Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/fpga-intro
Are you fascinated by the idea of hardware that can change its behavior on the fly to meet user or environmental demands? If so, Coursera’s ‘FPGA computing systems: Background knowledge and introductory materials’ is the perfect course for you. This course dives deep into the world of Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and their role in creating adaptive computing systems.
The syllabus is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding, starting with a high-level view of adaptive computing systems and the escalating complexity of modern computing. It then introduces the concept of reconfigurable computing as a powerful middle ground between general-purpose processors and application-specific integrated circuits, highlighting its flexibility and performance benefits.
A significant portion of the course is dedicated to explaining the inner workings of FPGAs themselves, from their programmable logic components and interconnects to the low-level details of configuration and bitstream composition. The course doesn’t shy away from the practicalities, offering examples of how to configure an FPGA, abstracting the underlying complexities to give you a foundational understanding of the design process.
As you progress, you’ll learn about different models of reconfiguration and explore advanced topics like Partial Dynamic Reconfiguration, which allows for targeted updates to an FPGA’s functionality without disrupting the entire system. The course also provides valuable insights into the design flows and the evolution of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools used in FPGA development, even sharing the instructor’s personal journey and research insights.
Finally, the course concludes by looking towards the future, discussing the cutting edge of reconfigurable computing, including FPGAs in cloud infrastructures and emerging research opportunities. This course is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to understand and potentially work with the dynamic and adaptable nature of FPGA technology.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/fpga-intro