The aim of this module is to design a FPGA-based development board, and suitable embedded firmware for communicating with peripherals and debugging the board once it has been constructed. The board’s design will be focused on allowing the implementation of embedded systems. The production of the embedded system will be constrained by a budget. When designing their development board, students must balance the cost of their choice of hardware components and the purchase of pre-designed firmware IP. |
Occurrence | Teaching cycle |
---|---|
A | Summer Term 2020-21 |
Subject content aims:
Learn about the design of systems using a choice of off-the-shelf components
Design a multi-layer PCB for an FPGA with a BGA footprint, from schematic capture to layout
Write firmware IP for communicating with peripheral components
Design the software architecture for implementing an embedded system on the finished board
Budget the cost of using different hardware and soft IP elements when creating a complete embedded system
Graduate skills aims:
The group work aspect of the design is an important opportunity to learn more about the dynamics of working in a small technical team. The group presentation provides experience of organising and presenting technical and non-technical information clearly and concisely.
Subject content learning outcomes
After successful completion of this module, students will:
Graduate skills learning outcomes
After successful completion of this module, students will:
Task | Length | % of module mark |
---|---|---|
Essay/coursework Design Exercise |
N/A | 20 |
Oral presentation/seminar/exam Presentation |
N/A | 80 |
None
Task | Length | % of module mark |
---|---|---|
Essay/coursework Design Exercise |
N/A | 20 |
Oral presentation/seminar/exam Presentation |
N/A | 80 |
In-class assessment: immediate feedback.
Feedback on the group presentation within one week.
Use will be made of data sheets.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): changes to courses
The 2020/21 academic year will start in September. We aim to deliver as much face-to-face teaching as we can, supported by high quality online alternatives where we must.
Find details of the measures we're planning to protect our community.