Rapid Prototyping for Embedded System Applications Via High Level Development Tools

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This project is developing a new unique textbook supplement that will enable undergraduate students to design, validate, and synthesize complex digital designs with minimal knowledge of Hardware Description Languages (HDL). The textbook supplement, with accompanying interactive MATLAB software, focuses on the use of Xilinx' high-level, PCMATLAB/Simulink compatible XSG 6.2 tool for rapid prototyping of Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) designs. Xilinx's Spartan III 90 nm FPGA technology serves as the main synthesis platform. The textbook supplement targets applications and algorithms in signal processing, communications, controls, low power electronics, robotics, and biosensors. While algorithms are explained using minimal mathematics (e.g. descriptive pictures), focus is placed on alternative algorithm implementations, application-specific issues, and tradeoffs. MATLAB GUIs that facilitate the examination of alternative implementations are being developed. Special core examples, in each of the above areas, are carried throughout the supplement to motivate, develop, and illustrate all concepts. Comprehensive examples to illustrate how concepts can be brought together to synthesize complex systems (e.g. medical image enhancement, radio receiver, CVD furnace/robot control, biosensor linearization) are being included. These examples, selected to reflect cutting-edge applications, represent another central pedagogical contribution. The team is working with an engineering education assessment specialist to evaluate the material and faculty at several major universities are providing feedback on the material. Dissemination plans include journal and conference papers and a mainstream publisher has expressed interest in publishing the completed material as a paperback book.