A lecture course series: from concept engineering to implementation of signal processing algorithms with FPGAs

The design of complex modern embedded systems like wire-less communication systems becomes increasingly ineffi-cient. The methods used in the design process ranging from system concept design to hardware and/or software implementation are diverse, and typically managed by dif-ferent teams with quite different expertise in a company. This naturally leads to communication problems between the teams. In this paper we highlight a new concept on hardware-oriented signal processing in education, where the same group of students passes through the whole design pro-cess. We describe a tripartite coordinated course series con-sisting of a lecture, a concept and simulation oriented exer-cise course using MATLAB and a practical course, where finally real hardware is developed using FPGAs (Field Pro-grammable Gate Arrays). 1