登录查看更多内容

What are the key skills and tools for RTL design engineers in the IoT era?

由人工智能和领英社区提供技术支持

The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming the world of embedded systems with diverse and demanding applications that require high-performance, low-power, and adaptable solutions. Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are one of the key technologies that enable IoT devices to meet these challenges. But how do you design and implement FPGA-based systems that can handle complex logic, data processing, and communication functions? This is where RTL design comes in.

此文章中的业界达人

由社区从 11 条内容中精选。了解更多

Hemanth Chintalapudi

Educator & Writer | Technical Sketch Artist | ASIC Design Engineer | Keynote Speaker at Engineering Colleges & Workshop…
Mehfooz A.

ASIC Design Engineer II at Sensata Technologies
Biju Puthur Simon

Power and Performance Projection and Analysis Lead

1 What is RTL design?

RTL stands for register-transfer level, which is a level of abstraction that describes the behavior and structure of a digital circuit in terms of registers and data transfers between them. RTL design is the process of creating and verifying RTL code, usually in a hardware description language (HDL) such as Verilog or VHDL, that can be synthesized into a netlist for FPGA implementation. RTL design is essential for optimizing the performance, power, and area of FPGA-based systems, as well as ensuring their functionality and reliability.

添加您的观点

Hemanth Chintalapudi

Educator & Writer | Technical Sketch Artist | ASIC Design Engineer | Keynote Speaker at Engineering Colleges & Workshop Facilitator | Inspiring Students to Excel
举报内容
RTL design, standing for register-transfer level, captures digital circuit behavior using registers and data transfers. It involves creating and validating code in HDLs like Verilog or VHDL, essential not only for FPGA but also ASIC implementation. This process optimizes performance, power, and reliability in digital systems.

已翻译

赞
Mehfooz A.

ASIC Design Engineer II at Sensata Technologies
举报内容
RTL design plays a crucial role in the process of designing both ASICs and FPGAs, and it’s not exclusively tailored to FPGAs. At the RTL abstraction level, the focus is on defining the logic and behavior of the hardware, which is then adapted to the targeted technology, whether it’s for ASIC or FPGA fabrication. This phase is about crafting a high-quality netlist that is optimized for the intended technology platform.

已翻译

赞
Raúl Pacheco Rodríguez

?Msc Electrical Engineering | ?? Machine Learning | ?? React Frontend Developer | ?? Python
举报内容
RTL (Register-Transfer Level) design is a step in digital hardware development. It describes how data moves between registers, serving as an intermediate representation. RTL bridges algorithmic description and physical implementation, aiding logical synthesis and hardware realization.

已翻译

赞
Yogesh S.

Principal ASIC Design Engineer at Infinera with 2.5+ Decades of Complex Silicon IP / ASICs / SoC Architecture & Design Experience -- Telecommunication, Networking, & Storage Domains.
举报内容
RTL design is one of the facets to bring the conceptual ideas about any hardware into reality. RTL design is a stepping stone which allows design intent to be captured using any preferred language understandable by humans as well as machine i.e. various tools. This when processed by the EDA tools & converted into a format which fabrication tools can understand, will result in a usable product (hardware) which can be used to design any desired system. RTL design is a front-end skill which involves putting conceptual ideas into blocks diagrams , it's interconnection, micro architecture, design partitions, power, clock, POR / reset etc. A good RTL designer will have all the use cases , various conditions, corner cases covered.

已翻译

赞

2 What are the key skills for RTL design engineers?

RTL design engineers need to have a solid foundation in digital logic, computer architecture, and FPGA architectures. They also need to master the syntax and semantics of HDLs, as well as the tools and methods for RTL simulation, synthesis, and verification. Additionally, RTL design engineers need to develop skills in system-level design, such as partitioning, interfacing, and integration of different components and modules. Moreover, they need to be aware of the emerging trends and standards in IoT applications, such as security, connectivity, and machine learning, and how they affect the RTL design requirements and trade-offs.

添加您的观点

Biju Puthur Simon

Power and Performance Projection and Analysis Lead
举报内容
RTL engineers play a crucial role in modern-day IoT designs by optimizing performance (latency, throughput), power consumption (cdyn, frequency, voltage, and leakage), and area of their unit's design. Proficiency in these skills is essential for meeting efficiency goals and ensuring usability. Therefore, it is imperative for RTL engineers to be well-versed in these areas to deliver successful IoT designs

已翻译

赞
Raúl Pacheco Rodríguez

?Msc Electrical Engineering | ?? Machine Learning | ?? React Frontend Developer | ?? Python
举报内容
Key skills for RTL design engineers include proficiency in hardware description languages (HDLs) like Verilog or VHDL, understanding digital circuit concepts, logic synthesis, and familiarity with EDA tools. Additionally, problem-solving and communication skills are crucial for effective collaboration in the hardware design process.

