Field–programmable analog arrays enable analog signal processing education

Abstract–In a laboratory environment, the practicality and scope of experiments is constrained by time and financial resources. In the digital hardware design arena, the development of programmable logic devices, such as field–programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), has greatly enhanced the students ability to design and synthesize complete systems within a short period of time and at a reasonable cost. Unfortunately, analog circuit design and signal processing have not enjoyed similar advances. However, new advances in field–programmable analog arrays (FPAAs) have created many new opportunities in analog circuit design and signal processing education. This paper will investigate the usefulness of these FPAAs as viable pedagogical tools. It will also explore the new methodologies in analog signal processing education that are available when FPAAs are brought into the classroom. Keywords: Field–programmable analog array, FPAA, analog signal processing, reconfigurable analog circuits. I. Educational Impact of Programmable Analog ICs In an academic setting, analog circuits are typically prototyped with discrete components, and larger designs are often tested by performing computer simulations only. Decisions on the size and scope of the experiments are often dictated by limited time available in the academic term and the–often minimal–laboratory budget. In digital laboratories, field–programmable gate arryas (FPGAs) have steadily decreased in price and increased in functionality, providing an ideal platform for digital experiments. Unfortunately, reconfigurable analog devices have not kept pace