FPGA DESIGN
FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a type of integrated circuit that allows for the flexible and programmable configuration of digital logic circuits. FPGA design involves the creation of digital circuits using FPGA chips and specialized software tools for configuring the logic and interconnects between the different components.
FPGA designs can be used to implement a wide range of digital systems, including processors, memory controllers, communication interfaces, and custom logic functions. FPGA designs typically involve a process of designing and testing the logic using a hardware description language (HDL) such as Verilog or VHDL, and then programming the FPGA chip to implement the desired circuit.
The FPGA design process includes several key stages, including:
- Requirements analysis: Identifying the functional requirements of the system to be implemented in the FPGA.
- Design entry: Creating a high-level design of the system using an HDL
- Simulation: Running simulations to verify the design meets the functional requirements.
- Synthesis: Converting the HDL code into a netlist of gates and registers that can be implemented on the FPGA.
- Place and route: Assigning the logical elements of the netlist to physical locations on the FPGA and connecting them with the required routing resources.
- Bitstream generation: Compiling the design into a configuration file that can be loaded onto the FPGA.
- Testing and verification: Ensuring the design works as intended on the physical FPGA.
COURSE OUTCOMES
Understand digital logic design principles: To provide engineers with a solid foundation in digital logic design principles, including Boolean algebra, logic gates, and flip-flops, which are essential to designing digital circuits.
Master HDL programming: To equip engineers with the necessary skills to write and debug code in HDL languages such as Verilog or VHDL, which are used to describe the behavior of digital circuits.
Learn FPGA architecture and implementation: To enable engineers to understand the internal architecture of FPGA chips and the process of synthesizing, placing, and routing digital circuits onto an FPGA.
Design complex digital systems: To enable engineers to design and implement digital systems that include processors, memory controllers, communication interfaces, and custom logic functions using FPGA technology.
Use FPGA design tools: To familiarize engineers with industry-standard FPGA design tools such as Xilinx ISE, Vivado, or Altera Quartus, which are used to design, simulate, and implement digital circuits.
Understand hardware-software co-design: To help engineers understand how to integrate hardware and software components in digital systems and design co-optimized hardware-software solutions.
COURSE OUTLINE
VLSI Basics Module
ASIC Design Flow
- Introduction to ASIC/FPGA/SOC
- ASIC Design Flow
- Manufacturing process
Introduction to Linux basics
- History of Linux
- Linux distributions and versions
- The Linux file system
- Linux command line interface
Linux Commands
- Basic Linux commands (ls, cd, mkdir, rm, cp, mv, etc.)
- Advanced Linux commands (grep, sed, awk, etc.)
- Managing processes
- Text editors (vi, nano)
Introduction to GVIM Interface
- GVIM window and buffer management
- Using modes (insert, normal, visual)
- Basic GVIM commands (save, quit, open, etc.)
GVIM Editing
- GVIM window and buffer management
- Using modes (insert, normal, visual)
- Basic GVIM commands (save, quit, open, etc.)
Basic Shell scripting
- Writing and running shell scripts
- Shell script syntax and variables
- Looping and branching statements
- Using command-line arguments in scripts
GIT Basics
- GVIM window and buffer management
- Using modes (insert, normal, visual)
- Basic GVIM commands (save, quit, open, etc.)
Collaborating with GIT
- GVIM window and buffer management
- Using modes (insert, normal, visual)
- Basic GVIM commands (save, quit, open, etc.)
Advanced GIT Features
- GVIM window and buffer management
- Using modes (insert, normal, visual)
- Basic GVIM commands (save, quit, open, etc.)
GIT Best Practices
- GVIM window and buffer management
- Using modes (insert, normal, visual)
- Basic GVIM commands (save, quit, open, etc.)
GIT Troubleshooting and maintenance.
- Git recovery and restoration
- Git troubleshooting tips and tricks
- Git maintenance and optimization for corporate use
- Git security and access control best practices
CMOS Basics
- Review of Semiconductor physics
- MOSFT Basics
- Pass Transistors
- CMOS Inverter operation and its characteristics
- CMOS Logic circuits
- CMOS Basic Building blocks
- CMOS sequential elements
- Flip flop timing Parameters – (SETUP, HOLD, CLK TO Q)
Digital Design Basics
- The importance of Number System in Data Representation.
- Different Optimization techniques using Boolean algebra.
- Gate level optimization
- Logic optimization using Karnaugh Maps.
- Basic building blocks for Combinational Logic Circuits
- implementing different Logical Expressions using the same.
- Evolution of the Sequential Elements-Latches and Flip Flops.
