An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) device is a semi-custom integrated circuit (IC) that contains an array of programmable (configurable) logic blocks and programmable (configurable) interconnects that connect the logic blocks. FPGAs have undergone phenomenal advances in capacity and complexity during the past few years, and have transformed into most flexible and domain-specific platforms for many applications. Such advances, along with the skyrocketing costs of nano silicon processes and the ever-shrinking time-in-market window continue to successfully help FPGAs erode ASIC and ASSP market shares.

The objective of this course is to introduce students to advanced digital design using VHDL/Verilog and implementation on FPGAs.  Topics include FPGA architectures and design methodology, VHDL \& Verilog digital design fundamentals, RTL design, memory, digital audio and video design examples, ModelSim simulation, HDL coding techniques for optimizing synthesis results, FPGA power. An FPGA development board and EDA tools are used to help students gain hands-on experience. Prerequisite: Digital/logic design and VHDL basics.