Hardware Description Languages for FPGA Design

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/fpga-hardware-description-languages

Introduction

### Course Review: Hardware Description Languages for FPGA Design on Coursera If you are looking to delve into the world of digital circuit design, the **Hardware Description Languages for FPGA Design** course available on Coursera is an excellent starting point. Offered by the esteemed University of Colorado Boulder, this course not only provides a robust educational experience but can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5361, contributing to a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. #### Course Overview The course focuses on teaching students how to use two of the most prevalent Hardware Description Languages (HDLs)—**VHDL** and **Verilog**—to design efficient and scalable circuits for Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) and Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC). Using a natural learning approach, the course gradually introduces learners to coding with HDL through simple, well-structured examples that build on each other, ensuring that fundamental concepts are thoroughly understood before progressing to more complex topics. #### Syllabus Breakdown The course is neatly divided into several essential modules: 1. **Basics of VHDL**: - This foundational module provides an introduction to VHDL, explaining its significance in logic design. Students learn the syntax and basic rules of VHDL, starting with a straightforward project—a 4-bit comparator. Additionally, learners are introduced to ModelSim, a simulation software used for testing their VHDL designs. Programming assignments are incorporated to ensure that students can apply what they've learned practically. 2. **VHDL Logic Design Techniques**: - In this module, students dive deeper into the practical applications of VHDL. Key topics include combinatorial and synchronous logic circuits, hierarchical design methods, and modular design techniques. The section also covers the creation of test benches for design verification, reinforcing students’ design skills through engaging programming tasks. 3. **Basics of Verilog**: - Similar to the VHDL module, this section introduces Verilog. Students learn about its history, how to use it for logic design, and its syntax through simple projects, including a 4-bit comparator. The module emphasizes the importance of simulating Verilog designs using ModelSim, culminating in practical challenges to apply the learned skills. 4. **Verilog and System Verilog Design Techniques**: - The final module provides an advanced exploration of Verilog. Students engage with complex examples of various logic circuits and delve into design methodologies, including hierarchical and modular techniques. The importance of verification through test bench creation is reinforced, with numerous opportunities to enhance coding capabilities through supplementary assignments. #### Learning Experience One of the standout features of the course is its structured approach to learning. The natural learning processes employed throughout the modules help simplify complex concepts, making it accessible for learners at different levels. The hands-on programming assignments allow students to solidify their understanding while developing practical skills crucial for a career in hardware design. Additionally, the integration of simulation tools like ModelSim in the coursework ensures that students gain relevant industry experience, making them job-ready upon completion of the course. #### Recommendation I highly recommend the **Hardware Description Languages for FPGA Design** course for anyone interested in entering or advancing within the fields of electrical and electronics engineering. Whether you are a student pursuing formal education or a professional looking to bolster your skills in FPGA design, this course offers valuable content and practical applications that cater to both needs. The course's alignment with CU Boulder’s degree offerings adds an academic credential to your portfolio, making it a smart investment in your education and future career prospects. With a blend of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and simulation experience, this course prepares you effectively for real-world applications in digital circuit design. Enroll today and take the first step towards mastering hardware description languages!

Syllabus

Basics of VHDL

This module introduces the basics of the VHDL language for logic design. It describes the use of VHDL as a design entry method for logic design in FPGAs and ASICs. To provide context, it shows where VHDL is used in the FPGA design flow. Then a simple example, a 4-bit comparator, is used as a first phrase in the language. VHDL rules and syntax are explained, along with statements, identifiers and keywords. Finally, use of simulation as a means of testing VHDL circuit designs is demonstrated using ModelSim, a simulator software tool. Programming assignments are used to develop skills and reinforce the concepts presented.

In this module use of the VHDL language to perform logic design is explored further. Many examples of combinatorial and synchronous logic circuits are presented and explained, including flip-flops, counters, registers, memories, tri-state buffers and finite state machines. Methods of hierarchical design and modular design techniques are explained and demonstrated. How to create test benches is described as a means for design verification. Students are giving ample opportunity to practice and refined their design technique using the programming assignments.

This module introduces the basics of the Verilog language for logic design. It describes the use of Verilog as a design entry method for logic design in FPGAs and ASICs, including the history of Verilog's development. Then a simple example, a 4-bit comparator, is used as a first phrase in the language. Verilog rules and syntax are explained, along with statements, operators and keywords. Finally, use of simulation as a means of testing Verilog circuit designs is demonstrated using ModelSim, a simulator tool. Programming assignments are used to develop skills and reinforce the concepts presented.

In this module use of the Verilog language to perform logic design is explored further. Many examples of combinatorial and synchronous logic circuits are presented and explained, including flip-flops, counters, registers, memories, tri-state buffers and finite state machines. Methods of hierarchical design and modular design techniques are explained and demonstrated. How to create test benches is described as a means for design verification. Students are giving ample opportunity to practice and refined their design technique by writing code as required by the programming assignments.