Effective Verilog learning using Intel and Xilinx FPGAs from Udemy

This course is designed to make students confident developers of Digital Systems using Verilog and AMD and Intel FPGAs (2 different boards and FPGAs). Every aspect is discussed from different angles so that the whole concept becomes clearer. This course uses two cheap Intel FPGA development boards and a Digilent(AMD) board along with freely available software(Quartus Lite, ModelSim, Vivado). Purchasing of boards is absolutely optional. This course can be done without development boards.

Additionally, FPGAs and toolchains from other vendors are also introduced briefly.

This course takes you through:

Design using Verilog HDL (in the simplest possible ways)
Tool setup, which is the hardest part.
Tool automation introduces the techniques that I learned over the years.
Different FPGA architectures
Managerial side of choosing parts for development
Simulation makes sure whether the design is correctly made
And above all, I share the experience that I gained over the years.

As a word of caution: I have not updated this course for a long time. The Toolchains of both Xilinx(now AMD) and Quartus have evolved a bit. Please try to download the tools and if you don't understand the tool setup ask for your money asap without wasting time. I teach as a hobby, and teaching is one of my passions. Feel free to request, upgrades or any help. I am here for you.

Enjoy and rock and roll in your career.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Hardware description language ( in this case, verilog), different design constructs, efficient development handling, tcl for verification-automation etc
Our basic target will be intel fpgas and development tools. a small part regarding xilinx fpgas is also included.
The goal of this course is to train young professionals for independent development.
All examples and software will be done in windows (10) environment. students with windows 7 and 8 may also join the course. (sorry linux guys)

Development board is optional. all software used in this course is freely available. but a computer with windows operating system is a must.
We will analyze already developed codes, so that i may have time to explain codes and syntax in more detail. this step i took to shrink course duration.
2 intel fpga based development boards are introduced. 1 xilinx fpga based development board and xilinx tool chain is also introduced.

Hardware description language ( in this case, verilog), different design constructs, efficient development handling, tcl for verification-automation etc
Our basic target will be intel fpgas and development tools. a small part regarding xilinx fpgas is also included.
The goal of this course is to train young professionals for independent development.
All examples and software will be done in windows (10) environment. students with windows 7 and 8 may also join the course. (sorry linux guys)
Development board is optional. all software used in this course is freely available. but a computer with windows operating system is a must.
We will analyze already developed codes, so that i may have time to explain codes and syntax in more detail. this step i took to shrink course duration.
2 intel fpga based development boards are introduced. 1 xilinx fpga based development board and xilinx tool chain is also introduced.

Syllabus

You will learn small details that actually constitute the knowledge about practical handling of FPGAs. You will really be able to apprehend different aspects of FPGAs and related development processes

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers Verilog HDL, which is widely used for designing and verifying digital circuits and systems, making it highly relevant for hardware engineers

Explores tool automation techniques, which can significantly improve efficiency and productivity in FPGA development workflows, a valuable skill for professional engineers

Introduces TCL scripting for verification automation, a powerful technique for streamlining the testing and debugging of Verilog designs, which is useful for complex projects

Requires a Windows operating system, which may exclude some potential learners who use other operating systems such as macOS or Linux

Uses Quartus II Prime (Lite/Free) and ModelSim, which may be older versions of the software, potentially lacking some features or updates found in newer releases

Analyzes already developed codes to explain codes and syntax in more detail, which may help learners understand practical applications and coding styles more quickly

Reviews summary

Comprehensive verilog and fpga practical course

According to inferred feedback based on the course materials, learners appreciate the broad scope of this course, covering both Intel and Xilinx FPGAs and their respective toolchains. The course provides a practical focus, emphasizing tool setup, simulation, and projects like state machines and UART, which are seen as highly relevant. Students can follow along as development boards are optional. The instructor is noted for being available and passionate about teaching. However, a major point of caution is the explicit warning that the course is outdated, particularly concerning the toolchains, which may lead to setup challenges. The course is also limited to a Windows environment. The method of analyzing existing code rather than writing from scratch is a notable approach.

Requires a Windows operating system.

"The course requires a Windows operating system."

"It is stated that students need a computer with Windows."

"Linux users are explicitly mentioned as not supported."

Uses code analysis vs. from scratch.

"The approach uses analyzing already developed codes."

"I was hoping for more exercises writing code from scratch."

"This might 'shrink course duration' but perhaps limits hands-on practice."

Development boards are not required.

"It's great that I don't need to buy a physical development board."

"The course explains using boards, but they are entirely optional."

