Question 1

What are FPGAs, and why are they important to learn about?

Accepted Answer

A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a type of programmable logic device, which is an integrated circuit that can be configured to perform tasks after it has been manufactured. In contrast to devices that are powered by conventional CPUs and configured using software coding languages, FPGAs are configured in the hardware of the circuit itself using hardware description languages (HDLs) such as Verilog and VHDL coding.

Because they are built to perform specialized functions and can receive data directly into the chip instead of going through USB or PCIe buses, FPGAs have become increasingly important for digital design applications that require extremely low levels of latency and very high bandwidth. For example, jet fighter autopilots and algorithmic trading engines use FPGAs to respond much more rapidly to incoming data than would be possible with a CPU or GPU-based system. Similarly, solar installations that use trackers to follow the path of the sun as well as astronomy applications may use FPGAs to accurately process the enormous amounts of data received by their sensors.

Question 2

What kinds of careers can I have with a background in FPGAs?

Accepted Answer

Understanding how to use and program FPGAs can be a major asset to careers in electrical engineering, as these devices are central to a growing number of high-tech applications. If you aspire to work in exciting, cutting-edge technology industries such as aerospace, robotics, remote sensing, and renewable energy, a background in FPGA can be a gateway to greatly enhancing your career prospects.

In addition to being exciting from a technology standpoint, the field of electrical and electronics engineering offers opportunities for jobs that are high-paying as wel - particularly for electronics engineers, who are mostly likely to leverage a background in FPGAs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical engineers earned a median annual salary of $98,530 in 2019, and electronics engineers earned a median annual salary of $105,570.

Question 3

Can I learn about FPGAs by taking online courses on Coursera?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Coursera offers an incredibly wide range of learning opportunities, including courses as in this highly-specialized topic. You can learn about FPGAs from courses and Specializations offered by leading universities including the University of Colorado Boulder and Politecnico di Milano, as well as leading companies like Intel. And if you want to take your career in electrical engineering to an even higher level, you can pursue a full-fledged Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Question 4

How do I know if learning FPGA is right for me?

Accepted Answer

If you're curious about knowing how computer hardware can be adapted to better respond to users/environment needs at runtime—and want to have the ability to do this yourself—then learning FPGA is likely right for you. Learning FPGA is especially right for those already working in computer hardware development or engineering.

Question 5

What skills or experience do I need to already have, before starting to learn FPGA?

Accepted Answer

If you already have experience designing DSP systems, you'll likely find learning FPGA easier. You should also be familiar with the components of computer hardware, especially firmware, before starting to learn FPGA. Having experience with electronics is also advantageous.

Question 6

What are common career paths for someone in FPGA?

Accepted Answer

One career path for someone in FPGA may begin as a firmware engineer, which could lead to specialization as an FPGA developer or engineer. These positions would almost always require a bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field. The next step in this career path could be to a senior FPGA firmware engineer after around seven or more years of experience in FPGA-centric digital logic design. This may require a master's degree or PhD in computer engineering or equivalent, depending on the role you are applying for.

Question 7

What kind of people are best suited for roles in FPGA?

Accepted Answer

People with strong mathematical analysis skills, including modeling skills in fixed-point DSP algorithms are well suited for roles in FPGA. Strong verbal and written communication skills are also traits of people who find success in roles in FPGA. Those with an interest and affinity for electronics, especially as it relates to computer hardware are also well suited for roles in FPGA.

Question 8

What topics can I study that are related to FPGA?

Accepted Answer

Topics you can study that are related to FPGA and can be advantageous to developing your skill set include embedded systems design, control theory design and implementation, and analog and digital electronics circuits. You can also learn about MicroBlaze and PicoBlaze softcore processors, ARM architecture, Verilog or VHDL embedded system design languages, and Vivado and ISE tools. Learning about interfacing with common hardware devices like DAC, Boot Flash, ADC, and EEPROM is also helpful to pursue.

Question 9

What are the benefits of taking an online Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) course?

Accepted Answer

Online Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are integrated circuits consisting of an array of programmable logic blocks interconnected with programmable interconnects. Unlike traditional application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), FPGAs can be reprogrammed or reconfigured after manufacturing, giving them a high level of flexibility.

FPGAs are commonly used in various applications such as digital signal processing, telecommunications, automotive, aerospace, and many more. They allow engineers and designers to implement customized digital logic circuits, including microprocessors, digital signal processors, and complex systems on a single chip.

The programmable logic blocks in FPGAs can be configured to perform any logic function, enabling users to create their own digital circuits. This flexibility makes FPGAs highly valuable for prototyping and developing complex systems, as they can be quickly reprogrammed to accommodate design changes or updates.

For users researching skills or courses related to FPGAs, it is important to gain knowledge in digital logic design, hardware description languages (such as VHDL or Verilog), and FPGA architecture and programming. There are numerous online courses, tutorials, and educational resources available to help individuals learn and master FPGA technology. These resources often provide hands-on experiences with popular FPGA development boards and software tools to give learners practical skills in designing and implementing FPGA-based systems. skills. Choose from a wide range of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

Question 10

What Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

Accepted Answer

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) , it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.

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Explore the FPGA Course Catalog

FPGA Design for Embedded Systems

Introduction to FPGA Design for Embedded Systems

Hardware Description Languages for FPGA Design

FPGA computing systems: A Bird’s Eye View

Chip based VLSI design for Industrial Applications

FPGA Capstone: Building FPGA Projects

FPGA computing systems: Background knowledge and introductory materials

Computer Architecture

FPGA Softcore Processors and IP Acquisition

Embedded Systems using C

FPGA Architecture Based System for Industrial Application

FPGA computing systems: Partial Dynamic Reconfiguration

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Frequently Asked Questions about Fpga

What are FPGAs, and why are they important to learn about?‎

What kinds of careers can I have with a background in FPGAs?‎

Can I learn about FPGAs by taking online courses on Coursera?‎

How do I know if learning FPGA is right for me?‎

What skills or experience do I need to already have, before starting to learn FPGA?‎

What are common career paths for someone in FPGA?‎

What kind of people are best suited for roles in FPGA?‎

What topics can I study that are related to FPGA?‎

What are the benefits of taking an online Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) course?‎

What Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?‎

Other topics to explore