Laboratory exercises for embedded engineering learning platform

Abstract

This paper presents the set of laboratory exercises developed for the embedded engineering learning platform. The platform used is based on FPGA device which is programmed by students. The laboratory exercises cover the fundamental topics in digital design: (1) design of combinational circuits, (2) design of sequential circuits, (3) design of finite state machines, (4) design of complex digital systems, (5) processor design - components, arithmetic logic unit and control unit and (6) programming of the designed processor. The designed set of laboratory exercises was used in Digital Systems Design Principles course. At the end of the semester the students were asked to fill the survey about the laboratory exercises and they gave positive feedback. The new laboratory exercises demand more effort than the previous version, but the end result was increased percentage of students who passed the course, even though the exercises are more challenging. © 2012 MIPRO.