"I can follow along with the software installations alone."

Instructor is available and passionate.

"The instructor seems passionate and available for help."

"I appreciate that the instructor shares his years of experience."

"He explicitly states he is there for help or upgrade requests."

Covers key areas and multiple platforms.

"The course covers both Intel and Xilinx FPGAs and toolchains."

"I got a solid introduction to Verilog fundamentals and FPGA concepts."

"They introduce multiple boards and tools, which is helpful."

Emphasizes practical skills and tools.

"The course emphasizes practical tool setup, which is crucial."

"I learned how to use simulation tools effectively to verify designs."

"The projects like state machines and UART seem highly relevant."

Content may not align with current tools.

"The instructor explicitly warns the course is outdated."

"I am concerned about potential issues with the latest toolchain versions."

"It's noted the course hasn't been updated recently."

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 Effective Verilog learning using Intel and Xilinx FPGAs with these activities:

Review Digital Logic Fundamentals

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Reinforce your understanding of digital logic fundamentals. A solid grasp of these concepts is crucial for understanding Verilog and FPGA design.

Browse courses on Boolean Algebra

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Review textbooks or online resources on digital logic.
Work through practice problems on logic gate simplification.
Design simple circuits using logic gates.

Create a Verilog Cheat Sheet

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Compile a Verilog cheat sheet to help you quickly recall syntax and common coding patterns. This will be a valuable reference during the course and in future projects.

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Compile a list of important Verilog keywords and syntax rules.
Include examples of common coding patterns, such as always blocks and case statements.
Organize the cheat sheet in a clear and concise manner.

Read 'FPGA Prototyping by Verilog Examples'

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Supplement your learning with a book that provides practical examples of Verilog code for FPGA prototyping. This will help you bridge the gap between theory and practice.

View FPGA Prototyping by SystemVerilog Examples:... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'FPGA Prototyping by Verilog Examples'.
Work through the examples in the book, focusing on the Verilog code.
Experiment with modifying the examples to understand how they work.

Four other activities

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Implement Basic Verilog Modules

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Solidify your Verilog coding skills by implementing basic modules. This will improve your fluency in Verilog and your ability to translate design concepts into code.

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Write Verilog code for basic modules like adders, multipliers, and registers.
Simulate these modules using ModelSim to verify their functionality.
Synthesize the modules for a target FPGA to understand resource utilization.

Read 'Digital Design and Computer Architecture'

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Expand your understanding of digital design principles with a comprehensive textbook. This will provide a broader context for your Verilog and FPGA learning.

View Digital Design and Computer Architecture on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of 'Digital Design and Computer Architecture'.
Read the chapters relevant to digital logic, computer arithmetic, and memory systems.
Relate the concepts in the book to the Verilog code you are writing.

Design a Simple Counter on an FPGA

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Apply your Verilog and FPGA knowledge by designing and implementing a simple counter. This will give you hands-on experience with the entire FPGA design flow.

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Design the counter in Verilog, specifying the desired functionality.
Simulate the counter to verify its correctness.
Synthesize, implement, and program the counter onto an FPGA board.
Test the counter on the FPGA board to ensure it works as expected.

Contribute to an Open Source Verilog Project

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Gain practical experience and contribute to the Verilog community by contributing to an open-source project. This will expose you to real-world Verilog code and collaborative development practices.

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Find an open-source Verilog project on GitHub or GitLab.
Review the project's code and documentation to understand its functionality.
Identify a bug or feature that you can contribute to the project.
Submit a pull request with your changes.

Career center

Learners who complete Effective Verilog learning using Intel and Xilinx FPGAs will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

FPGA Engineer

An FPGA Engineer designs, develops, and tests digital circuits and systems using Field Programmable Gate Arrays. This course helps build a foundation in Verilog, a hardware description language crucial for FPGA development. You will learn to implement designs on both Intel and AMD FPGAs, gaining hands-on experience with different FPGA architectures and toolchains, which are essential for an FPGA Engineer. The course emphasizes practical aspects such as choosing parts, simulation, and verification automation, skills that are critical for success in FPGA engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for FPGA Engineer

Hardware Design Engineer

A Hardware Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing hardware components and systems. This course helps a hardware design engineer by teaching Verilog, a widely used hardware description language that is fundamental for digital circuit design. The course teaches practical skills, including simulation and verification, as well as experience with using real FPGA development boards. This course will help familiarize future hardware design engineers with fundamental aspects of digital design and FPGA development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hardware Design Engineer

