Learning to implement floating-point algorithms on FPGAs using high-level languages

FPGA-based reconfigurable computers can offer 10-1000 times speedup in many application domains over traditional microprocessor-based stored-program architectures. As a discipline, reconfigurable computing is in a period of change with little standards in place. It is becoming desirable to educate students in the principles of reconfigurable computing. This paper proposes that the abstraction benefits of high-level languages and floating-point arithmetic would shield students from the complexities of FPGA design and allow a syllabus with a greater focus on system-level aspects