Learning digital design using design automation tools

Abstract

This paper describes the development of using design automation tools at the Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Platteville. A realistic design environment has been created. Students use the extensive facilities in this laboratory to undertake the design and integration of digital systems. Starting with the Logic and Digital Design, in four digital courses, students use schematic capture tools (Orcad, Maxplus II, WorkView), hardware design language (AHDL, VHDL), implement EPLD, FPGA digital devices (Altera, Xilinx). This paper describes the environment in which the laboratory operates, the continuously support received from tool design and chip manufacturing companies, the available equipment and the accomplishments of the student projects during the two academic years from September 1994 to May 1996.