Learning and Design of Computational Systems: Integrating the CompSim Simulator to FPGAs

The technological revolution over the last decades has made computational systems more complex, which challenges the curve of learning and the design of new systems. In order to address this complexity, the Platform-Based Design approach considers the use of a predefined microprocessor-based hardware architecture, called Platform, which can be programmed and modified to meet the design requirements. Thus, this work aims to optimize the learning and development of computational systems through a simulation environment integrated into a new virtual hardware platform modeled on reconfigurable hardware. Therefore, it is possible to design highly complex computational systems in the simulation environment by simulating them to validate the design metrics, such as functional behavior and performance. Moreover, finally export them to a reconfigurable hardware platform to compose the physical system, making their physical design automatic and transparent to student/designer.