Description

Theory
2

Laboratory
2

Instructors

Manuel Gericota

Contents

1. Intr. to Digital Hardware Design (1w.)
1.1. Device technology
1.2. Microprocessors vs dedicated hardware
1.3. Intr. to digital hardware design tools
1.4 Intr. to hardware description language
2. Description of combinational circuits using a hardware description language (VHDL) (2w.)
2.1. General description
2.2. Structural description
3. Programmable Logic Devices
3.1. Evolution of the programmable logic devices (PLD) (4w.)
3.2. PLD architectures
3.2.1. Logic blocks architecture
3.2.2. Input/Output blocks architecture
3.2.3. Routing resources architecture
3.3. Programming technologies
4. Logic Design Flow (2w.)
4.1. Design specification
4.2. Logic simulation
4.3. Synthesis and mapping
4.4. Temporal analysis
5. Regular Sequential Circuit (2w.)
5.1. Introduction
5.2. HDL code of the FF and register
5.3. Simple design examples
6. FSMs (2w.)
6.1. Mealy and Moore machines
6.2. FSM representation
6.3. FSMs with data path
7. IP Cores (1w.)
7.1. Types of IPs
7.2. Integration of IPs

Learning Outcomes

The goal of this course is to equip students with the expertise and tools necessary to address automation challenges through the principles of digital hardware design. By utilising hardware specification languages and computer-aided design tools, students will implement solutions based on programmable logic.

The use of programmable logic circuits, notably Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), has been increasing due to advancements in miniaturisation, escalating semiconductor integration, and significant reductions in the life cycle of new products. The rapid turnover in mass consumer electronics requires a shorter time-to-market.

Programmable logic offers distinct advantages over dedicated logic, allowing for a swift transition from development to production and enabling modifications even after the product has been launched. The high speed resulting from direct functional hardware implementation, combined with lower power consumption, makes programmable logic a more attractive option compared to microprocessors.

In recent years, the combination of programmable logic and microprocessors has led to the development of hardware accelerators for specific types of algorithms. A prime example is the latest generation of microprocessors designed for cloud computing and data centres.