BZK.SAU.FPGA10.1: A modular approach to FPGA-based micro computer architecture design for educational purpose

This article describes a modular approach to FPGA-based micro computer architecture design for supporting undergraduate courses in computer science and related discipline. We have adopted the modular approach to the second FPGA version of the BZK.SAU[6] named BZK.SAU.FPGA10.1. The BZK.SAU.FPGA10.1 platform has modular units that enable development of their own micro computer designs, particularly arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), memory and system bus, by integrating of simple building blocks. So the proposed modular approach will create high level interest in the faculty teaching computer organization and architecture course and produce significant contribution in the education of engineers. Also, such an approach could greatly increase the understanding of the architectural concept of the Microcomputer Architecture. All the modules in the BZK.SAU.FPGA10.1 design are entirely realized using schematic structure on Altera's Cyclone II Development board. So, students can implement on a hardware platform to test their own designs by downloading since it is an affordable cost for the institution. (c) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 22:272-282, 2014; View this article online at ; DOI