Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/intro-fpga-design-embedded-systems
In the ever-evolving landscape of electronic systems, Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) have emerged as a dominant force, steadily replacing traditional general-purpose processors and ASICs, especially in high-performance applications. If you’re looking to understand this critical technology and gain hands-on experience, Coursera’s ‘Introduction to FPGA Design for Embedded Systems’ course, offered by CU Boulder, is an excellent choice.
This comprehensive course delves into the core concepts of programmable logic, starting with a foundational understanding of its history and architecture. You’ll learn to differentiate between FPGAs, CPLDs, ASSPs, and ASICs, trace the historical development of programmable logic, and even design basic logic circuits like adders and multipliers using Look-Up Tables (LUTs). This initial module sets a strong groundwork for the more advanced topics to come.
The second module dives straight into the practicalities of FPGA design by guiding you through the installation and use of sophisticated design tools. You’ll navigate the standard FPGA design flow, create a pipelined multiplier using Intel Altera’s Quartus Prime Development Suite, and learn crucial verification techniques with ModelSim and RTL Viewer. The inclusion of the TimeQuest timing analyzer is particularly valuable for understanding and achieving timing closure, a critical aspect of high-performance design.
Module three shifts focus to the diverse architectures of FPGAs, exploring the nuances of SRAM-based, FLASH-based, and Anti-Fuse technologies. You’ll gain insights into the pros and cons of each, enabling you to make informed decisions about the best FPGA type for specific design requirements. The survey of modern FPGA architectures, from basic logic cells to complex Intellectual Property (IP) blocks, provides a holistic view of the hardware landscape.
Finally, the course culminates in module four with practical application, enhancing the design from module two. You’ll learn to integrate IP blocks, perform pin assignments, and generate programming files. The emphasis on design productivity through techniques like pipelining and the use of system design tools like Qsys is a significant takeaway. The highlight of this module is undoubtedly the creation of a NIOS II softcore processor design, offering a powerful way to customize processors for specific embedded system needs.
Overall, ‘Introduction to FPGA Design for Embedded Systems’ is a highly recommended course for anyone interested in embedded systems, digital design, or hardware acceleration. The structured approach, hands-on exercises, and coverage of industry-standard tools make it an invaluable resource for both students and professionals looking to master FPGA design.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/intro-fpga-design-embedded-systems