Using Spreadsheets for Teaching Principles of On-line Checking of Logic Circuits

This paper examines the use of spreadsheets as a tool for learning theoretical principles of concurrent error detection. Basic concepts of concurrent checking are presented by using specific spreadsheet templates. A matrix representation of a system of logical functions is used for this aim. A specific technique is described for constructing a logic simulator implementing this matrix representation. After the logic simulator construction, students are able to solve practical tasks due to understanding its theoretical basis. The proposed spreadsheet simulation approach for teaching the subject achieves the theoretical goal of the lesson by making use of practical student activities.