A lecture course series: From concept engineering to implementation of signal processing algorithms with FPGAs

The design of complex modern embedded systems like wireless communication systems becomes increasingly inefficient. The methods used in the design process ranging from system concept design to hardware and/or software implementation are diverse, and typically managed by different teams with quite different expertise in a company. This naturally leads to communication problems between the teams. In this paper we highlight a new concept on hardware-oriented signal processing in education, where the same group of students passes through the whole design process. We describe a tripartite coordinated course series consisting of a lecture, a concept and simulation oriented exercise course using MATLAB and a practical course, where finally real hardware is developed using FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays).