Accessibility statement

System-on-Chip (SoC) FPGA based Design and Implementation - ELE00170M

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  • Department: Electronic Engineering
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Ruwan Gajaweera
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module summary

The module provides the knowledge and skills to design, implement, integrate and test embedded systems based on System-on-Chip FPGA. As a part of this module students will be designing a PCB layout. The board’s design will be focused on allowing the implementation of embedded systems specifically focusing on their group project.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

Subject content aims:

  • To provide a practical understanding of embedded processor-based systems through implementation of various embedded systems using SoC FPGA platforms.
  • To understand the varying options and constraints imposed by different embedded system designs.
  • Learn about the design of systems using a choice of off-the-shelf components
  • Design a multi-layer PCB for an SoC FPGA, from schematic capture to layout
  • Design software architecture for implementing an embedded system on a custom board

Module learning outcomes

After successful completion of this module, students will:

  • Be able to program embedded systems using both high- and low-level languages.
  • Describe the issues associated with such programming (e.g., deadlocks, interrupts, I/Os).
  • Be able to map and implement DSP and other algorithms as hardware accelerators in FPGA fabric.
  • Know how to design custom peripherals for embedded microprocessors, and connect off-the-shelf peripheral components to an FPGA-based system.
  • Explain the operation of standard communication hardware (e.g. RS232, I2C, SPI, USB, Ethernet)

Module content

The trade-off between software and hardware, and between space and speed. Common embedded system peripherals, including both off-chip peripherals and System-on-Chip peripherals. Hardware design considerations (nature and speed of microprocessor, integrated or separate peripherals) and software design considerations (reliability, upgradability). Practical VHDL use. Embedded systems programming in C. Interrupt handling and I/O. Using existing IP modules and creating custom peripherals for FPGA-based embedded systems. Introduction to schematic entry and layout design.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Coursework		 N/A 60
Groupwork
Group presentation		 N/A 40

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Coursework		 N/A 60
Oral presentation/seminar/exam
Individual presentation		 N/A 40

Module feedback

'Feedback’ at a university level can be understood as any part of the learning process which is designed to guide your progress through your degree programme. We aim to help you reflect on your own learning and help you feel more clear about your progress through clarifying what is expected of you in both formative and summative assessments. A comprehensive guide to feedback and to forms of feedback is available in the Guide to Assessment Standards, Marking and Feedback.

The School of PET aims to provide some form of feedback on all formative and summative assessments that are carried out during the degree programme. In general, feedback on any written work/assignments undertaken will be sufficient so as to indicate the nature of the changes needed in order to improve the work. The School will endeavour to return all exam feedback within the timescale set out in the University's Policy on Assessment Feedback Turnaround Time. The School would normally expect to adhere to the times given, however, it is possible that exceptional circumstances may delay feedback. The School will endeavour to keep such delays to a minimum. Please note that any marks released are subject to ratification by the Board of Examiners and Senate. Meetings at the start/end of each term provide you with an opportunity to discuss and reflect with your supervisor on your overall performance to date.

Formative Feedback
Regular labs will allow you to design, implement and test your solution to a given problem and you will receive verbal help and feedback in all those aspects during the session.
Emails to the Module Coordinator with Questions / Comments will be answered as soon as possible.


Summative Feedback
You will receive a customised feedback sheet, showing the mark breakdown in each of the key areas being assessed along with personalised feedback and suggestions for improvement. This is for both the presentation and the report.

Indicative reading

TBC


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.