Basics of system hardware design. Hierarchical design using the top-down and bottom-up methodology. System partitioning techniques, interfacing between system components. Handling multiple clock domains, Synchronous, and asynchronous design styles. The interface between synchronous and asynchronous blocks. Meta-stability and techniques for handling it. Interfacing linear and digital systems, data conversion circuits. Design of finite state machines, state assignment strategies. Design and optimization of pipelined stages. Use of data flow graphs, Critical path analysis, retiming and scheduling strategies for performance enhancement. Implementation of DSP algorithms.Signal integrity and high-speed behavior of interconnects: ringing, cross talk, and ground bounce. Layout strategies at IC and board level for local and global signals. Power supply decoupling; Test strategies: Border Scan, Built-In Self Test, and signature analysis.