Introduction of programmable gate arrays into an introductory logic design course

This paper describes the staged introduction of design capture tools and field programmable gate array technology into an introductory logic design class required for all electrical engineering, computer engineering, and computer science majors. This gradual approach used consistently throughout the quarter does not interfere with the continuity of the course and does not require an unreasonable amount of student time to be devoted to learning the design tools. This is attainable when the goal is exposure of the student to the power and limitations of modern design approaches rather than attempting to achieve the level of an expert user.