Advanced logic design through hands-on digital music synthesis

This paper presents a hands-on advanced logic design course using digital music synthesis as the basis of all homework and labs. A Verilog-based design flow is coupled with a FPGA development board, a digital to analog converter, and a small amplifier which enables a complete progression of specification, implementation and verification over the 10 week quarter. The gratification of hands-on audio work increases student interest, accelerates learning, and improved the average student success rate without altering the fundamental material covered in the course.