The FPGA development process

While FPGAs are used across a wide variety of disparate application domains, it is possible to identify a set of development steps that are broadly applicable to any FPGA development project. This section discusses the usual FPGA development steps in the sequence they normally occur during a project.

Defining system requirements

The first step in developing a new system, or when initiating a significant upgrade to an existing system, is to develop a clear and detailed understanding of what the system is supposed to do. The requirements definition process begins with a general description of the system's intended functionality, operating modes, and key features. This information should be written out in clear and unambiguous language and shared with all parties having a stake in the success of the development effort. The goal of sharing the system requirements is to achieve consensus among all of the parties as to the completeness and correctness...