Python cross-compilation of VHDL to foster learning of Reconfigurable Hardware

Abstract

Reconfigurable hardware devices have revolutionized the way custom electronic systems are designed, enabling solutions that maximize the use of limited resources, such as the battery life of portable devices or the space available in functional blocks that must operate in a macro system with significant area constraints. However, achieving expertise in the management of these devices is a challenge for both industry and academia. While tools currently exist that provide high-level design capabilities, the efficiency achieved in the final solution with this method is not optimal. Therefore, it is still necessary to work largely with low-level designs, particularly with hardware description languages, which have proven particularly difficult to learn for many electronic engineering students. This paper presents the results of a research project aimed at creating a cross-compilation tool that allows students to describe their hardware systems in a high-level language such as Python. The tool generates a VHDL version suitable for synthesizing a custom processor with optimal resource utilization. The results indicate an improvement in the learning rate given in terms of interest, motivation and assimilation, following Kolb's learning styles model.