Alternative approach to ASIC design methodology based on reconfigurable logic devices

Abstract

There is a well established need for including ASIC design methodologies and considerations in undergraduate and postexperience courses in electronic engineering. This paper describes a semicustom design environment at the University of Strathclyde, based on FPGA technology and some experiences gained over the past 5 years. The unique feature of FPGA devices is that their configuration is determined by the contents of an on-chip static memory. This means that devices may be reconfigured an unlimited number of times which makes their use very economical and particularly attractive for educational purposes. Further, reconfigurable devices allow design exercises to be taken from the concept stage to ‘working silicon’ in timescales which are much shorter than other ASIC alternatives.