HDL-based instruction across the ECE curricula

This paper describes how design using a Hardware Description Language (HDL) and Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) was introduced throughout the Electrical and Computer Engineering Curricula at Lafayette College. Introduction of HDL-based design began in Senior-level electives and was then propagated downward into a Junior-level Computer Organization Course and then a two course Sophomore-level Digital Design sequence. Finally, HDL-based design was added to a Capstone course in which students design a complex network interface system using an FPGA and attached hardware.