Incorporating simulation tools in the teaching of digital logic design

Digital logic design is an essential topic in the computer science curriculum. A major challenge in teaching the logic design is to have the students connect their theoretical knowledge with the practical experience. Many useful computer programs are available that can help overcome this issue while covering various aspects of the logic design. The programs range from simple simulators to advanced and specialized software. This paper presents our experience in selecting and incorporating a few simulation tools for teaching of the logic design. The improvement in the results of the course final examinations provide a solid evidence that using the simulation tools does benefit the students learning the logic design.