A hierarchical approach to digital design using computer-aided design and hardware description languages

Teaching digital design in an electrical engineering program relies on the implementation of "design-simulate-build-test" for a student to understand many of the common digital engineering principles. The role of computer-aided design (CAD) tools and hardware description languages (HDL) in the classroom and laboratory has become increasingly important in providing a common thread that runs throughout the student's experience. Starting with the very simplest logic circuits at gate level, CAD tools and HDLs allow students to abstract general design concepts and apply them in ever increasingly complex digital engineering problems.