已翻译

赞

3 What are the key tools for RTL design engineers?

RTL design engineers rely on a variety of tools to create, test, and debug their RTL code. Commonly used tools include integrated development environments (IDEs), such as Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus, and Synopsys Design Compiler, which provide a graphical user interface (GUI) for editing, compiling, and debugging HDL code. Simulators allow RTL design engineers to model and verify the behavior and functionality of their RTL code before synthesis. Examples include ModelSim, Xilinx ISE Simulator, and Cadence Incisive. Synthesizers convert RTL code into a netlist of gates and wires that can be mapped to an FPGA device; examples include Xilinx Synthesis Technology (XST), Intel FPGA Synthesis, and Synopsys Design Compiler. Verification tools help RTL design engineers check the correctness, completeness, and quality of their RTL code against the specifications and constraints; some examples are Xilinx Vivado Formal Verification, Intel Formal Verification, and Synopsys Formality.

添加您的观点

Hemanth Chintalapudi

Educator & Writer | Technical Sketch Artist | ASIC Design Engineer | Keynote Speaker at Engineering Colleges & Workshop Facilitator | Inspiring Students to Excel
举报内容
1. Simulators: ModelSim, VCS, or Questa for simulating and validating RTL code. 2. Synthesis Tools: Design Compiler, Synplify, or Yosys for converting RTL code into a gate-level netlist. 3. Version Control Systems: Git, SVN, for managing and tracking code changes. 4. Linting Tools: Lint tools such as SpyGlass for identifying potential issues in the RTL code.

已翻译

赞
Raúl Pacheco Rodríguez

?Msc Electrical Engineering | ?? Machine Learning | ?? React Frontend Developer | ?? Python
举报内容
Key tools for RTL design engineers include hardware description language (HDL) editors like ModelSim for code development, synthesis tools such as Synopsys Design Compiler for converting HDL code to gate-level netlists, and simulation tools like VCS for verifying design functionality. These tools are essential for efficient RTL design, ensuring accurate implementation and functionality verification.

已翻译

赞

4 How to learn RTL design for IoT applications?

If you want to learn RTL design for IoT applications, it is essential to have a good understanding of the basics of digital logic, HDLs, and FPGA architectures. To acquire this knowledge, you can take online courses, read books, or watch tutorials on these topics. Examples include Introduction to FPGA Design for Embedded Systems by Coursera, Digital Systems: From Logic Gates to Processors by edX, Verilog HDL: A Guide to Digital Design and Synthesis by Samir Palnitkar, VHDL: Programming by Example by Douglas L. Perry, and FPGA Prototyping by VHDL Examples by Pong P. Chu. Additionally, you need to practice your skills by doing hands-on projects that involve designing and implementing FPGA-based systems for IoT applications. You can use development boards, kits, or platforms such as Digilent Arty A7: Artix-7 FPGA Development Board, Intel Cyclone V SoC Development Kit, Xilinx Zynq-7000 SoC ZC702 Evaluation Kit, Raspberry Pi Pmod HAT Adapter, and Arduino MKR Vidor 4000. By learning and practicing RTL design for IoT applications, you will be able to create innovative and efficient solutions that can leverage the power and flexibility of FPGAs.

添加您的观点

Hemanth Chintalapudi

Educator & Writer | Technical Sketch Artist | ASIC Design Engineer | Keynote Speaker at Engineering Colleges & Workshop Facilitator | Inspiring Students to Excel
举报内容
To learn RTL design for IoT applications, start by gaining a solid understanding of digital design fundamentals, including combinational and sequential logic, finite state machines, and hardware description languages (HDLs) such as Verilog or VHDL. Familiarize yourself with IoT protocols and communication standards like MQTT, CoAP, or Bluetooth Low Energy. Work on practical projects to implement digital circuits that interface with sensors, actuators, and communication modules. Explore FPGA or ASIC platforms and use design tools like Vivado or Quartus for hands-on experience. Engage with online courses, tutorials, and community forums to stay updated on industry trends and best practices in RTL design for IoT applications.

已翻译

赞
Raúl Pacheco Rodríguez

?Msc Electrical Engineering | ?? Machine Learning | ?? React Frontend Developer | ?? Python
举报内容
Mastering RTL design for IoT requires a hands-on approach. Get started with the fundamentals of digital design and HDL (Verilog/VHDL). Explore IoT protocols and FPGA platforms. Engage in hands-on projects, use tools like Vivado or Quartus, and stay up-to-date through online forums and courses. This proactive approach ensures a solid foundation and continued growth in IoT RTL design.

已翻译

赞

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

添加您的观点

Raúl Pacheco Rodríguez

?Msc Electrical Engineering | ?? Machine Learning | ?? React Frontend Developer | ?? Python
举报内容
Learning doesn't happen overnight. You must be consistent in both your study and practice. Perseverance will take you far in the fascinating world of RTL design for IoT. Get inspired and don't give up!

已翻译

赞

RTL Design

+ 关注

给文章评分

我们借助人工智能创建了此文章。您认为这篇文章怎么样？

很棒不太好

举报此文章

查看全部

What are the key skills and tools for RTL design engineers in the IoT era?

1

2

3

4

5

1 What is RTL design?

2 What are the key skills for RTL design engineers?

3 What are the key tools for RTL design engineers?

4 How to learn RTL design for IoT applications?

5 Here’s what else to consider

RTL Design

给文章评分

感谢您的反馈

更多RTL Design相关文章

更多相关阅读内容