Embedded Core Design with FPGAs
This is a complete toolkit for designing embedded cores and utilizing those cores in an embedded system. A landmark guide in digital system design, "Embedded Core Design with FPGAs" equips today's computer engineers with everything they need to design embedded cores and apply those cores in a state-of-the-art embedded system. This practical resource brings together logic design, computer architecture, Verilog, FPGAs, Hardware/Software design, and SoCs, explaining how engineers can draw on their computer engineering background to achieve cutting-edge embedded designs.Renowned design expert and educator Zainalabedin Navabi first covers the basics of logic design, RT Level Verilog, computer architectures, and the architecture of modern field programmable devices. He then explores the design of utility cores that are used for high-level core-based designs, with specific focus on existing Altera cores. Finally, he describes higher-end design methodologies, including design of hardware/software systems, CPU configurations, embedded systems, and the utilization of various Altera Nios II processors." Embedded Core Design with FPGAs" features: a full array of design aids, including Verilog, FPLD structures, design and programming environments, and software and hardware tools; the latest embedded system design techniques, including use of high-level integrated environments, SOPC development tools, utilizing existing processor cores, and developing your own customized processor; and, a clear focus on utilizing Altera's new DE series and UP3 development boards and design software, including SOPC Builder and IDE software design environment.It helps to master every aspect of embedded core design - High-Level Hardware/Software Design Concepts: High-Level System Design Methodology; RT Level Logic Design; RT Level Verilog; Computer Hardware and Software Programming Languages; and, FPGA Architecture and Utilization. FPGA-Based Design of Embedded Cores: Implementation of Basic Interface Components; Configurable Cores; Custom Cores; CPU Cores; Core-Based System; and, Design Using Development Boards for Prototyping. System Design with Processor Cores: Design with a Customer Embedded CPU; Embedded Core DSP Application; Embedded Microcontroller with Keyboard and Display Interfaces; Using Embedded Design; Hardware and Software Tools; Nios II Processor; And, Nios II-Based Hardware/Software System Design.
Why Read This Book
You should read this book if you want a practical, engineer-oriented roadmap for building embedded processor cores and integrating them into FPGA-based systems; it walks you from RTL Verilog through FPGA mapping and HW/SW integration. It emphasizes real design techniques and case examples that help you turn architecture ideas into synthesizeable, testable cores.
Who Will Benefit
FPGA designers and embedded systems engineers who want to design, implement, and integrate custom processor/peripheral cores on FPGAs to build SoCs and embedded systems.
Level: Intermediate — Prerequisites: Basic digital logic and computer architecture, familiarity with RTL Verilog (or willingness to learn Verilog quickly), and basic embedded C/software concepts.
Key Takeaways
- Design embedded processor cores at the register-transfer level using Verilog.
- Implement datapaths and control units and synthesize them for FPGA fabrics.
- Integrate cores with memory systems, bus interfaces, and common peripherals.
- Perform hardware/software co-design and partition functionality between RTL and embedded software.
- Apply FPGA-specific implementation strategies (mapping, timing, resource trade-offs).
- Verify and debug embedded cores using simulation and board-level testing methodologies.
Topics Covered
- Introduction to digital design and embedded cores
- RT-level Verilog: syntax, modeling, and coding styles
- FPGA architectures and implementation considerations
- Computer architecture essentials for embedded cores
- Datapath design: ALUs, registers, and datapath structuring
- Control design: finite-state machines and microsequencing
- Processor core design methodologies and examples
- Memory systems and cache/ram interfacing
- On-chip buses, interconnects, and peripheral interfacing
- Hardware/software co-design and system partitioning
- Synthesis, place-and-route, and timing closure for FPGAs
- Verification, simulation, and test strategies
- SoC integration case studies and complete design examples
- Appendices: Verilog reference, design checklist, and further reading
Languages, Platforms & Tools
How It Compares
Covers embedded-core and SoC-focused design more directly than Pong P. Chu's FPGA prototyping books (which are hands-on Verilog/VHDL tutorials), and complements the HW/SW co-design perspective of Vahid & Givargis by focusing on core implementation on FPGA fabrics.
