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Hardware Description Languages for FPGA Design

4.4 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Based on 579 ratings
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Timothy Scherr and Benjamin Spriggs

This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5361, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.

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This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5361, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.

Hardware Description Languages for Logic Design enables students to design circuits using VHDL and Verilog, the most widespread design methods for FPGA Design. It uses natural learning processes to make learning the languages easy. Simple first examples are presented, then language rules and syntax, followed by more complex examples, and then finally use of test bench simulations to verify correctness of the designs. Lecture presentations are reinforced by many programming example problems so that skill in the languages is obtained. After completing this course, each student will have fundamental proficiency in both languages, and more importantly enough knowledge to continue learning and gaining expertise in Verilog and VHDL on their own.

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What's inside

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.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
This course can also be taken for academic credits towards a Master's degree
Introduces the basics of VHDL and Verilog languages for logic design, which are the most widespread design methods for FPGA Design
Uses natural learning processes to make learning the languages easy by presenting simple first examples, then language rules and syntax, followed by more complex examples, and then finally use of test bench simulations to verify correctness of the designs
Lecture presentations are reinforced by many programming example problems so that skill in the languages is obtained
Students will have fundamental proficiency in both languages, and more importantly enough knowledge to continue learning and gaining expertise in Verilog and VHDL on their own
Covers the basics of VHDL, VHDL Logic Design Techniques, the basics of Verilog, and Verilog and System Verilog Design Techniques

