTube works when you create multiple channels - if it doesn't matter and what actually counts is the aggregate of all people signing up for all your channels, then I suppose it wouldn't matter.Perhaps after the whole additional host thing settles out and there's an EEVBlog Empire (just don't go all Palpatine) with a whole herd of hosts each producing content - then I can see multiple channels. Original EEVBlog channel with you only (and guests), and a channel for each of the various specialist topics that each host covers.For white screen tutorials like this - where appropriate, maybe add some camera work showing a practical demonstration of the fundamentals being explained on the drawing pad. Nothing fancy, quick and dirty breadboard level experiment to demonstrate the topic. In the event that a demo circuit would be somewhat complex, it doesn't even have to be built on camera, you could have it prepared ahead of time and bring it into the shot. Shooting sequence wouldn't matter, then demo parts could be recorded before or after the lesson, and inserted in the final cut where needed. It's hard to judge since in this case you happened to pick a topic I know very well (but I watched anyway), but for something I'm less familiar with, seeing an operating example of the theory being presented definitely improves my comprehension.

author: fab672000
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 01:14:52 pm
content: Great video Dave, surprised that nobody noted that:(A AND B) OR (NOT A AND B AND C)could probably be simplified as:1. (A AND B) OR (B AND C)Then if B is 0 then both 'AND' members are 0 then result is 0, hence it is equivalent to2. B AND (A OR C)Notes:a. parenthesis are optional in 1 but it reads betterb. to get a feel of intuitive simplificaiton of 1 ; think of 1 as if A is true then  else if A is not true then whatever can be simplified by a simple if else. (no second if needed)

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 01:40:14 pm
content: Quote from: fab672000 on March 23, 2017, 01:14:52 pmI mentioned a 2nd part is needed on Demorgan's theorem and other simplification techniques.Was too much for this video.

author: fab672000
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 01:54:30 pm
content: I hope i did not spoil (part of ) the suspense of next video then

author: lem_ix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 03:08:37 pm
content: DaveCAD has an EEVblog vibe, stick with that

author: MickF
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 03:31:38 pm
content: Great video Dave, I would like to see many more on a separate channel. The electronic whiteboard is great. Would like to see your face at the beginning & end of the Tutorial, but not picture in picture.

author: Windfall
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 10:29:43 pm
content: I'd say throw everything on the one channel. It's all in the labeling (descriptive titles, telling screenshots).I doubt that having a separately themed channel would make many people watch every one of the videos on that channel. Personally, I only watch all the mailbags (because they're unpredictably interesting). I don't watch any of the other 'themed' stuff consistently, for various reasons. Who does ?

author: mtdoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2017, 03:32:24 am
content: Big thumbs up on the concept.Keep it on the main channel - don't dilute your brand.Show your face at the beginning and end but no picture in picture - it distracts from the content. Content is king!

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2017, 04:19:52 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 23, 2017, 11:45:36 amThe current two channels do not really seem to have a clear distinction, especially if you take older videos into account, which makes searching for something you have seen a while back a bit hit and miss. Adding another channel would possibly compound that.Of course, this has to do with the format being tweaked and adjusted over time, but I have to admit that the current blog, blab, bant and second channel distinction is not really obvious to me either. Well, maybe the blogs, but the rest often seem interchangeable. I have wondered about that before.

author: yuzuha
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2017, 04:39:07 am
content: I like the Dave cad with head. You can look down to draw but then you can look up and talk to the camera while explaining the drawing, which gives it that personal touch!

author: W9GFO
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2017, 05:07:53 pm
content: I like it, and I think it should be on a new channel so that subscribers will be notified when a new tutorial is released - rather than being notified whenever any new video is released. I don't think that adding a new dedicated channel is dilution. Quite the opposite.A new channel dedicating to teaching deserves to be separated from the main "off the cuff", "no script, no fear, all opinion" channel.

