Embedded SoPC Design with Nios II Processor and Verilog Examples
This book explores the unique hardware programmability of FPGA (field-programmable gate array)-based embedded systems, using a learning-by-doing approach to introduce the concepts and techniques for embedded SoPC (system on a programmable chip) systems with Verilog. The book contains a large number of practical examples to illustrate and reinforce the hardware and software design concepts and techniques, as well as a complete code listing and experiment problems. The book is designed for upper-level undergraduate and entry-level graduate students in computer engineering, as well as practicing engineers.
Why Read This Book
You should read this book if you want a practical, example-driven path to building complete FPGA-based embedded systems around the Nios II soft processor. You will learn how to glue Verilog IP and peripherals to a soft-core CPU, use Altera's toolchain, and develop the C software that runs on your FPGA system.
Who Will Benefit
Upper-level undergraduates, graduate students, and practicing FPGA designers who need a hands-on introduction to Nios II SoPC design and hardware/software co-design on Altera/Intel FPGAs.
Level: Intermediate — Prerequisites: Basic digital logic and familiarity with Verilog; introductory C programming; some exposure to FPGA toolflows is helpful but not strictly required.
Key Takeaways
- Instantiate and configure a Nios II soft processor and build a system-on-a-programmable-chip (SoPC) using SOPC Builder/Qsys (Platform Designer).
- Design and integrate custom peripherals in Verilog and connect them to the Avalon bus interconnect.
- Develop and debug C software and drivers for Nios II, including interrupt handling and board-level I/O.
- Use Quartus II and ModelSim (and Altera's SDK/Eclipse tools) to synthesize, simulate, program, and debug FPGA systems.
- Perform hardware/software co-design trade-offs and deploy example SoPC projects to Altera development boards.
Topics Covered
- Introduction to FPGA-based SoPC and the Nios II Processor
- Verilog Language Refresher and Coding Style
- Altera Quartus II Toolflow and Project Setup
- SOPC Builder / Qsys (Platform Designer): Building a System
- Nios II Processor Architecture, Variants, and Configuration
- Avalon Bus and Memory Subsystem Design
- Designing and Integrating Peripherals and I/O
- Creating Custom IP in Verilog and Avalon Interfaces
- Interrupts, Exceptions, and Real-Time Considerations
- Software Development for Nios II: BSPs, Drivers, and Debugging
- Simulation, Verification, and On-chip Debug (ModelSim, SignalTap)
- Case Studies and Complete Example Projects
- Laboratory Exercises, Code Listings, and Experiment Problems
- Appendices: Tool Setup, Reference Material, and Verilog Snippets
Languages, Platforms & Tools
How It Compares
More tool- and platform-specific than general HDL primers like "FPGA Prototyping by Verilog Examples" (also by Chu); complements Altera's Nios II documentation by adding structured exercises and classroom-style projects.
