From algorithms to gates: developing a pedagogical framework for DSP hardware design

In this paper, we present a pedagogical framework for teaching DSP hardware design and provide the necessary technical infrastructure for enabling this methodology. Many curriculums include extensive training in DSP theory and in VHDL modeling of hardware; however, there are few opportunities given to the student to combine these two skills into a working knowledge of DSP hardware design. Our framework allows students to expand their previous knowledge into a more complete understanding of the entire design process from specification and simulation through synthesis and verification.