Digital Design Engineer

A Digital Design Engineer focuses on the design and development of digital circuits and systems, and often works with FPGAs. This course introduces key concepts in Verilog digital design and provides practical experience with FPGA development, using both Intel and AMD devices and development boards. The practical, hands-on approach of the course makes it especially useful for those who want to become a digital design engineer. The course also teaches important methods for using simulation and test automation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Design Engineer

Embedded Systems Engineer

An Embedded Systems Engineer designs systems that integrate hardware and software for specific applications. This course teaches Verilog, a crucial hardware description language which is used in designing hardware components within embedded systems. The course provides hands-on experience with FPGAs, which are often used in prototyping or as part of embedded systems. The specific use of Intel and AMD boards will be of use to an embedded systems engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Embedded Systems Engineer

Computer Engineer

A Computer Engineer works on the development of computer hardware and software. This course provides a foundation in digital logic design with Verilog and practical experience with FPGA implementation. Computer Engineers often work with FPGAs and digital logic, so this course is a very helpful starting point. The course also covers simulation, verification, and test automation, which are essential skills for computer engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Engineer

Hardware Validation Engineer

A Hardware Validation Engineer is responsible for testing and validating hardware designs to ensure they meet specifications. This course is useful because it covers simulation, test automation with TCL, board testing, and the practical aspects of working with real FPGAs. These are all skills a hardware validation engineer would use regularly. Thorough understanding of hardware description languages like Verilog is also required.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hardware Validation Engineer

Electrical Engineer

An Electrical Engineer designs and develops electrical systems and components. The course may be useful because it covers digital design principles using Verilog and implementing them on FPGAs. Practical experience with different FPGA boards and toolchains gives electrical engineers an advantage working on digital systems. The course is also helpful for teaching test automation using TCL and simulation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Verification Engineer

A Verification Engineer is responsible for developing test plans and ensuring the correct functionality of hardware designs. This course may be useful because it includes instruction in simulation and verification using ModelSim and test automation using TCL. These skills enable a verification engineer to ensure the quality and reliability of digital designs. The course also provides a strong foundation in Verilog, which is needed to understand the designs being verified.

See salaries and explore the career path for Verification Engineer

Robotics Engineer

A Robotics Engineer designs, builds, and programs robots. This course may be useful as it develops skills in designing digital logic using Verilog and implementing it on FPGAs, common components of embedded control systems found in robotics. The hands-on experience with FPGA boards and the use of simulation and test automation in this course, make it a useful learning experience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer

ASIC Design Engineer

An ASIC Design Engineer designs application-specific integrated circuits. This course may be helpful as it provides fundamental digital design skills using Verilog which is also used to design ASICs. The course provides an introduction to the concepts of digital logic design, simulation, and verification, which are all essential for an ASIC design engineer, even if FPGAs and ASICs are different technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for ASIC Design Engineer

Firmware Engineer

A Firmware Engineer develops low-level software that allows hardware to function. This course may be helpful for a firmware engineer as it covers FPGAs which are a common platform for firmware development. The course teaches hardware description using Verilog, which is helpful for understanding the hardware a firmware engineer is working with. The hands-on work with FPGA boards provides practical experience with hardware-software integration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Firmware Engineer

System Architect

A System Architect is responsible for the high-level design and development of complex systems. This course may be helpful for a system architect who works with systems that include FPGAs. The course provides insight into the details of FPGA design, implementation and debugging using Verilog. This course may help a system architect understand the technology that they are working with.

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Research Scientist

A Research Scientist may work in areas such as electronics, digital design, or computer engineering. This course may be helpful to a research scientist who needs to prototype designs using FPGAs. The course is a practical way to get familiar with the low-level details of FPGA design and implementation, and this practical knowledge will be very useful to anyone performing research in digital design.

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Technical Consultant

A Technical Consultant works with clients to support their needs in various technical fields. This course may be useful for a technical consultant who supports work in areas such as digital design and FPGAs. The course provides a hands-on approach to learning about FPGA design and implementation using Verilog, and this practical expertise could be valuable for a consultant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Consultant

Technical Trainer

A Technical Trainer is responsible for teaching technical topics. This course may be helpful for a technical trainer who will be teaching on subjects such as digital design and FPGAs. The course covers the practical aspects of FPGA design using Verilog. The course's discussion of choosing parts and toolchains would be very useful for someone who wishes to become a technical trainer.

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Effective Verilog learning using Intel and Xilinx FPGAs

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What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive verilog and fpga practical course

Activities

Career center

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