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Reviews summary

Foundation in vhdl and verilog for fpga

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation (positive) in both VHDL and Verilog (positive), the key Hardware Description Languages used in FPGA design. The structure is praised for moving from simple examples to more complex designs and incorporating simulation for verification (positive). The practical programming assignments (positive) are highlighted as particularly effective for building hands-on skill. While considered a valuable starting point for the field, some learners note that the pace can be challenging (warning), particularly for those entirely new to digital logic or hardware description languages. Setting up the required software tools (warning) like ModelSim is also mentioned as a potential initial hurdle.
Good starting point for FPGA design concepts.
"This course gave me a strong starting point for understanding HDL and FPGA design flows."
"It's a solid introduction if you are new to the world of hardware description languages and digital design."
"I now feel I have enough fundamental knowledge to continue learning and exploring FPGA design further on my own."
Hands-on coding builds practical design skill.
"The programming assignments were the most valuable part for me; they really solidified the concepts."
"Working through the examples and problem sets helped me gain confidence in writing HDL code."
"I liked that the course included practical exercises using simulation tools like ModelSim."
Learn two major hardware description languages.
"I appreciated that the course covers both VHDL and Verilog, giving a broad perspective."
"Getting introduced to the basics of both languages was very helpful for my understanding."
"It provides a good overview of the syntax and structure for both VHDL and Verilog designs."
Setting up required tools takes effort.
"Getting ModelSim configured correctly for the assignments was a bit of a hurdle initially."
"I wish there was slightly more detailed guidance provided for setting up the simulation environment."
"Had some technical issues getting the toolchain ready before I could start on the coding problems."
May be challenging without prerequisites.
"The material moves pretty quickly, especially covering two languages in detail."
"If you don't have a strong background in digital logic, you might find the pace difficult to keep up with."
"Needed to dedicate significant extra time to fully grasp all the concepts presented in the lectures."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Hardware Description Languages for FPGA Design with these activities:
Review basic combinational logic circuits
Brush up on fundamental logic circuit concepts to prepare for VHDL and Verilog.
Browse courses on Logic Design
Show steps
  • Review truth tables, Boolean algebra, and logic gates.
  • Build simple combinational circuits using breadboards or simulation tools.
  • Analyze and troubleshoot logic circuit designs.
  • Optional: Design and simulate a small combinational logic circuit.
Review VHDL Basics
Brushing up on the basics of VHDL will make it easier to follow along with the course content and pick up new concepts.
Browse courses on VHDL
Show steps
  • Go over the VHDL syntax and rules.
  • Review examples of simple VHDL circuits.
Review digital logic design textbook
Reinforce your understanding of digital logic concepts by reviewing a textbook.
View Digital Design, Global Edition on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the textbook.
  • Read through the chapters relevant to VHDL and Verilog.
  • Solve practice problems and exercises provided in the textbook.
Ten other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Verilog Tutorials
Following Verilog tutorials will complement the course material and provide you with additional insights and examples.
Browse courses on Verilog
Show steps
  • Find Verilog tutorials online or in books.
  • Follow the tutorials and complete the practice exercises.
Follow online tutorials on HDL
Supplement your understanding of HDL by following interactive tutorials.
Browse courses on VHDL
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials on VHDL or Verilog.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step.
  • Complete the exercises and projects provided in the tutorials.
Participate in online discussion forums
Engage with peers to discuss concepts, ask questions, and share knowledge.
Browse courses on VHDL
Show steps
  • Join online discussion forums related to HDL.
  • Read and participate in discussions on various topics.
  • Ask questions, provide answers, and engage in constructive debates.
Practice HDL coding problems
Practice writing HDL code to reinforce syntax and concepts.
Browse courses on VHDL
Show steps
  • Find online coding problems or exercises.
  • Attempt to solve the problems using VHDL or Verilog.
  • Check your solutions against provided answers or use a simulator to verify.
VHDL Coding Exercises
Solving VHDL coding problems will help you apply the concepts you learn in the course and improve your proficiency in the language.
Browse courses on VHDL
Show steps
  • Find VHDL coding exercises online or in textbooks.
  • Solve the exercises and check your answers.
Verilog Discussion Group
Engaging in discussions with peers will allow you to share knowledge, learn from others, and clarify your understanding of Verilog.
Browse courses on Verilog
Show steps
  • Join an online or in-person Verilog discussion group.
  • Participate in discussions and ask questions.
Design and simulate a simple HDL project
Apply your HDL skills to a practical project, enhancing your understanding.
Browse courses on VHDL
Show steps
  • Identify a simple logic design project to implement.
  • Draw a schematic or write a behavioral description of the design in HDL.
  • Simulate the design using a simulation tool to verify its functionality.
Build a small FPGA project
Gain practical experience by implementing your HDL design on an FPGA.
Browse courses on VHDL
Show steps
  • Purchase or acquire an FPGA development board.
  • Learn the basics of FPGA programming and toolchain.
  • Implement your HDL design on the FPGA board.
  • Test and debug your project.
FPGA Design Project
Designing and simulating an FPGA circuit will put your knowledge of VHDL and Verilog into practice and provide you with hands-on experience.
Browse courses on FPGA Design
Show steps
  • Choose a simple FPGA design project.
  • Implement the design in VHDL or Verilog.
  • Simulate the design using ModelSim or another simulator.
Build a Verilog Portfolio
Creating a portfolio of Verilog projects will showcase your skills and knowledge, making you more competitive in the job market.
Browse courses on Verilog
Show steps
  • Design and implement several Verilog projects of varying complexity.
  • Document your projects and include them in a portfolio.

