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Introduction to FPGA Design for Embedded Systems

Approx. 18 hours to complete

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Course Summary

This course provides an introduction to FPGA design for embedded systems. Students will learn how to design, implement and test basic FPGA circuits using VHDL programming language.

Key Learning Points

Learn the basics of FPGA design and VHDL programming language
Understand the use of FPGA in embedded systems
Design, implement and test basic FPGA circuits

Learning Outcomes

Design basic FPGA circuits
Write VHDL code for FPGA circuits
Understand the use of FPGA in embedded systems

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic knowledge of digital circuits
Basic programming skills
Access to VHDL design software

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online Course
Self-paced

Similar Courses

Advanced FPGA Design for Embedded Systems
Embedded Systems - Shape The World: Microcontroller Input/Output
Digital Systems: From Logic Gates to Processors

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

Mike Fields
David Williams

Related Books

Description

This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5360, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.

Programmable Logic has become more and more common as a core technology used to build electronic systems. By integrating soft-core or hardcore processors, these devices have become complete systems on a chip, steadily displacing general purpose processors and ASICs. In particular, high performance systems are now almost always implemented with FPGAs. This course will give you the foundation for FPGA design in Embedded Systems along with practical design skills. You will learn what an FPGA is and how this technology was developed, how to select the best FPGA architecture for a given application, how to use state of the art software tools for FPGA development, and solve critical digital design problems using FPGAs. You use FPGA development tools to complete several example designs, including a custom processor. If you are thinking of a career in Electronics Design or an engineer looking at a career change, this is a great course to enhance your career opportunities. Hardware Requirements: You must have access to computer resources to run the development tools, a PC running either Windows 7, 8, or 10 or a recent Linux OS which must be RHEL 6.5 or CentOS Linux 6.5 or later. Either Linux OS could be run as a virtual machine under Windows 8 or 10. The tools do not run on Apple Mac computers. Whatever the OS, the computer must have at least 8 GB of RAM. Most new laptops will have this, or it may be possible to upgrade the memory.

Outline

What's this programmable logic stuff anyway? History and Architecture
Course Introduction
Course Overview
1. Welcome to the world of programmable logic and FPGA design
2. A Brief History of Programmable Logic
3. CPLD Architecture
4. LUTs and FPGA Architecture
5. LUTs for Logic Design
6. Designing Adders
7. Designing Multipliers
About This Course
Hardware Requirements
Introduction to FPGA Design for Embedded Systems Assessment Strategy
Week 1 Suggested Readings
Week 2 Assignment Instructions and Files
Mission 002: Week 1 Quiz

FPGA Design Tool Flow; An Example Design
1. The FPGA Design Flow
2. Downloading Quartus Prime
3. Installing Quartus Prime
4. Introducing Quartus Prime
5. Create a design project in Quartus Prime
6. Create a design in Quartus Prime
7. Compile a Design
8. View the RTL
9. Timing Analysis with Time Quest I
10. Timing Analysis with Time Quest II
11. Simulate a design with ModelSim
Week 2 Suggested Readings
Mission 003 : Practice Opportunity
Mission 005: Week 2 Quiz

FPGA Architectures: SRAM, FLASH, and Anti-fuse
1. Many types of FPGAs
2. Xilinx CPLD Architecture
3. Xilinx Small FPGAs
4. Xilinx Large FPGAs
5. Altera CPLDs and Small FPGAs
6. Altera Large FPGAs
7. Microsemi Single-chip FPGA solutions
8. Lattice Single-Chip FPGA solutions
Week 3 Suggested Readings
Week 4 Assignment Instructions and Files
Mission 006: Week 3 Quiz

Programmable logic design using schematic entry design tools
1. FPGA Design Expertise
2. Advanced Schematic Entry for FPGA Design- Drawing and Hierarchy
3. Improving Productivity with IP Blocks
4. Improving Timing with Pipelining
5. FPGA IO: Getting In and Getting Out
6. Pin Assignments: Making them Spot On!
7. Programming the FPGA
8. Becoming one with Q: Qsys System Design
9.a Becoming one with Q Part II: Qsys System Design Finishing Touches
9.b Becoming one with Q Part III: Qsys System Design Finishing Touches
Week 4 Suggested Readings
Mission 008: Week 4 Quiz

Summary of User Reviews

Discover the world of FPGA design and embedded systems through this introductory course offered by Coursera. This course has received rave reviews from its users who have praised it for its engaging content and hands-on approach.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

The hands-on approach of the course was appreciated by many users.

Pros from User Reviews

Engaging content
Hands-on approach
In-depth explanations
Well-structured course materials
Great for beginners

Cons from User Reviews

Some users found the course too basic
Limited scope of the course
Lack of practical applications
Not suitable for advanced learners
Some users reported technical issues with the platform

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