A project driven digital design course using FPGAs

Abstract

This paper presents a project based teaching experience in an advanced digital systems design course with emphasis on design methodologies and laboratory assignments. Projects are the core of the practised teaching methodology and are structured in a pedagogical format according to the course programme. The use of the FPGA technology as the most suitable implementation technology for digital design teaching purposes is discussed. The course structure, oriented to the development of real working digital systems, challenges the students and increases their motivation. This way, the learning process is improved and the classes are more productive. A laboratory development infrastructure based on a FPGA device, used to implement a real-time video processing system, is presented. Examples of laboratory projects implemented with this infrastructure in a recent course edition are also presented.

Reflection on Project Driven LTO Teaching Method

“…A report was given on practice of actual project driven teaching model on software engineering major [7]. More relevant research were found in [8][9][10].…”

A project-based teaching experience for simulation and optimization education

“…Project-based teaching is widely accepted as beneficial methodology thanks to challenging students' ability for putting the theoretical knowledge into practice, generating an environment for developing transversal skills, bringing courses program closer to industry needs and bolstering motivation [1,2]. It is particularly suitable for engineering education in which problem solving skills are some of the most demanded for an engineer profile.…”