Career center

Learners who complete Hardware Description Languages for FPGA Design will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
FPGA Design Engineer
An FPGA Design Engineer is responsible for specifying, designing, developing, testing, and validating hardware components using Xilinx and Altera FPGAs. This role requires an understanding of digital logic design, VHDL and Verilog, and FPGA architecture. The Hardware Description Languages for FPGA Design course offered by the University of Colorado Boulder can help build a foundation in these areas by teaching students how to use VHDL and Verilog to design and simulate logic circuits.
See salaries and explore the career path for FPGA Design Engineer
Digital Design Engineer
A Digital Design Engineer is responsible for the design and development of digital circuits for a variety of electronic devices. This role requires an understanding of digital logic design, programming languages, and hardware architecture. The Hardware Description Languages for FPGA Design course offered by the University of Colorado Boulder can help build a foundation in these areas by teaching students how to use VHDL and Verilog to design and simulate logic circuits.
See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Design Engineer
Hardware Engineer
A Hardware Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and testing of electronic hardware components. This role requires an understanding of digital and analog circuits, programming languages, and hardware architecture. The Hardware Description Languages for FPGA Design course offered by the University of Colorado Boulder can help build a foundation in these areas by teaching students how to use VHDL and Verilog to design and simulate logic circuits.
See salaries and explore the career path for Hardware Engineer
ASIC Design Engineer
An ASIC Design Engineer is responsible for the design and development of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). This role requires an understanding of digital logic design, programming languages, and ASIC architecture. The Hardware Description Languages for FPGA Design course offered by the University of Colorado Boulder can help build a foundation in these areas by teaching students how to use VHDL and Verilog to design and simulate logic circuits.
See salaries and explore the career path for ASIC Design Engineer
System-on-Chip (SoC) Design Engineer
A System-on-Chip (SoC) Design Engineer is responsible for the design and development of complex integrated circuits that incorporate multiple cores and other components. This role requires an understanding of digital logic design, programming languages, and SoC architecture. The Hardware Description Languages for FPGA Design course offered by the University of Colorado Boulder can help build a foundation in these areas by teaching students how to use VHDL and Verilog to design and simulate logic circuits.
See salaries and explore the career path for System-on-Chip (SoC) Design Engineer
Computer Architect
A Computer Architect is responsible for the design and development of computer systems. This role requires an understanding of computer architecture, programming languages, and operating systems. The Hardware Description Languages for FPGA Design course offered by the University of Colorado Boulder can help build a foundation in these areas by teaching students how to use VHDL and Verilog to design and simulate hardware components for computer systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Architect
Embedded Systems Engineer
An Embedded Systems Engineer is responsible for the design and development of embedded systems. This role requires an understanding of digital logic design, programming languages, and embedded systems architecture. The Hardware Description Languages for FPGA Design course offered by the University of Colorado Boulder can help build a foundation in these areas by teaching students how to use VHDL and Verilog to design and simulate hardware components for embedded systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Embedded Systems Engineer
VLSI Design Engineer
A VLSI Design Engineer is responsible for the design and development of very large-scale integrated circuits (VLSIs). This role requires an understanding of digital logic design, programming languages, and VLSI architecture. The Hardware Description Languages for FPGA Design course offered by the University of Colorado Boulder can help build a foundation in these areas by teaching students how to use VHDL and Verilog to design and simulate hardware components for VLSIs.
See salaries and explore the career path for VLSI Design Engineer
Semiconductor Design Engineer
A Semiconductor Design Engineer is responsible for the design and development of semiconductor devices. This role requires an understanding of semiconductor physics, digital logic design, and semiconductor manufacturing. The Hardware Description Languages for FPGA Design course offered by the University of Colorado Boulder can help build a foundation in these areas by teaching students how to use VHDL and Verilog to design and simulate hardware components for semiconductors.
See salaries and explore the career path for Semiconductor Design Engineer
RF Engineer
An RF Engineer is responsible for the design and development of radio frequency (RF) systems. This role requires an understanding of RF circuits, antennas, and signal processing. The Hardware Description Languages for FPGA Design course offered by the University of Colorado Boulder can provide a foundation in digital design, which is relevant to the design of RF systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for RF Engineer
Analog Design Engineer
An Analog Design Engineer is responsible for the design and development of analog circuits. This role requires an understanding of analog circuits, operational amplifiers, and signal processing. The Hardware Description Languages for FPGA Design course offered by the University of Colorado Boulder can provide a foundation in digital design, which is relevant to the design of analog circuits.
See salaries and explore the career path for Analog Design Engineer
Test Engineer
A Test Engineer is responsible for the testing and evaluation of electronic devices and systems. This role requires an understanding of digital and analog circuits, programming languages, and test equipment. The Hardware Description Languages for FPGA Design course offered by the University of Colorado Boulder can provide a foundation in digital design, which is relevant to the testing of electronic devices and systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Test Engineer
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer is responsible for the creation of technical documentation, such as user manuals, technical reports, and white papers. This role requires an understanding of technical concepts, writing skills, and document design. The Hardware Description Languages for FPGA Design course offered by the University of Colorado Boulder can provide a foundation in digital design, which can be helpful for writing technical documentation for electronic devices and systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer
Project Manager
A Project Manager is responsible for the planning, execution, and delivery of projects. This role requires an understanding of project management principles, risk management, and stakeholder management. The Hardware Description Languages for FPGA Design course offered by the University of Colorado Boulder can provide a foundation in digital design, which can be helpful for managing projects that involve the design and development of electronic devices and systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Systems Engineer
A Systems Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and integration of complex systems. This role requires an understanding of systems engineering principles, system architecture, and system integration. The Hardware Description Languages for FPGA Design course offered by the University of Colorado Boulder can provide a foundation in digital design, which can be helpful for designing and developing complex systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Hardware Description Languages for FPGA Design.
Advanced Digital Design with the Verilog HDL
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to advanced digital design using the Verilog HDL.
Advanced Digital Design with the Verilog HDL
Paperback
Check
Advanced Digital Design with the Verilog HDL
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Computers as Components
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to FPGA-based system design, including the use of hardware description languages.
Computers as Components: Principles of Embedded...
Paperback
$$$
Verilog HDL
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to Verilog HDL, one of the most popular hardware description languages.
Verilog HDL A Guide to Digital Design and Synthesis...
Paperback
$$
Verilog HDL A Guide to Digital Design and Synthesis...
Mass Market Paperback
$$$
(中文) Verilog HDL Digital Design and Synthesis (Second...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Verilog HDL
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to Verilog HDL, one of the most popular hardware description languages.
Verilog HDL A Guide to Digital Design and Synthesis...
Paperback
$$
Verilog HDL
Hardcover
$$
Verilog HDL A Guide to Digital Design and Synthesis...
Mass Market Paperback
$$$
(中文) Verilog HDL Digital Design and Synthesis (Second...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Digital Design: Principles And Practices, 4/E
Save
This widely used textbook comprehensive guide to digital design, including hardware description languages.
Digital Design: Principles and Practices, 4/e
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
FPGA Prototyping by Verilog Examples
Save
Provides a practical guide to FPGA prototyping using Verilog, with a focus on the Xilinx Spartan-3 FPGA.
FPGA Prototyping by Verilog Examples
Paperback
Check
FPGA Prototyping by Verilog Examples
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Fundamentals of Logic Design, Enhanced Edition
Save
This textbook provides a clear and concise introduction to the fundamentals of digital systems design using VHDL.
Fundamentals of Logic Design, Enhanced Edition
Hardcover
$$$
Fundamentals of Logic Design, Enhanced Edition
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
SystemVerilog for Verification
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to SystemVerilog, a hardware description and verification language.
SystemVerilog for Verification
Paperback
Check
SystemVerilog for Verification
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Essentials of Electronic Testing for Digital,...
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to electronic testing for digital, memory, and mixed-signal VLSI circuits.
Essentials of Electronic Testing for Digital,...
Hardcover
$$$$
Essentials of Electronic Testing for Digital,...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Introduction to Logic Circuits & Logic Design with...
Save
This textbook provides an introduction to logic circuits and logic design with Verilog.
Introduction to Logic Circuits & Logic Design with...
Paperback
Check
Introduction to Logic Circuits & Logic Design with...
Kindle Edition
Check

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Rating
4.4 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Effort
Approx. 36 hours
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Colorado Boulder
Instructors
Timothy Scherr
Benjamin Spriggs
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша tiếng Việt
This course belongs to a collection called FPGA Design for Embedded Systems. It's comprised of four courses:
  1. FPGA Softcore Processors and IP Acquisition
  2. FPGA Capstone: Building FPGA Projects
  3. Hardware Description Languages for FPGA Design (viewing)
  4. Introduction to FPGA Design for Embedded Systems
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
This course can also be taken for academic credits towards a Master's degree
Introduces the basics of VHDL and Verilog languages for logic design, which are the most widespread design methods for FPGA Design
Uses natural learning processes to make learning the languages easy by presenting simple first examples, then language rules and syntax, followed by more complex examples, and then finally use of test bench simulations to verify correctness of the designs
Lecture presentations are reinforced by many programming example problems so that skill in the languages is obtained
Students will have fundamental proficiency in both languages, and more importantly enough knowledge to continue learning and gaining expertise in Verilog and VHDL on their own
Covers the basics of VHDL, VHDL Logic Design Techniques, the basics of Verilog, and Verilog and System Verilog Design Techniques
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