ele5fdd eda vhdl and fpgas
ELECTRONIC DESIGN AUTOMATION - VHDL AND FPGAS
ELE5FDD
2017
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
The increasing complexity of digital systems has led to development of modern methodologies in digital design, simulation and production. Collectively known as electronic design automation (EDA), key elements include text and graphics-based design entry and verification, hardware description languages (HDLs), programmable logic devices (PLDs) and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). This subject introduces the hardware description language VHDL and it's application to creating hardware in FPGAs.Students will be able to develop solutions to digital design problems using reliable synchronous digital design. A modular, reusable approach is encouraged. A strong emphasis is placed on the design and implementation of working hardware implementations on FPGAs using a suite of Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software tools.
SchoolSchool Engineering&Mathematical Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorJim Whittington
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 5 - Masters
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites ELE1IEL or equivalent or Admission into SMELE
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Circuit Design and Simulation with VHDL | Recommended | Pedroni, VA 2010 | 2ND EDN, MIT PRESS |
| Readings | FPGAS 101: Everything you need to know to get started | Recommended | Smith, G 2010 | NEWNES |
| Readings | Rapid prototyping of digital systems: SOPC Edition | Recommended | Hamblen, J, Hall, T & Furman, M 2008 | SPRINGER |
| Readings | VHDL 101: Everything you need to know to get started | Recommended | Kafig, W 2011 | NEWNES |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Demonstrate knowledge of the hardware description language VHDL as a method for describing and simulating the operation of digital hardware.
- Activities:
- Lectures 2-8 cover VHDL fundamentals and techniques for application to the representation of various structures in digital circuits and systems, from a top-down or bottom up view point. The nature and operation of hardware simulation is also discussed. Lab 1 covers the hierarchical implementation of a concurrent hardware sub-system
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
02. Explain the difference between simulation and synthesis, and know when and how to apply appropriate coding techniques for each situation with in the hardware design flow. Understand the nature of programmable logic technology and the synthesis process that converts VHDL code to realisable hardware.
- Activities:
- Lectures cover the construction of test benches and their application for effective simulation of hardware models; programmable logic technology; and how appropriate VHDL constructs can be used to realise hardware elements through the synthesis process. Practical work focuses on the implementation and testing of synchronous hardware. The first assignment requires students to demonstrate knowledge and skills covered so far through the design, development and testing development of a hardware arithmetic logic unit (ALU). Students are required to demonstrate their ALU and write a report on its development, testing and operation
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Writing(Writing)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
03. Explain how electronic design automation process allows design effort to be applied at higher levels of abstraction and how various design descriptions (e.g. state machines) are realised in hardware.
- Activities:
- Lectures introduce the concept of design automation and a structured design flow. In practical work students explore and apply the practical application of design automation and various description methods.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
04. Demonstrate the capability to work through a complete design cycle for a digital system implemented in programmable logic, using electronic design automation tools and techniques. That is, (a) analyse a problem and specify the required outcomes; (b) produce unique design solutions using state of the art design tools; (c) undertake appropriate testing and simulation to check design integrity; (d) integrate designs into larger systems; and (e) implement a working system in hardware.
- Activities:
- Design is a creative process where a system of interconnected parts is defined and developed to satisfy a specified objective. There are often numerous solutions to a design problem. Attainment of a "good" solution depends on the designer's knowledge, skills, experience, creative talents & innovative flair. These attributes cannot be "taught" in the traditional sense; they must be acquired by the individual through "hands-on" practical experience & open-ended problem solving. In lectures & tutorials various design solution paths are discussed, both on the macro & micro scale. While labs emphasise practical "hands-on" experience. Assignments & project work involve the development a sequential digital system utilising EDA techniques to specify, design, test & implement the hardware system.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Writing(Writing)
05. Write solutions to VHDL and digital design problems in written form to communicate to a professional audience.
- Activities:
- Assignment report requiring students to explain specific concepts in detail.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2017, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorJim Whittington
Class requirements
Laboratory ClassWeek: 31 - 43
One 3.0 hours laboratory class per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| one 2-hour examination | 40 | 02, 01, 03, 04 | |
| Practical Work (2000 word equiv) | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 | |
| three assignments/tests (500 word equiv each) | 30 | 03, 04, 02, 01 |