System-on-a-Chip FPGA Design Laboratory - 525.742

This lab-oriented course will focus on the design of large-scale system-on-a-chip (SOC) solutions within field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). Modern FPGA densities and commercially available cores enable a single developer to design highly complex systems within a single FPGA. This class will provide the student with the ability to design and debug these inherently complex systems. Topics will include high-speed digital signal processing, embedded processor architectures, customization of soft-core processors, interfacing with audio and video sensors, communications interfaces, and networking. The optimum division of algorithms between hardware and software will be discussed, particularly the ability to accelerate software algorithms by building custom hardware. Many labs will center on a common architecture that includes signal processing algorithms in the FPGA fabric, controlled by an embedded processor that provides user interfaces and network communication. Students will also gain experience running Linux on their FPGA-based processing system. Each student will receive an FPGA board and supporting equipment in order to complete lab assignments at home. Prerequisites: 525.642 FPGA Design Using VHDL, and familiarity with C programming.

Course Prerequisite(s)

EN.525.642 FPGA Design Using VHDL and familiarity with C programming.