- Synchronous Sequential Machines-Synchronous Detectors, Counters, and Register
Advanced Digital Design
- Flip Flop timing parameters
- Critical path and operating frequency of the system.
- Design of Hybrid Counters.
- Design of complex Sequence detectors.
- Design of Control FSMs based on the specifications.
- Design of Frequency synthesizers
System Verilog and Verilog for RTL Design
Introduction to Verilog and System Verilog
- Concepts of top-down design
- Overview of RTL models, gate/switch models
- The RTL design flow with simulation and synthesis
Design Verification Using Simulation
- Writing verification testbenches in Verilog
- Running your preferred Verilog simulator
- Debugging designs with simulation
- Lab: Running your simulator and debug tool
Verilog HDL Syntax and Semantics
- Identifier names
- Logic values and numbers
- Data types and 2-state vs. 4-state guidelines, Enumerated types
- User-defined types, Casting
- Lab: Experiment with 2-state and 4-state data types
Procedures and Assignment Statements
- Procedural blocks
- System Verilog enhanced procedural blocks
- Blocking and nonblocking assignments
- Continuous assignments
- Tasks and functions
- Lab: Experiment with blocking and nonblocking assignments.
Programming Statements and Operators
- Programming statements and language rules
- Operators and language rules
- Avoiding subtle programming “gotchas” Guidelines for best coding practices
- Lab: Model and verify a simple ALU
System Verilog Compound Types and Packages
- Arrays and array assignments
- Structures and unions, Packages
- Lab: Model and verify an Instruction Stack
System Verilog Interfaces
- Using interfaces to simplify inter-module connections.
- Specifying interface views (modports)
- Using tasks and functions in interfaces
- Interfaces as an RTL modeling construct
- Lab: Model and verify a master/slave interface bus
Synthesizing RTL Models
- General synthesis guidelines
- Running your preferred synthesis compiler
- Lab: Synthesize a shift/storage register
RTL Models of Combinational Logic
- Always procedures and sensitivity list Continuous assignments
- Synthesis full case and parallel case statements
- System Verilog unique and priority decision statements
- Lab: Model, verify and synthesize an ALU
RTL Models of Sequential Logic
- Flip-flops and latches
- Synchronous and asynchronous inputs
- Lab: Model, verify and synthesize a Johnson counter.
Modeling State Machines
- Modeling Mealy and Moore state machines
- Modeling state encoding sequences.
- Lab: Model, verify and synthesize a UART
Modelling Structural Netlists—After Synthesis
- Module instantiation
- Generating arrays of instances
- Parameterized models and redefining parameters
- Verilog constructs used in ASIC/FPGA libraries.
- Delay calculation and back annotation, SDF files
- Lab: Model an ASIC netlist and use SDF back annotation
Modeling RAMs and ROMs
- Modeling memories
- Modelling bi-directional ports
- Timing constraints
- Lab: Model and verify a dual-port RAM
FPGA Design
Introduction to FPGA
- FPGA and its architecture
- Difference between FPGA & ASIC
- Application of FPGA
- Basics FPGA design flow
VERILOG HDL Basics
- Introduction to Verilog HDL
- Data types
- Operators
- Behavioural Modelling
- Structural Modelling
- Timing and Delays
FPGA Design Flow
- Design entry methods
- RTL coding
- Simulation and testbenches
- Synthesis
- Place and route
- Timing Analysis
- Configuration and programming
Advanced Verilog HDL
- Procedural modelling
- Tasks and Functions
- System Verilog Constructs
- Hierarchical modelling
- Advanced data types and constructs
- Parameterization and Generics
FPGA Design Techniques
- Pipelining
- Finite State Machines
- Timing Constraints
- Clock Domain Crossing
- High-speed I/O Design
- Memory Design
- FPGA optimization techniques
FPGA Debugging and Verification
- Simulation-based debugging.
- In-circuit debugging
- Signal probing and analysis
- Testbench Development and coverage analysis
- FPGA prototyping
- Verification methodologies
FPGA system integration
- FPGA and Embedded system integration
- Communication interfaces and protocols
- Bus architectures
- Embedded processors and controllers
- System-on-chip Integration
- Mixed signal integration
Advanced FPGA Design
- High-level synthesis (HLS)
- Intellectual Property (IP) core integration
- Reconfigurable computing
- Parallel Processing and FPGA clusters
- FPGA-based machine learning and Artificial Intelligence
- FPGA security and encryption
Project Based Learning
- Practical Hands-on projects to reinforce concepts.
- Real-world FPGA design challenges
- Project management and teamwork