FPGA Softcore Processors and IP Acquisition

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/fpga-softcore-proccessors-ip

Introduction

### Course Review: FPGA Softcore Processors and IP Acquisition In the realm of Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) design, understanding softcore processors and the integration of Intellectual Property (IP) cores is essential for developing robust and versatile applications. Coursera’s course, **FPGA Softcore Processors and IP Acquisition**, offers a comprehensive introduction to these concepts, guiding learners through the process of designing, implementing, and verifying soft processors within FPGAs. #### Course Overview This course is structured around a series of modules that cumulatively address the various aspects of softcore processor development. It emphasizes practical knowledge and skill development, ensuring that participants can confidently navigate the complexities of digital design using FPGA technology. The course material covers the following key areas: 1. **Softcore Processor Development Flow** 2. **Writing Software for Softcore Processors** 3. **IP Acquisition and Integration** 4. **Introducing ModelSim and Simulation for Verification** #### Detailed Module Review 1. **Softcore Processor Development Flow** This module sets the foundation by introducing the concept of soft processors and their importance in FPGA design. Learners will explore various soft processor types available from leading vendors such as Xilinx and Altera, with an in-depth look at the Nios II processor from Altera. The hands-on design of the Nios II processor using the Qsys system design tool is particularly beneficial; it equips students with the skills to create custom instructions—enhancing the versatility and adaptability of soft processors in real-world applications. 2. **Writing Software for Softcore Processors** Building on the previous module, this section delves into the software development phase for soft processors. Participants will learn to use an Eclipse-based IDE tailored for Nios II, focusing on how to create a Board Support Package (BSP) that accommodates hardware design changes. The emphasis on custom instruction integration and the usage of software macros ensures that students not only understand theory but gain applicable programming experience. 3. **IP Acquisition and Integration** As modern FPGA design increasingly relies on existing IP cores, this module teaches how to find, acquire, and effectively use these resources. By covering offerings from major vendors, this section underscores the importance of leveraging existing technology to minimize development time and avoid obsolescence—key components for today’s fast-paced tech environment. 4. **Introducing ModelSim and Simulation for Verification** Verification is a critical step in achieving reliable designs. This module introduces ModelSim, a powerful simulation tool, guiding learners through the intricacies of verifying their designs. By working through practical examples, students gain a solid understanding of simulation techniques, debugging, and how to utilize internal logic analyzers, like SignalTap II, to ensure design accuracy. #### Recommendation **FPGA Softcore Processors and IP Acquisition** offers a well-rounded education for anyone interested in digital design using FPGAs. It bridges theoretical knowledge with practical applications, making it suitable for both newcomers and experienced engineers looking to refine their skills. What stands out about this course is its comprehensive approach. By the end of the course, participants will not only have the capability to design and implement soft processors but will also possess the skills to select and integrate IP cores effectively. The added emphasis on design verification through simulation further underscores the course's commitment to quality and precision in FPGA development. **Who Should Enroll?** - Students and professionals in electrical engineering, computer science, or related fields. - Engineers looking to enhance their FPGA design skills, particularly in developing soft processors. - Anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of IP acquisition and integration within FPGA systems. **Final Thoughts** For those eager to venture into the world of FPGA design, enrolling in the FPGA Softcore Processors and IP Acquisition course on Coursera is a highly recommended step. The course equips you with essential knowledge and practical skills, preparing you for success in a rapidly advancing field, ensuring you remain competitive and knowledgeable in this technological landscape.

Syllabus

Softcore Processor Development Flow

This module introduces the concept of a soft processor in general, and of hardware design for the soft processor in particular. It presents an overview of soft processors, describing all the different kinds that are available from Xilinx, Altera, Microsemi, and Lattice and then goes into depth about the Nios II soft processor from Altera. The benefits of using soft processors to prevent obsolescence and provide flexibility are explained. The content guides you through a hardware design of the Nios II processor using Qsys, the Altera system design tool. Lastly, design of a custom instruction in the Nios II is presented, showing the versatility of the soft processor in an FPGA.

This module delves further into the development of soft processors, It describes the soft processor development flow in more detail, including the tools needed to develop software for the soft processor. It then introduces the Eclipse-based IDE for Nios II software development, and then shows how the output of the Qsys design is used to establish a Board Support Package (BSP) for the processor, which is necessary because the processor hardware design can be changed and the BSP software library must support any changes. Use of the BSP editor to configure the processor by programming control registers is demonstrated. Finally, the use of the custom instruction developed in Module 1 is presented, including the use of software macros to complete the implementation of the custom instruction.

Modern FPGA design is no longer centered on HDL module design as it is on acquisition and use of IP Cores. In this Module we will introduce IP cores including offerings from all the major vendors, Intel Altera, Xilinx, Microchip Microsemi, and Lattice. You will learn how to find, acquire, and use these cores.

As we work on more complex FPGA designs, the challenges to create an error-free design mount exponentially. Having a good grasp of the tools needed to verify correctness of design has become more and more important. After introducing simulation in previous sessions, in this module we will examine simulation with ModelSim in more depth by working through some examples. This will show the utility of simulation for verification and debugging. This module will also describe in some detail how the simulator works and how it achieves concurrency through the use of delta delays. As a final step in the debugging process, the internal logic analyzer SignalTap II is introduced.