FPGA Design for Embedded Systems Specialization Course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview (80-120 words) describing structure and time commitment.
Module 1: Introduction to FPGA Design for Embedded Systems
Estimated time: 18 hours
- Understand the architecture and history of Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs)
- Explore applications of FPGAs in embedded systems
- Learn the FPGA development flow: specification, synthesis, simulation, compilation, programming, and debugging
- Design basic logic circuits using Look-Up Tables (LUTs)
Module 2: Hardware Description Languages for FPGA Design
Estimated time: 20 hours
- Learn to design circuits using VHDL and Verilog
- Write and simulate hardware descriptions
- Use test benches to verify design correctness
- Compare VHDL and Verilog for FPGA development
Module 3: FPGA Development Tools
Estimated time: 20 hours
- Gain proficiency in state-of-the-art FPGA software tools
- Perform simulation and debugging of FPGA designs
- Implement and analyze synthesized circuits
- Utilize internal logic analyzers for verification
Module 4: FPGA Softcore Processors and IP Acquisition
Estimated time: 20 hours
- Understand soft processors and Intellectual Property (IP) cores in FPGA design
- Design custom soft processors
- Integrate soft processors with peripherals
- Verify designs using simulation tools
Module 5: System-on-Chip (SoC) Design
Estimated time: 20 hours
- Create a working SoC design with a Nios II soft processor
- Integrate RAM, FLASH memory, and peripherals
- Develop hardware-software co-design techniques
- Validate SoC functionality through simulation and programming
Module 6: FPGA Capstone: Building FPGA Projects
Estimated time: 20 hours
- Apply knowledge to create a complete FPGA-based project
- Develop both hardware and software components
- Submit project files and lab notebooks for grading
Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of digital logic and circuits
- Familiarity with programming concepts
- Access to required FPGA development tools and hardware
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Understand FPGA architecture and development workflows
- Design and simulate digital circuits using VHDL and Verilog
- Use industry-standard FPGA development tools
- Integrate softcore processors and IP cores in FPGA designs
- Build and validate complete FPGA-based embedded systems