author: Jeff1946
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2017, 05:17:03 pm
content: A point of interest: the Apollo guidance computer was made using 3 input nor gates, two per card, showing how with only one kind of gate all the logic for a computer could be constructed. This way it was easy to test cards and only one kind of spare card was needed.

author: rrinker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2017, 08:23:41 pm
content: They were NOR gates, not OR.Dave has hinted that he will be doing a followup video to get more into how that all works, but you can express any Boolean logic expression as only NOR (or only NAND).

author: RDSON
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 25, 2017, 10:42:19 am
content: Hi thereNice idea Dave.What about EEV-U for EEV UniversityWith categories and sub-categories covering the main topics of electronics like analog, digital, uC, control loop, embedded, signal theory and so on?Tagged beginner, intermadiate, expert?Keep going on Dave! I found out almost everybody knows and follows you at the office. We like the knowldege sharing, you've got great expertise and we always learn something - or enjoy the EE entertainement (especially the "sniff sniff ... it smells ....")Regardsrdson

author: bitwelder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 25, 2017, 11:12:43 am
content: My opinion:new format: yes, nice to see something on the level of the Fundamentals FridaysDaveCAD background: yes, much better than boring plain white (and it adds some personal 'branding' if screenshots are sent around the interwebs)Dave's talking head: meh. personally I don't need it. Perhaps Dave's head could show up when there is an explanation of some special note to make.Main channel: ok. IMHO it is content that it's fit for the main channel. Maybe start on main channel and wait the feedback if it has has to be cast out to a separate one.Regarding the 1st episode: did Dave said a couple of times NAND when meaning AND?

author: g.lewarne
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2017, 12:09:23 am
content: Thanks DaveI have never had a career in the sort of electronics you (and other here) do for a living, and its mostly fond memories of me doing real electronics as a kid that brings me here.I really, REALLY liked the format of this video. It was as educational as I expected but without the clutter and distractions of some of your others. Please, keep it up and do more like this. I thought it was great.I would suggest it has its own channel though - and my name suggestion is "EEVBoardBlog"Thanks!

author: Cerebus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2017, 12:59:15 am
content: Quote from: anishkgt on March 23, 2017, 08:43:40 amIf Dave was a slightly more typical Aussie bloke I'm sure that there's a play on beer or utes to be had in the name but alas. So, I offer up "Dave's School of Electronics and Multimeter Canyoning*" (obviously in the vein of "Dr Dobb's Journal of Computer Callisthenics and Orthodonture").* See videos passim.

author: Cerebus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2017, 01:04:04 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 23, 2017, 11:55:29 amI think you've got your answer there. Us here, we're (well most of us) flexible and will probably follow the content wherever you put it. On the other hand Google isn't flexible.

author: Cerebus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2017, 01:25:47 am
content: As far as Picture-in-Picture goes I'm agnostic but I'd make one suggestion if you do go down this route - put the narrator in the bottom right-hand corner.I don't know why but the test you did above with you in the upper left just looks wrong, and when I thought about it all the professional broadcasts I've ever seen with a narrator PIP or a signing PIP have had it in the bottom right hand. This may just be a convention or there may be a good reason for it that I don't know. All I can say is that the top left just looked wrong.

author: Nobody2
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2017, 03:51:36 pm
content: I do like the clean look of the screen capture, but it's a bit boring not having Dave and his body language in the video. I expect there might be certain topics where the tablet (?) and screen capture offer an advantage, but other than that I would prefer the whiteboard or DaveCad version for a tutorial like this.However, the new format can be compressed better and is therefore useful for storage.

author: Jacko
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2017, 02:08:20 pm
content: No new channel... some of us barely have time to follow one channel!

author: STCLSC
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 04, 2017, 03:19:51 pm
content: Dave, you do miracles. I am student and i learn so much from you. The way you explain is perfect, much better than my teachers at school Please dont stop this great tutorials!

author: strangersound
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 04, 2017, 03:28:42 pm
content: These are good companions to this tutorial (Computerphile):Why use binary?:AND OR NOT:XOR & the Half Adder: