FPGA computing systems: A Bird’s Eye View from Coursera

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Syllabus

A Bird's Eye View on Adaptive Computing Systems

Nowadays the complexity of computing systems is skyrocketing. Programmers have to deal with extremely powerful computing systems that take time and considerable skills to be instructed to perform at their best. It is clear that it is not feasible to rely on human intervention to tune a system: conditions change frequently, rapidly, and unpredictably. It would be desirable to have the system automatically adapt to the mutating environment. This module analyzes the stated problem, embraces a radically new approach, and it introduces how software and hardware systems ca ben adjusted during execution. By doing this, we are going to introduce the Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) technologies and how they can be (re)configured.

An introduction to Reconfigurable Computing

Traditionally, computing was classified into General-Purpose Computing performed by a General-Purpose Processor (GPP) and Application-Specific Computing performed by an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). As a trade-off between the two extreme characteristics of GPP and ASIC, reconfigurable computing has combined the advantages of both. On one hand reconfigurable computing can have better performance with respect to a software implementation but paying this in terms of time to implement. On the other hand a reconfigurable device can be used to design a system without requiring the same design time and complexity compared to a full custom solution but being beaten in terms of performance. The main advantage of a reconfigurable system is its high flexibility, while its main disadvantage is the lack of a standard computing model. In this module we are presenting a first definition of reconfigurable computing, describing the rationale behind it and introducing how this field has been influenced by the introduction of the FPGAs.

Reconfigurable Computing and FPGAs

From the mid-1980s, reconfigurable computing has become a popular field due to the FPGA technology progress. An FPGA is a semiconductor device containing programmable logic components and programmable interconnects but no instruction fetch at run time, that is, FPGAs do not have a program counter. In most FPGAs, the logic components can be programmed to duplicate the functionality of basic logic gates or functional Intellectual Properties (IPs). FPGAs also include memory elements composed of simple flip-flops or more complex blocks of memories. Hence, FPGA has made possible the dynamic execution and configuration of both hardware and software on a single chip. This module provides a detailed description of FPGA technologies starting from a general description down to the discussion on the low-level configuration details of these devices, to the bitstream composition and the description of the configuration registers.

Examples on how to configure an FPGA

FPGA design tools must provide a design environment based on digital design concepts and components (gates, flip-flops, MUXs, etc.). They must hide the complexities of placement, routing and bitstream generation from the user. This module is not going through these steps in details, an entire course will be needed just for this, but it is important at least to have an idea of what it is happening behind the scene to better understand the complexity of the processes carried out by the tools you are going to use. Within this context, this module guides you through a simple example, which is abstracting the complexity of the underlying FPGA, starting from the description of the circuit you may be willing to implement to the bitstream used to configure the FPGA.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops skills and knowledge that are core to hardware and software optimization

Explores the burgeoning field of adaptive computing systems

Offers a comprehensive study of FPGAs, which are increasingly used for a wide range of applications

Taught by Marco Domenico Santambrogio, a recognized expert in the field with extensive experience in the development and implementation of FPGA-based systems

Provides in-depth examples and hands-on labs to reinforce the concepts

Covers foundational concepts making it accessible to students with varying backgrounds

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 FPGA computing systems: A Bird’s Eye View with these activities:

Review Prerequisites: Digital Logic Design and Computer Architecture

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Refreshing your knowledge of these prerequisites will enhance your understanding of FPGA concepts.

Browse courses on Digital Logic Design

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Review lecture notes, textbooks, or online resources on digital logic design
Go through examples and practice problems to strengthen your understanding
Similarly, review computer architecture concepts, focusing on topics like processor design and memory organization

Review Embedded Systems: World Class Designs by Ed Frank

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This book provides in-depth insights into embedded systems design principles and best practices.

View Books In Print 2004-2005 on Amazon

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Familiarize yourself with the book's structure and organization
Read through the chapters sequentially, taking notes on key concepts
Solve the exercises and answer the review questions at the end of each chapter

Organize and Review Course Materials

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Organizing and reviewing course materials strengthens your grasp of the foundational concepts.

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Gather all course materials, including notes, slides, assignments, and quizzes
Organize the materials logically, categorizing them by topic or module
Review the materials regularly, focusing on key concepts and their interconnections

Five other activities

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Explore Tutorials on FPGA Programming and Design

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These tutorials provide step-by-step guidance on FPGA programming and design concepts.

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Identify online tutorials or courses that align with your learning goals
Follow the tutorials diligently, taking notes and practicing the concepts
Complete the exercises and projects included in the tutorials

Join Study Groups or Online Forums for FPGA Discussions

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Engaging in peer discussions fosters knowledge sharing and deepens your understanding of FPGA concepts.

Browse courses on FPGA Design

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Identify online forums or study groups dedicated to FPGA design
Participate actively in discussions, asking questions, sharing knowledge, and providing feedback
Collaborate with peers on projects or problem-solving activities

Solve FPGA Design Problems and Challenges

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Solving problems and challenges strengthens your understanding of FPGA design concepts.

Browse courses on FPGA Design

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Find online resources or textbooks that provide FPGA design problems
Attempt to solve the problems on your own, referring to course materials or online resources for assistance
Review your solutions and identify areas for improvement

Design and Implement a Simple FPGA-Based Controller

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This project offers hands-on experience in designing and implementing a basic FPGA-based controller.

Browse courses on FPGA Design

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Define the specifications and functional requirements of the controller
Design the FPGA logic using a hardware description language (e.g., VHDL or Verilog)
Simulate the design using an FPGA simulation tool
Implement the design on an actual FPGA board
Test and evaluate the performance of the controller

Develop a Presentation on a Specific FPGA Design Topic

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Creating a presentation enhances your comprehension of a chosen FPGA design topic.

Browse courses on FPGA Design

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Select a specific FPGA design topic that you are interested in
Research the topic thoroughly, gathering information from reliable sources
Structure your presentation logically, including an introduction, main body, and conclusion
Use clear and concise language, supported by visuals and examples
Practice your presentation to ensure smooth delivery

Career center

Learners who complete FPGA computing systems: A Bird’s Eye View will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

FPGA Developer

FPGA Developers implement designs from conception through to implementation on Xilinx FPGAs. The course, FPGA Computing Systems: A Bird's Eye View, will be quite useful for building a foundation for work as an FPGA Developer, as this course covers the basics of FPGA technologies and how to implement designs using these.

See salaries and explore the career path for FPGA Developer

Hardware Engineer

Hardware Engineers are those who design, test, and build computer hardware components. The course, FPGA Computing Systems: A Bird's Eye View, will be quite useful in building a foundation for work as a Hardware Engineer as this field utilizes FPGA technologies. The course covers topics such as Reconfigurable Computing and FPGAs, Examples on how to configure an FPGA, and Reconfigurable Computing and FPGAs. Becoming familiar with these topics will build the skills and understanding needed for roles as a Hardware Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hardware Engineer

Digital Designer

Digital Designers design and develop digital circuits, which are used in a variety of electronic devices. The course, FPGA Computing Systems: A Bird's Eye View, will be quite useful for building a foundation for work as a Digital Designer as this field utilizes FPGA technologies. The course covers topics such as Reconfigurable Computing and FPGAs, Examples on how to configure an FPGA, and Reconfigurable Computing and FPGAs. Becoming familiar with these topics will build the skills and understanding needed for roles as a Digital Designer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Designer

Logic Designer

Logic Designers design and develop the logic circuits that are used in computers and other electronic devices. The course, FPGA Computing Systems: A Bird's Eye View, will be quite useful for building a foundation for roles as a Logic Designer as this field utilizes FPGA technologies. The course covers topics such as Reconfigurable Computing and FPGAs, Examples on how to configure an FPGA, and Reconfigurable Computing and FPGAs. Becoming familiar with these topics will build the skills and understanding needed for roles as a Logic Designer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Logic Designer

Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers design and develop complex systems, which can include hardware, software, and other components. The course, FPGA Computing Systems: A Bird's Eye View, may be helpful as it discusses high-level topics of computer science and engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer

Embedded Systems Engineer

Embedded Systems Engineers design and develop embedded systems, which are computer systems designed to perform a specific function within a larger system. The course, FPGA Computing Systems: A Bird's Eye View, may be helpful as it discusses topics such as A Bird's Eye View on Adaptive Computing Systems and An introduction to Reconfigurable Computing. However, most roles as an Embedded Systems Engineer would require some level of experience in embedded systems development.

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Test Engineer

Test Engineers design and develop tests for electronic devices and systems. The course, FPGA Computing Systems: A Bird's Eye View, may be helpful in introducing some of the principles of testing electronic systems.

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Computer Architect

Computer Architects design and develop the architecture of computers, including the hardware and software components. The course, FPGA Computing Systems: A Bird's Eye View, may be helpful as it discusses topics such as A Bird's Eye View on Adaptive Computing Systems and An introduction to Reconfigurable Computing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Architect

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, organize, and manage projects. The course, FPGA Computing Systems: A Bird's Eye View, may be helpful as it discusses high-level topics of computer science and engineering. However, most roles as an Embedded Systems Engineer would require experience in managing projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and test software applications. The course, FPGA Computing Systems: A Bird's Eye View, may be helpful as it covers high-level topics of computer science and engineering. However, most roles as a Software Engineer would require experience in developing software applications.

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Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists conduct research in computer science and develop new technologies. The course, FPGA Computing Systems: A Bird's Eye View, may be helpful as it covers high-level topics of computer science and engineering. However, most roles as a Computer Scientist would require a master's or phd.

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Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design, develop, and test electrical systems and components. The course, FPGA Computing Systems: A Bird's Eye View, may be helpful in introducing some of the principles of electrical engineering as it relates to FPGAs.

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ASIC Designer

ASIC Designers design and develop complex integrated circuits for use in a variety of electronic devices. The course, FPGA Computing Systems: A Bird's Eye View, may be helpful in introducing the basics of FPGA technologies, but most roles as an ASIC Designer would require a master's or phd.

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Semiconductor Engineer

Semiconductor Engineers design, develop, and test semiconductors, which are the basic building blocks of computers and other electronic devices. The course, FPGA Computing Systems: A Bird's Eye View, may be helpful in introducing the basics of FPGA technologies, but most roles as a Semiconductor Engineer would require a master's or phd.

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VLSI Designer

VLSI Designers design and develop very-large-scale integrated circuits (VLSIs). The course, FPGA Computing Systems: A Bird's Eye View, may be helpful in introducing the basics of FPGA technologies, but most roles as a VLSI Designer would require a master's or phd.

See salaries and explore the career path for VLSI Designer