Summary

A real time system is subject to important temporal constraints. This course is about understanding where processing time is spent and what a designer can do in order to achieve real-time processing systems. Some solutions are Multiprocessors, accelerators, custom instructions, specialized hardware.

Content

Keywords

Real Time, FPGA, SOC, microprocessor, hardware accelerator, custom instruction, Real Time OS

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

Introduction to computing systems, Logic systems, Computer architecture

Recommended courses

Embedded Systems, Real time Programming

Important concepts to start the course

Programmable Logic Architecture (FPGA), Computer Architecture, VHDL, C programming, Real Times basic knowledge (semaphor, synchronization)

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

• Design a multiprocessor system on an FPGA
• Analyze the performance of a real time embedded system
• Use design tools for SOC conceptin on an FPGA
• Implement a complete real-time system based on a multiprocessor design on an FPGA
• Test the realized system
• Defend the choices during the design phases

Transversal skills

• Set objectives and design an action plan to reach those objectives.
• Communicate effectively, being understood, including across different languages and cultures.
• Continue to work through difficulties or initial failure to find optimal solutions.
• Make an oral presentation.
• Write a scientific or technical report.

Teaching methods

Ex cathedra, laboratories and mini-project

Expected student activities

• 3 groups of laboratories on specific topics, with a report by group for each of them, 3-4 weeks/topic;
• A final mini-project to practically synthesize the content of the course, with the design of a multiprocessor system on an FPGA, including for example a Web-server, a camera controller, a specific algorithm to be implemented in an FPGA hardware accelerator, 3~4 weeks for this mini-project

Assessment methods

Continuous control with reports and oral presentation
all labs 50% + final mini-project 50%

Supervision

Resources

Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)

No

Bibliography

Teaching notes and suggested reading material.

Specialized datasheets (ie.ex. FPGA et specific microcontrollers) and standards.

Moodle Link

• https://go.epfl.ch/CS-476