A rapid prototyping framework for teaching undergraduate digital logic design

RHiPS, a framework for rapid digital systems design, has been integrated into key courses in the undergraduate Computer Engineering curriculum at Iowa State University. Supported by a suite of sophisticated computer-aided design and simulation tools, RHiPS encourages students to explore digital design at a much higher level than traditional MSI/LSI chip-based laboratories. We are pleased to report that students in our introductory digital design course now complete lab exercises - such as microprocessor datapaths - that previously were only given to students in our advanced design courses! Designs are created schematically within the simulation environment, while physical realizations are implemented using electrically erasable programmable logic devices. RHiPS emphasizes hierarchical simulation and the use of hardware templates. These two approaches identify what we believe are important design techniques for the 1990's. While we do not claim to be the only institution using hierarchy or template-based design techniques we do believe that laboratory exercises built around the RHiPS framework have dramatically changed the effectiveness of our instruction. This paper outlines our methods for other educators and industry leaders.